Health care is one of the most important factors to consider if you move abroad. This is a hot topic right now, especially for the 40 million Americans who can't afford health insurance in the U.S.
We've got you covered: Learn where to find the best-quality, most affordable health care in the world from our expert expats, who share their overseas health care experiences.
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The Truth About Hip Surgery in IndiaPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
Playing in the mountains of Colorado was my passion for decades. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and Ultimate Frisbee were all great fun, but they eventually took their toll on my body.
Costa Rica: The Secret of a Healthy, Happy LifePosted on September 15, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
“Costa Rica offers true freedom,” Todd says. “They say that about the U.S., but Costa Rica really does offer true freedom.” No one bothers you here, the government is non-invasive and stable, there aren’t people protesting in the streets…people are happy. Sociologists have actually proven that Costa Ricans are the happiest people on the planet.
Costa Rica’s Top Towns: Friendliest, Best, CheapestPosted on September 14, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
We just learned about the top places in Costa Rica that make the most sense for expats to live, to rent, buy real estate, become part of a community and have access to all the amenities that make life comfortable and enjoyable.
Easy, Affordable, Convenient: Retiring in Costa RicaPosted on September 12, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
Although the country is known for its beaches, the majority of foreigners who move to Costa Rica tend to settle in the Central Valley…near, but definitely not in…the chaotic capital city of San Jose.
Video: Need-to-Know Health Insurance Tips in PanamaPosted on August 10, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
International Living Panama editor, Jessica Ramesch, talks to Kevin Bradley of Ducruet, who has been an insurance professional in Panama for decades. In this video, he and his business partner Gonzalo discuss health insurance tips that could save you valuable time and money.
A Trip to Costa Rica and $8,600—Thank You Dr Cordero!Posted on July 20, 2011 by Nancy French
Visiting a U.S. dentist, Alan got a quote of $22,500. As longtime IL subscribers, we knew there were places where we could not only save a lot of money, but have a great vacation, too.
Save a Lot of Money on Health Care in Costa Rica…and Have a Great Vacation, TooPosted on July 18, 2011 by Nancy French
We had traveled extensively in Mexico and Central America, but had missed out on Costa Rica. We decided this would be our opportunity to explore the country as well as take care of my husband Alan’s dental needs.
How to Avoid Paying $500 a Month for Health InsurancePosted on June 27, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
Health insurance costs are far more affordable in many countries outside the U.S. Find out how from IL’s Suzan Haskins.
Head to the Baja: Save Thousands on Dental Care in MexicoPosted on June 20, 2011 by Gary Pierce
Every year, thousands of U.S. and Canadian residents visit the small town of Algodones, Mexico, for one simple reason: It saves them thousands of dollars.
Excellent Health Care in Panama City: Half the Cost of the U.S.Posted on May 12, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
It’s a flashy bustling city, filled with high-rises that rim the deep blue Panama Bay. This modern capital has so much going for it…but perhaps more important than the culture and the nightlife is the health care in Panama City.
Spiritually Cleansed by a Shaman in EcuadorPosted on April 7, 2011 by Dan Prescher
The methods used by the shamans and curanderos of Iluman are particular to the ancient highland tribes of the area. Lots of smoke, liquor, herbs, eggs, and candles are involved, and the process can get a little messy.
Move to Panama For The Excellent (And Low Cost) Health CarePosted on March 24, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
If health care is at the top of your priority list, a visit to Panama may well ease your mind. Just ask the many expats who are moving here. The personalized attention… inexpensive procedures…and quality care in Panama presents a winning package.
Save Big on Your Dental Care in MexicoPosted on March 21, 2011 by Dan Prescher
In the States I would have paid anywhere from $600 to $1,500 for the same work, depending on the type, location and material of the cap or crown. Dr Jesús charged me less than $300. The price came as a nice surprise. After the last appointment he gave me the bill, and I didn’t have that much cash with me. “That’s fine,” he said, “bring it in when you get it.”
IL’s Weekly Wrap-Up Video: Fun in Panama City…The Best Place in Belize…Bargains in Brazil…and The World’s Healthiest Place to LivePosted on February 24, 2011 by Dan Prescher
See the video, where Dan Prescher reports from Ecuador with your weekly wrap-up of International Living postcards for the week ending February 19.
The Healthiest Country in the WorldPosted on February 16, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
The healthiest country in the world is France. That might surprise you about a country that places such an emphasis on delicious food, savory meat dishes, creamy sauces, delicate cakes, sweets and pastries, fine wines and barrel-aged brandy.
Health Care in France – The Healthiest Country in the WorldPosted on February 15, 2011 by International Living
Despite their meat- and cream-rich diet augmented by alcohol and cigarettes, in France life expectancy now averages 84 years for women and 77 for men. In the past 10 years the number of people living over the age of 100 has doubled. According to IL’s Quality of Life Index 21011 (and a World Health Organization study), France provides the best overall health care system in the world. This report shows you how to take full advantage of that system, including details on health insurance (and tips to keep your rates low), doctors, dentists, hospitals, and medicines.
Take Your Health Insurance OverseasPosted on January 26, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
One of the biggest benefits of moving abroad is the possibility of gaining access to good, inexpensive health care. In so many of the countries we cover regularly—like Mexico, Ecuador and Panama, for instance—you’ll find you can get care as good (and perhaps better) than what you’re used to. And it will cost you half or even less what you pay up north.
Health Care in Panama: Excellent Care at Half the Cost of the U.S.Posted on January 20, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
I’ve been living in Panama full-time since 2005, and one of the best things about living here is the health care. I’m not the only one who thinks so, either. I’ve interviewed slews of expats here, and nearly every single person I talk to is mightily impressed by the health care in Panama.
An Easy, Three-Part Solution for Health Coverage AbroadPosted on December 30, 2010 by Glynna Prentice
What do you do for health insurance if you retire abroad at age 65 or older? Some U.S. expats are relying on their Medicare coverage. But this only pays for medical care performed in the U.S. Why not use your Medicare as part of a three-pronged health-insurance strategy that also includes local health care and a medical-evacuation policy for emergencies?
Ecuador Health Care: Half the Cost of the U.S.Posted on December 22, 2010 by Dan Prescher
Ecuador has one of the lowest costs of living in Latin America, and Ecuador health care is not only extremely affordable…it’s first-rate to boot.
IL’s Weekly Wrap-Up Video: Health Care, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Residency…All the Benefits of Living in BelizePosted on December 16, 2010 by Dan Prescher
See the video, where Dan Prescher reports from Merida, Mexico, with your weekly wrap-up of International Living postcards for the week ending December 11.
Mexico’s Health Care: First-Rate, and at Bargain PricesPosted on December 6, 2010 by Glynna Prentice
Recently I had an eye problem and went to see an ophthalmologist in Mérida, Mexico. The doctor’s office was bright, immaculate, and had the same equipment I was used to in the States (as well as a couple of specialized, high-tech machines that aren’t routine equipment).
Live Overseas Part-TimePosted on November 23, 2010 by Suzan Haskins
The adventure and great benefits of life overseas can be yours right now—and you don’t have to sell everything and make a “forever” move to get them. Rather than plunge…take a part-time paddle to test the waters someplace new.
IL’s Weekly Wrap-Up Video—Mexico: A Condo Near One of the Best Beaches in the World for $600 a Month and Health Care for $300 a YearPosted on November 10, 2010 by Dan Prescher
See the video, where Dan Prescher reports from sunny Merida, Mexico, with your weekly wrap-up of International Living postcards for the week ending November 6.
Our Retirement Strategy – With or Without Social SecurityPosted on November 8, 2010 by Suzan Haskins
For the second year in a row, American retirees won’t see a cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefits.
Health Care in Mexico is Excellent and AffordablePosted on November 5, 2010 by Glynna Prentice
The other day I got sick—a pretty rare occurrence in all the years I’ve lived in sunny Mexico. Since it was a major holiday and offices were closed, I headed to the local clinic’s emergency room. A doctor examined me, took a case history, and prescribed some medications. The entire cost was about $38.
The 83-cents-a-day Health Plan in MexicoPosted on November 3, 2010 by Glynna Prentice
On a recent trip to the U.S., I got to catch up with a few State-side friends. One of them, I learned, is trying to schedule knee-replacement surgery. She had one knee operated on several years ago; now it’s time for the other. Fortunately, my friend’s insurance will cover most of the cost. But many people in the U.S. aren’t so lucky.
Health Care for the Part-time ExpatPosted on October 28, 2010 by Josef Woodman
Whether you’re in a country you love for a long vacation or to stay for an annual visit, you can save thousands of dollars on medical care. And the quality of care and comfort can be better than back home.
Health Care in Costa Rica Leads in Cost and QualityPosted on October 27, 2010 by Dan Prescher
Life expectancy in Costa Rica is higher than the U.S.—and they spend 87% less on health care in Costa Rica than in the U.S.! How do they do it? One reason is Costa Rica’s public healthcare system.
“They Saved My Knee in Malaysia—I Saved $72,000”Posted on September 29, 2010 by Josef Woodman
For a little less than $18,000, Mary Percak-Dennett, the owner of a tanning salon in Wasilla, Alaska, got not only a successful knee replacement in Malaysia but also plenty of time to explore Penang on the northwest side of the country—its museums, fishing villages, brightly colored handmade batiks, a coffee factory, and the hawker stalls serving Malaysian cuisine that have caught the attention of foodies from all over the world.
Where Top Athletes Find the Orthopedic HotshotsPosted on August 27, 2010 by Josef Woodman
Surgery in India was the only way to save William Cory Foulk’s 30-year-long calling as an endurance athlete. The cutting-edge procedure he needed wasn’t available in the U.S.—and it wouldn’t be for another five months.
Look Like a Czech model for $3,054Posted on July 29, 2010 by Josef Woodman
A new nose in Prague…a facelift in Thailand…a curvier chest in Mexico…cosmetic surgery used to be for the rich-and-famous only. But these days, it’s so affordable overseas, the middle-class masses are picking up their passports to seek a better-looking physique oceans from home.
Panama’s Shangri-La Valley: Happy and Stress-Free in VolcanPosted on June 21, 2010 by Dan Prescher
Ask any of the happy and healthy expats who have moved to Volcan, and they may tell you that they’ve found the mythical valley of Shangri-La.
“Tramping” Your Way to Health in New ZealandPosted on June 17, 2010 by Dan Prescher
With plenty of outdoor activities and a pollution-free environment, it’s no wonder that New Zealand was recently named one of the top five healthiest places in the world to live in 2010 by International Living editors.
Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula: Where the Locals Live the LongestPosted on June 15, 2010 by Dan Prescher
Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, on the country’s northwest coast, is a “Blue Zone”—an area determined by scientists as places where the people live longer than anywhere else on earth.
Vilcabamba, Ecuador: Live in One of the Healthiest Places in the WorldPosted on June 14, 2010 by Dan Prescher
High in the mountains of south-central Ecuador, Vilcabamba is one of top five healthiest places in the world to live, according to an article released this month by the editors of International Living.
Save Thousands: The Top 10 Medical Travel DestinationsPosted on June 10, 2010 by Josef Woodman
Many vacationers already know Chennai, India, for its long sandy beaches…and Costa Rica for its rich, tropical landscape.
Sardinia: One of the Top Five Healthiest Places to LivePosted on June 8, 2010 by Dan Prescher
Sardinia is one of five locations identified by the editors of InternationalLiving.com in a recent article on the healthiest places on earth to live.
Feel Better, Look Younger, Live Longer…Posted on June 2, 2010 by Bill Bonner
Americans distracted by the health-care debate at home probably didn’t notice when 400,000 of their fellow citizens picked up their passports and left the country to seek treatment.
Assisted Living in Mexico–Slash Your Costs, Improve Your CarePosted on June 1, 2010 by Glynna Prentice
These days, one of your biggest health expenses will likely come late in life: long-term or assisted-living care in your twilight years.
