Plan Then Go

Healthcare Abroad

Healthcare is consistently the top concern for adults considering a move abroad — and rightfully so. The good news? Many countries offer excellent, affordable healthcare that may surprise you with its quality and accessibility.

Understanding Your Options

As an expat, you typically have three healthcare pathways:

  • Public healthcare system — many countries extend public coverage to legal residents, sometimes free or at very low cost

  • Private health insurance — international plans or local private insurance, offering faster access and more choice

  • Pay-as-you-go — in countries where medical costs are very low, some expats simply pay out of pocket for routine care

Most expats use a combination — public coverage for major emergencies and hospitalizations, private insurance or cash pay for routine care and specialists where they want faster service.

Medicare and Social Security Abroad

This is critical: Medicare does not cover you outside the United States (with very rare exceptions). If you’re over 65 and move abroad, you’ll need separate health coverage. However, you can continue receiving Social Security payments in most countries. Some expats maintain Medicare Part A (which is free) as backup for visits home, while dropping Part B to avoid the monthly premium.

If you return to the US later, you can re-enroll in Medicare during the general enrollment period, though there may be late-enrollment penalties for Part B.

Finding Doctors and Specialists

In most popular expat destinations, finding English-speaking doctors is easier than you’d expect. Start with:

  • Expat Facebook groups and forums — members freely share doctor recommendations

  • Your embassy’s list of English-speaking medical professionals

  • International hospitals and clinics (common in major cities throughout Asia, Latin America, and Europe)

  • Your insurance provider’s network directory

Managing Prescriptions Abroad

Bring a detailed list of all medications with their generic names (brand names vary by country). Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your conditions and prescriptions. Many medications that require prescriptions in the US are available over the counter abroad — and at a fraction of the cost. However, some controlled substances may not be available or may require special import permits.

💡 Pro Tip

Schedule a comprehensive health checkup and dental visit before you move. Get copies of all your medical records, recent lab work, and imaging results. Having a complete medical history in hand makes it much easier to establish care with a new doctor abroad.

International Health Insurance Providers

Several companies specialize in coverage for expats: Cigna Global, Aetna International, GeoBlue, and IMG Global are well-established options. Plans typically range from $200–$600/month depending on your age, coverage level, and whether you include US coverage. Compare plans on sites like International Citizens Insurance or Pacific Prime.

Your Next Step

Get quotes from at least three international insurance providers for your target destination. Simultaneously, research whether the country’s public healthcare system is accessible to residents — this could dramatically reduce your costs.