for those retired in other countries (supplement, move, states, friends)

[tom1944]

I realize there are several threads on this topic but I want to ask about one topic- how are you dealing with healthcare. Is it satisfactory or do you return to the States for most care?

[Wwanderer]

That is a really interesting question, and not just for Americans, but for Canadians as well. I too would like to hear some answers. In my province, we can't be out of province for more than 7 months a year and maintain our government health care (OHIP.) And with supplementary travel health insurance, most plans bring you home for serious medical events, at least from the US where health care costs are sky-high.

I'm thinking in various parts of Asia, medical care is good quality, and a lot cheaper than the US, with language not an issue, so if you were living there, your insurers would be happy to let you stay there and pay. But I'm just speculating.

[njkate]

At one time I had thought of retiring to Baja in Mexico about 75 miles south of the border because it would be easy to get to San Diego for medical, especially my husband is a vet and they have a huge VA hospital there. Unfortunately the Mexican drug lords have made me change my mind

[Tall Tiger]

Originally Posted by tom1944

I realize there are several threads on this topic but I want to ask about one topic- how are you dealing with healthcare. Is it satisfactory or do you return to the States for most care?

I have researched this question a great deal. In my case, I'm planning to retire in a couple of years at age 57 and won't have Medicare for another 8 years. Hence, I've been researching this issue extensively including the fact that it would cost about $1500/mo in the US for good health insurance for my wife and I until we hit medicare age.

I've been working overseas for the last 10 years and have asked my friends that have decided to move overseas their opinions on this. Most of the guys have retired in Thailand, Philipines, Malaysia and Mexico. Most are satified with the medical care but a few have said they would return to the US for serious issues. All of these countries have adequate health care available. But the best equipment and medicines for such things as cancer treatment are generally only available in the larger cities.

Hopefully your question will generate a lot of replies.