FAQ

Let’s put the answer in perspective. Did you know the 2023 Global Peace Index of 163 countries ranks the U.S. near the bottom at #131, far behind expat favorites like Portugal (#7), Malaysia (#19), Spain (#32), and Costa Rica (#39)?

So yes, there are plenty of perfectly safe places to live in this world!

Rest assured that our sense of responsibility towards you means any place we share has an expat population enjoying their lives immensely and not living in fear.

Here’s the truth. If your family lives nearby, and especially if grandchildren are your purpose in life, moving overseas may not work for you.

But if you retire to Mexico or Latin America, you are an inexpensive flight away that takes only a few hours.

And because you are south of the U.S., it’s easy to stay in touch with your loved ones for free with Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp. No major time zone issues like if you were in Europe or the Far East.

That is a big concern for many people, and you can relax. Honestly, you don’t have to be fluent. Functional is good enough, which means being able to exchange greetings and make your needs known. I want… I have… I need… things like that. You can learn the basics.

Millions of expats already live overseas. There are great countries with established expat communities where many locals speak at least some English. Heck, in Belize English is the primary language!

So bottom line, you can live abroad in lots of places and speak only English if that is your preference.

Health care is a major concern for most older Americans. Here is the great news. You will discover world-class health care  in many countries that is so affordable you can’t believe it!

Modern hospitals and clinics. State-of-the-art equipment. English-speaking doctors.

With costs for services, procedures, and medications as low as one tenth of what you are probably paying now, many expats simply pay out of pocket for their health care needs. But monthly premiums for both national health care plans and private policies are extremely reasonable as well.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, when you first move to a foreign country you are not automatically a citizen. Heck, you’re not even a resident.

When you get off the plane, you are basically a tourist. There is an official process of applying for residency. And if you later decide to become a citizen, the United States is fine with you having two passports. Our special report gives you more information on the subject.

You can love the U.S. but not afford to retire there. Think about this. Our forefathers made a dangerous journey for the chance to create a better life for themselves and their families. In a new world!

What we did, what millions of other Americans have done, and what we are suggesting you consider, is really no different is it? Turns out the idea of moving overseas for a better life is as old as our country itself.

Don’t worry, your hard-earned Social Security benefits continue no matter where you decide to live. Many expats follow our recommendation to maintain a U.S. banking relationship (and address of record). Then you simply withdraw funds as needed from readily available ATMs.

If you choose to open an account in your new home abroad, direct deposit for Social Security can be set up there with many, but not all, banks.

Unlike Social Security, which follows you wherever you live, traditional Medicare coverage does not (except in rare emergencies) extend beyond U.S. borders.

Part A is, of course, free since you have paid Medicare taxes throughout your working life. Most expats maintain their Part B coverage, a) in case they decide to seek treatment for an illness or injury in the States, and b) because the penalties for opting out and then rejoining years later can be quite costly.

Some Medicare Advantage plans do provide for limited emergency care in foreign countries. If you are insured by an Advantage plan, check the details of your coverage.

As mentioned in the FAQ about health care abroad, costs are so low overseas that expats have the freedom to join inexpensive national or private plans, or simply pay out of pocket as the need arises.

Moving overseas today is certainly nothing like the pioneer days—getting in a covered wagon and heading out to the Wild West. According to the U.S. State Department, over 9 million Americans are now living abroad. Many of them retired.

That is more than the population of New York City. More than the populations of LA, Chicago, and Phoenix combined!

There are established expat communities in fantastic locations all over the world. In our  Retirement Reimagined! Intro Package we tell you about the best of the best. Don’t worry, you will be fine.

Great question. Making a major life change like moving abroad is not simply a matter of throwing some clothes in a bag and taking off. You need to give yourself plenty of time to do it right.

How long it takes you to actually leave the country depends on your situation. Say you have an aging parent. A house or business to sell. Or maybe you are not quite ready to retire.

Even if you want to move overseas as soon as possible, it’s still going to take awhile to put all the pieces together. That is why we give you full lifetime access to Retirement Reimagined! And the program is designed for you to go at your own pace.

So if living abroad makes sense for you, the best time to get started is right now!