Health Care Overseas

Health care overseas is ridiculously affordable...About 80% cheaper in most South and Central American countries. European medical care is also much more affordable.

What about Social Security and Medicare? Social Security goes where you go. Not so for Medicare.

--Health Insurance Overseas vs. Health Insurance in the U.S.--

In South America, local health insurance will cost you about $60 a month, on average. Or you can choose to carry an international insurance policy for about $120 a month, depending on your deductible.

The average person can see a doctor in most places outside the U.S. for under $25. An emergency visit to the hospital is normally under $80. And that includes x-rays and medical supplies.

If you live in the United States, health insurance coverage through your employer can run you several hundred dollars per month. This of course does not include deductibles and copayments.

If you are a self-employed American over 50, you are probably looking at $600 to $1000 monthly for health insurance in the United States. Unless you have a pre-existing condition. Then it's more.

MEDICARE and Overseas Retirement
Your Medicare is not transferable overseas and neither is your regular health insurance like Blue Cross Blue Shield. With the cost of health care overseas being so affordable, this will not be an issue. Cheaper health care is available overseas as well as options to choose from.

An Ounce of Prevention
Get the recommended vaccinations before traveling overseas. Many diseases can be easily prevented with a simple injection. And stock up on your prescribed medications. Taking care of crucial tips for overseas retirement is an essential part of living and retiring abroad.

Choices for Health Care Overseas

Local Health Insurance
Your health costs are 80-90% cheaper in South and Central America. Bear in mind that local health insurance will not cover your medical costs while traveling.
International Insurance Policies
An international insurance policy like BUPA or HTH is generally not as cheap as local health insurance overseas, although it may cover you on travels to different countries. Some companies for international insurance may exclude health coverage in the U.S. Keep this in mind when researching health care overseas.
Age Requirements
If you are under 65, affordable health insurance through a local or international carrier is easy to find. Health insurance is still attainable into your 90's and beyond although more expensive.

International Resources for Health Care Overseas

CDC Government Agency for Preventation of Infectious Diseases
The CDC provides information on worldwide flu threats and recommended vaccination.

CDC Vessel Sanitation Program
VSP provides a list of the most recent inspection scores for cruise ships along with outbreak updates.

International Society of Travel Medicine
ISTM is committed to the promotion of healthy and safe travel. In cooperation with health care providers, academic centers, the travel industry and the media, ISTM advocates and facilitates education, service, and research activities in the field of travel medicine.

Tips for Living or Retiring Overseas

Use these simple strategies for cheap travel abroad like staying at hostels or bed and breakfast inns instead of hotels. You can save a lot of money this way. And make sure to pocket extra passport pictures for obtaining visas when crossing borders. Frequent traveling goes hand in hand with living and retiring overseas and you want to be prepared.
Choosing a retirement location should be simple and straightforward. Create detailed budgets and know the basics when retiring overseas or over the county line with these easy-to-follow tips.
Retiring overseas means savoring new experiences. Extend your boundaries and have the time of your life. Discover the wonders of a new shore. Depending on your budget and where you choose to live, retiring overseas can be much more affordable than you can imagine.

Paying Taxes Overseas
When living or retiring in a foreign country, the amount you pay in taxes will depend on your circumstances and where you retire. Avoid unexpected surprises by finding out what costs are involved first.

Investing During Retirement
Always look for retirement places where tourists are regular visitors. When investing during retirement search for a stable government and signs of foreign investment. Find out more about these and other strategies here.

European Travel Resources

How to Travel Europe by Train

The train system in Europe is exceptionally well organized. It makes international travel through Europe amazingly simple by assuring tourists get oriented quickly. It is important to remember that many cities have more than one train station. Find out how to get around and what train ticket station windows can do for you.

European Travel Information
Here you will find useful European travel tips for getting around in Europe and staying safe. Learn the best ways to exchange currency, withdraw money, and pack for European travel.

Travel by European Rail Pass

A European rail pass is one of the best ways to travel through Europe. They can be a great value if you know your options. Especially since Europe is so condensed and easily traveled by train. Find out how a European Rail Pass works and how it can best help you.

Travel Recommendations for South and Central America

Belize Travel Tips and Recommendations
Travel recommendations are posted here for those traveling to or retiring in Belize. You can also share your own recommendations and experiences.

Costa Rica Travel Tips and Recommendations
Review recommendations here if you plan to travel or retire in Costa Rica. You can also share your own recommendations and experiences.

Panama Travel Tips and Recommendations
You will find information and recommendations for traveling to or retiring in Panama. You can also share your own recommendations and experiences.

Affordable Travel
Use simple strategies for cheap travel abroad like staying at hostels or bed and breakfast inns. They are cheaper and are common in Europe and South America. And take advantage of public transportation instead of taking a taxi. Get more international travel tips for affordable travel here.

Your Best Option for Health Care Overseas

Carry an international policy for health insurance overseas with a high deductible and pay for the occasional "unexpected" medical issue out of pocket. You will save much more this way.

Social Security and Retiring Overseas

Your social security check goes where you go. Have it automatically deposited into a major bank and then withdraw from any ATM machine as the need arises.

The world has become much more global and that makes it easier for traveling or retiring overseas.

Return to Cheap Places to Retire

Do yourself a favor and simplify health care overseas. Know what you're looking for by arming yourself with as much information as you can. You'll end up with more money in your pocket and better health care.

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