Retiring abroad? Three things every expat should know
5 min readRetiring abroad is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many over 60. Whether you’re seeking a better quality of life, a warmer climate or more affordable healthcare, there are important factors to consider before making the move.
While the idea of retiring overseas can be exciting, it’s not without its challenges. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems and bureaucracy to maintaining emotional wellbeing, thoughtful planning is essential.
In partnership with Cigna Global, we explore three key things every expat retiree should know, highlighting common challenges and offering solutions to help you prepare for a healthier, more fulfilling life abroad.
1. Healthcare isn’t always straightforward
Access to reliable, high-quality healthcare is crucial when retiring abroad. While many popular destinations offer good public healthcare, the reality for expat retirees can be more complex than expected.
A 2024 survey by the Commonwealth Fund found that older adults across 10 countries (including New Zealand, the UK, the US, and the Netherlands), often struggle with timely access to care. Even in countries with universal healthcare, retirees may face long wait times, language barriers, or eligibility restrictions unless they have residency status.
In Denmark, for example, legal residents benefit from a universal, tax-funded healthcare system. Expats who register and obtain a civil registration number (CPR) and yellow health card can access public services, including GPs and hospital care, often at no direct cost.
However, newcomers may encounter waiting lists, referral requirements, and limited access to English-speaking specialists, especially in rural areas. So, even with public access, many non-EU retirees often choose private health coverage to reduce wait times and gain access to additional services.
That’s where international health insurance comes in. Providers like Cigna Global offer plans tailored to retirees living abroad, with coverage for chronic conditions such as arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Their plans also include multilingual support, access to private hospitals, and 24/7 helplines, making it easier to navigate care in a new country.
So, while public healthcare may be available, it’s worth considering how your personal needs might affect your experience. Having a plan that travels with you, can offer peace of mind, especially during those early months of settling in.
Be prepared for the unexpected, get an international health insurance quote
2. Loneliness is a real risk
One of the most overlooked challenges for expat retirees is loneliness. With reduced contact with family and friends, it’s easy to miss the community you left behind.
A 2025 study published by the American Psychological Association surveyed nearly 5,000 Dutch retirees living abroad and found that international retirement migrants were more socially lonely than those who stayed in their home country.
The study revealed that reduced contact with family and difficulty forming new friendships were key contributors to this loneliness, even among retirees who were otherwise healthy and financially secure. This kind of isolation doesn’t just affect mood; it can impact physical and mental health too.
So, what can you do?
Build a support network. Join local clubs, learn the language, and engage with expat communities to foster a sense of belonging. But emotional wellbeing often requires professional support, especially during periods of transition.
That’s where Cigna Global can help. Their international health plans include mental health coverage, giving retirees access to counselling, therapy, and wellness resources. Through services like Global Telehealth, retirees can speak with licensed professionals in their native language, no matter where they are.
Cigna also offers digital tools like the Cigna Wellbeing™ app, which includes mindfulness exercises, stress management tips, and emotional health tracking, all designed to support expats in maintaining a balanced lifestyle abroad.
So, while social isolation is a real risk, it’s not inevitable. With the right support, retirees can build fulfilling lives abroad.
3. Bureaucracy can be a barrier
Residency requirements can be surprisingly complex, especially for non-EU retirees. You may need to prove a stable income, pass health checks, and show evidence of comprehensive health insurance just to secure a long-term visa.
In some countries, these rules change frequently and without much warning. Renewing a visa, opening a bank account, or even signing up for utilities can involve layers of paperwork and unfamiliar processes. While some destinations offer retiree-friendly visa programs, others require persistence and patience.
So, what can you do?
Start early. Research the residency requirements for your chosen country and consider working with relocation experts or immigration advisors.
Having international health insurance can also simplify the process, as many countries require proof of coverage as part of your visa application.
Providers like Cigna Global provide comprehensive and flexible health insurance plans, tailored to your needs and lifestyle. With options designed to support long-term living abroad, their plans include coverage for age-related conditions, including cancer care, and offer reassurance that your renewal premium won’t go up just because you’ve made a claim.
When you’re dealing with unfamiliar processes and paperwork, having that kind of predictability can make things feel a little less overwhelming.
Stretch yourself: Staying active and connected to others can help vastly reduce stress levels. Photo: Getty Images
Planning for a fulfilling life abroad
Retiring abroad offers a unique opportunity to embrace new experiences, cultures, and lifestyles, but it’s not without its complexities. From navigating healthcare systems and maintaining emotional wellbeing to understanding residency requirements, there’s a lot to consider before making the leap.
The good news is that with thoughtful planning and the right support, these challenges can be managed confidently. Whether it’s securing access to quality healthcare, staying connected to your community, or ensuring your residency status is in order, being informed is the first step toward a smoother transition.
International healthcare providers like Cigna Global offer solutions tailored specifically for expat retirees. Their international health plans provide flexible levels of coverage based on your needs, from everyday medical expenses to emergency care, so you can stay healthy, supported, and prepared wherever you choose to call home.
