What to Ask About Health Care if You Move Abroad
2 min read
5 Retirement Hot Spots That Have Great Health Care
These countries have become expat draws for their beautiful landscapes, buzzy cities and low cost of living. Relocation experts say they also offer easy access to affordable, high-quality medical care.
Colombia: The public health plan, Entidades Promotoras de Salud, offers universal care with copays as low as $1 for lab tests, specialist visits and medications. Most residents are required to join, but expats can opt out and purchase a private insurance plan that’s likely to provide shorter wait times, more attentive care and support services such as translation. Major cities like Bogotá and Medellín are home to some of the highest-rated hospitals in South America.
Costa Rica: Renowned for ecotourism, Costa Rica is also gaining popularity as a destination for medical tourists, especially for dental and optical care, according to the online expat community InterNations. Expat retirees have access to the low-cost public health plan, known locally as the Caja, which covers the full spectrum of medical services, but many opt for private insurance, which is still affordable but offers shorter wait times and a greater prevalence of English-speaking providers.
Portugal: Portugal spends just 20 percent of what the U.S. does on health care per person, but its residents live an average of almost four years longer. Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), a relocation consulting firm, ranks Portugal No. 1 in the world in expat health care (and as the best country overall for American retirees). Expats who join the national system can access low-cost or free care, but private coverage is also available. English-speaking medical providers are widespread, particularly in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto.
Spain: Spain’s rich history, low crime rate and thriving expat communities landed it at No. 3 on the GCS list of best landing spots for American retirees. Another reason to move there? The virtually universal national health system, Sistema Nacional de Salud, is free to citizens and resident expats and contributes to Spain having one of the highest life expectancies in Europe. InterNations recommends purchasing a private policy as well, to avoid wait times and get easier access to English-speaking providers and world-class medical centers.
Thailand: Along with gorgeous beaches, a tropical climate and affordable living costs, Thailand is one of Asia’s most expat-friendly destinations for health care, according to GCS, with doctor visits and surgical procedures costing a fraction of what you’d spend in the U.S. Private health insurance, which you’ll need if you’re not working in the country, provides access to a wide network of top-notch private medical centers — Thailand has 62 JCI-accredited hospitals, among the most in the world — staffed with English-speaking providers.
