The Dream of Moving Abroad in Later Life, With Good Health Care.

[elleng]

FOR the well-traveled, the idea of retirement abroad can seem an idyll. You pick a place you’ve loved visiting, whether it’s the thrumming avenues of Paris or the sunny strands of Panama, and jet off for the perfect permanent vacation.

But the fantasy can become less carefree if you haven’t figured out in advance what to do about health insurance. The best policies, those offering the broadest coverage and giving access to the best hospitals, can be jarringly costly. More affordable alternatives can come with exceptions that may surprise people accustomed to the comprehensive coverage offered through many United States employers. Many countries offer high-quality care — France is a prominent example — but retirees won’t be able to access it without insurance or paying out of pocket. And in almost all cases, Medicare doesn’t pay for health care provided outside of the United States.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/22/your-money/the-dream-of-retiring-abroad-with-good-health-care.html?ref=business

[SheilaT]

1. I suppose the best thing is to

research specific countries and their policies about non-citizens who live there.

An acquaintance of mine recently retired to Panama where there is apparently a fairly strong ex-pat American community. Last I heard from her she was quite happy there, is buying a place in a gated community. She hasn't said anything about health care, but since she was a nurse I expect she's got good coverage there.