Healthcare is one of the things I would look at carefully before deciding to move abroad.
This is particularly important if you’re approaching retirement or planning to spend many years in your new home. A destination might look attractive because of its climate, property prices or lifestyle, but you also need to feel comfortable with the healthcare options available to you.
For me, healthcare is part of the bigger question:
Could I actually see myself living here long term?
I’m building detailed healthcare guides for the destinations I focus on, looking at the practical questions that matter when you’re considering a move.
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What Should You Look At?
Healthcare isn’t simply about finding out whether a country has good hospitals.
There are several things worth investigating before you make a decision.
Quality of Healthcare
Look at the quality and availability of medical services in the area where you are considering living.
This can be particularly important if you are moving away from a major city or considering a smaller town.
Public & Private Healthcare
Understand how the healthcare system works and what options are available to residents and foreigners.
Private healthcare may be an important consideration for some people, but the costs and availability can vary from one destination to another.
Hospitals & Clinics
Don’t just research healthcare at a country level.
Look at the actual area where you might live.
How far is the nearest hospital? Are there private clinics nearby? What happens if you need specialist treatment?
These are much more useful questions when you’re trying to decide whether somewhere could become your home.
English-Speaking Medical Professionals
For many people relocating abroad, being able to communicate comfortably with a doctor or medical professional is an important consideration.
This is something I will look at where reliable information is available.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs should form part of your relocation budget.
Consider routine appointments, private treatment, prescriptions and other potential expenses, as well as the cost of insurance where appropriate.
Health Insurance
Insurance can become particularly important when you’re living abroad.
There isn’t a single insurance solution that works for everyone. Your age, destination, length of stay and personal circumstances can all affect what type of cover makes sense.
I’ve put together a separate Insurance resources page with providers and further information to help you explore the options.
Healthcare in the Destinations I Cover
I’m building healthcare information around the five destinations that currently form the focus of Property Invest Blog:
- Montenegro
- Medellín, Colombia
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Bali, Indonesia
The aim is not simply to produce a list of hospitals.
I want these guides to help answer the practical questions someone might have before making a major relocation decision:
Where would I actually go if I became ill?
What sort of healthcare is available where I want to live?
What might it cost?
Would I feel comfortable using the system?
Don’t Wait Until You Move
Healthcare is one of those things that’s easy to overlook while you’re researching property and lifestyle.
I’d recommend investigating it before you commit to a destination — particularly if you’re planning to retire or live abroad permanently.
The right property in the wrong location isn’t necessarily the right move.
The same applies to healthcare. It’s worth looking at the complete picture before deciding where you want to build your life.
More Healthcare Guides Coming
I’m continuing to build detailed healthcare guides for each of the five destinations.
In the meantime, explore the individual destination guides to learn more about living, retiring and buying property in the places I’m currently focusing on.