It Would be Wrong of Me...

It would be wrong of me to not mention a few of the drawbacks to retiring in another country.

Leaving life behind. If you’re not an experienced traveler and don’t travel frequently, this may be the first time you are considering this big life event. No matter your age, departing from what’s familiar can be challenging. Choosing to retire/ live abroad could mean missing significant family events like weddings or time with grandchildren. Fortunately, technology enables us to stay connected with loved ones, but if you have a strong fear of missing out, this might not be for you.

Health and Medical Needs. Your health should be a top priority, particularly when planning to move to a different country. Being away from your doctor and CVS, Walgreens and Rite-Aids can make it challenging to refill prescriptions. Before departing, consult your doctor about how to obtain your prescriptions globally. Inquire if your medicine is known by other names and ask for recommendations on trusted pharmacies. Also, do your research on bringing prescribed controlled substances into a foreign country. Additionally, secure health insurance in your new country of residency. I will discuss this more later.

Managing Your Home and Possessions. From our research and conversations with others, selling all of your belongings and starting fresh is a viable option. If selling your house or belongings isn't an option, consider alternatives, such as turning your home into a rental.

Language Barrier. Make sure to check out what the official language is in a country and see how many people there can speak your language.