6 Best Countries for Expat Retiree Health Care: 2022 | ThinkAdvisor (2024)

1. Costa Rica

6 Best Countries for Expat Retiree Health Care: 2022 | ThinkAdvisor (1)

Score: 97

Costa Rica’s national health care system, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, offers nationalized health care for all of its citizens and legal residents. The World Health Organization places Costa Rica in the top rankings for life expectancy, and the United Nations ranks the country’s public health care system in the top 20 worldwide. The Caja operates 30 public hospitals, as well as 250 clinics across the country, plus 1,000 smaller units to cover rural areas.

Once their residency application is approved, expats qualify to join the Caja. They typically pay between 7% and 11% of their reported monthly income. There are no additional copays, no age restrictions and no rejection because of preexisting conditions.

The public system has a couple of downsides. Most of the staff speak only Spanish, and apps and their website do not have an English option. Wait times are long for nonemergency procedures, which prompts many expats to blend both the public and the private health care systems. Many Costa Rican doctors work in both sectors and have studied in North America or Europe, and most in the private field speak English. The country has three Joint Commission International-certified medical centers in San José.

It’s possible to purchase health insurance policies from familiar companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, BMI/Aetna or the local Costa Rican private insurance, INS, from agents there. As an alternative, the country offers a private health care discount program called Medismart for as little as $14 per person per month.

(Image: Shutterstock)

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved.Request academic re-use fromwww.copyright.com.All other uses, submit a request to [emailprotected].For more information visitAsset & Logo Licensing.

6 Best Countries for Expat Retiree Health Care: 2022 | ThinkAdvisor (2024)

FAQs

6 Best Countries for Expat Retiree Health Care: 2022 | ThinkAdvisor? ›

According to International Living's latest 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, Portugal ranked first in the health care category and second overall after the winner, Costa Rica.

What country has the best healthcare for retirees? ›

According to International Living's latest 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, Portugal ranked first in the health care category and second overall after the winner, Costa Rica.

What is the best country for retired American expats? ›

The list of the best countries for retirement includes:
  • Slovenia.
  • Japan.
  • Malta.
  • France.
  • Estonia.
  • Singapore.
  • Cyprus.
  • Portugal.
Apr 27, 2024

Which country is best for expats with health issues? ›

For expats and digital nomads, Singapore offers an exceptionally appealing environment for medical care. The nation boasts a robust infrastructure of public and private hospitals that provide high-quality medical services.

What is the cheapest and safest country to retire in? ›

7 of the most-affordable places to retire abroad
  • Malaysia.
  • Mexico.
  • Panama.
  • Philippines.
  • Portugal.
  • Thailand.
  • Vietnam.
Mar 1, 2024

Which country has the best Medicare system? ›

Healthcare System Performance Ranking

Key findings: “The top-performing countries overall are Norway, the Netherlands, and Australia. The United States ranks last overall, despite spending far more of its gross domestic product on health care.

Which country is #1 in quality healthcare? ›

Healthcare Rankings: Boasting a universal healthcare system that emphasizes preventive care,-----, and patient education, — Singapore consistently garners high rankings regarding healthcare system — efficiency and patient satisfaction.

What is the cheapest country to retire in as an expat? ›

The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam. Before making the move, consider expenses such as travel costs, taxes and visas, which can vary significantly from one country to another.

Where do the happiest retirees live? ›

Denmark has the highest level of life satisfaction among seniors and retirees, according to the World Happiness Report, which, for the first time ever, ranked countries by age group.

Which countries do not tax us social security benefits? ›

U.S. citizens residing abroad.
  • Canada.
  • Egypt.
  • Germany.
  • Ireland.
  • Israel.
  • Italy (You must also be a citizen of Italy for the exemption to apply.)
  • Romania.
  • United Kingdom.

Which country has the best and free healthcare? ›

Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 countries with free or universal healthcare, considering accessibility, quality, and coverage of healthcare services.
  • Canada. Canada tops our list of countries with free healthcare systems. ...
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Norway. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • France. ...
  • Sweden. ...
  • Brazil.
Nov 9, 2023

What is the number one country for US expats? ›

The country that tops the list is just south of the border: Mexico. The InterNations survey found that 90% of expats in the country are enjoying their life there. Mexico is also the friendliest nation on the list, with 89% of expats saying that locals are kind to foreigners.

Which European country has the best healthcare for expats? ›

Ireland. Ireland's healthcare system is dual, consisting of public and private options and stands among the European Countries with Best Healthcare for Expats. Regulated by the Health Service Executive (HSE), the public system had a €21 billion budget in 2022. Healthcare expenditure was 6.1% of GDP in 2021.

What is the #1 retirement country? ›

What Are the Best Countries for Retirement?
RankCountryRank Change (from 2022)
1🇳🇴 Norway0
2🇨🇭 Switzerland0
3🇮🇸 Iceland0
4🇮🇪 Ireland0
21 more rows
Jan 21, 2024

Where can I retire on $2000 a month in the United States? ›

5 US Cities Where You Can Retire on $2,000 a Month
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand. Advantages: Very inexpensive. ...
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico. Advantage: In the United States. ...
  • Claremont, New Hampshire. A couple who found a place to retire on $2,000 per month. ...
  • Decatur, Indiana. Advantages: Potentially low rent. ...
  • El Paso, Texas.
Mar 19, 2024

Where can I retire on $800 a month? ›

Insider Monkey Score: 14 Banyuwangi, Indonesia, emerges as one of the best places to retire with no savings, blending low living costs with mesmerizing natural beauty. With living expenses between $700 to $1,000 a month, it appeals to those seeking an economical retirement lifestyle.

Where does the US rank in healthcare? ›

The United States ranks 11th in the 2022 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, down from 6th in 2021 and 4th in 2020.

What state has the healthiest seniors? ›

States ranking for best health and healthcare for senior adults in the U.S. in 2023. In 2023, across all states in the United States, Utah was ranked as the healthiest state for older adults aged 65 years and above, followed by New Hampshire and Colorado.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 6261

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.