Healthcare Abroad: What American Expats Need to Know

Understanding Healthcare as an American Expat

Healthcare is one of the most important considerations when moving abroad. The good news: most developed countries offer healthcare that's equal to or better than the US at a fraction of the cost.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

Most countries have a two-tier system:

  • Public healthcare: Government-funded, available to residents, often free or low-cost
  • Private healthcare: Faster service, more amenities, English-speaking doctors common

Countries with Excellent Healthcare

  • Portugal: Universal healthcare, private insurance ~$50-100/month
  • Spain: Excellent public system, ranked #7 globally
  • Thailand: World-class private hospitals at low cost
  • Mexico: High-quality care at 20-30% of US prices
  • Japan: Ranked #1 in healthcare quality

Health Insurance Options

International Health Insurance

Companies that specialize in expat coverage:

  • Cigna Global: Comprehensive coverage, worldwide network
  • Allianz Care: Flexible plans, good for frequent travelers
  • SafetyWing: Affordable, popular with digital nomads (~$40/month)
  • IMG Global: Various plan levels

Local Insurance

Many expats opt for local private insurance once established, which is often much cheaper than international plans.

Medical Tourism

Some countries are known for medical tourism — high-quality care at low prices:

  • Thailand: Bumrungrad Hospital is internationally accredited
  • Mexico: Dental and medical procedures at 70% savings
  • Colombia: Growing medical tourism sector
  • Costa Rica: Popular for dental work

Prescription Medications

Many medications are cheaper abroad and available without prescription. However:

  • Bring enough supply for your transition period
  • Carry prescriptions and doctor's notes
  • Research availability of your specific medications
  • Some controlled substances may not be available

Emergency Considerations

  • Know local emergency numbers (not always 911)
  • Identify nearby hospitals before you need them
  • Consider medical evacuation coverage for remote locations
  • Keep important medical records accessible
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