Expats more likely to take part in dangerous sports, new research shows.

People who have moved overseas are more likely to participate in riskier sports, a new survey has revealed.

Findings from insurance firm, Medicare International, show that more than half of people moving abroad plan to take up some kind of extreme sport in their new country.

The ongoing survey found that a staggering 51% of expats will take up high risk sports such as bungee-jumping, sky diving, rock climbing and more.

The international health insurance provider which caters for expats living and working around the world found that the latest figures show a 10% increase on last year’s expats.

Speaking to ExpatHealth.org, David Pryor, Senior Executive Director at MediCare International, said; “Extreme sports like paragliding and off-piste skiing are becoming more common for people moving abroad.”

“Our online survey confirmed our belief that extreme sports have become more commonplace and that we should continue to ensure all our policyholders are covered for all amateur sporting eventualities.”

The survey found that activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing and hang gliding have also become increasingly popular. Insurance providers consider these types of sporting activities dangerous and high risk. Sometimes they are excluded from policies because of the perceived greater risk of injury.

With a higher disposable income and more annual leave in some countries than others, expats have more opportunities to take up more activities.