Many retirees spend their winters in tropical climates south of the border, experiencing new cultures and enjoying a lower cost of living. Countries like Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are popular destinations due to their pleasant weather, affordable healthcare and large expat communities
Healthcare Considerations
While spending winters in tropical climates is appealing, it’s important to be prepared for potential health emergencies. From accidents to illness, most people would prefer being close to family and friends if they become hospitalized.
Also, Medicare generally does not cover medical care received outside the United States and its territories, like American Samoa or Puerto Rico*. Retirees living or traveling abroad should consider buying additional health insurance and medical transport membership to cover potential medical expenses and transportation or risk paying for medical care out of pocket. You could even be denied medical care if you cannot pre-pay for services.
Taking those factors into consideration, there are some additional ways to be prepared for wintering abroad as a retiree.
- Healthcare quality and accessibility can vary greatly from one country to another. Some countries have excellent healthcare systems that rival those in the United States, while others may have limited facilities and resources. It’s essential to research the healthcare standards of your destination and identify reputable hospitals and clinics nearby.
- Medicare does not provide coverage for medical expenses incurred outside the United States. Foreign countries may also not guarantee medical care without payment even in dire emergencies, like heart attacks and strokes. So, it is essential to obtain local medical insurance. If you need long-term care after hospitalization or specialized medical care, those types of services may not be readily available near your destination.
- In the event of a severe illness or injury, you may need to be evacuated back to the United States. Companies like AirMedCare Network (AMCN) offer memberships, like Fly-U-Home International, that cover the full cost of medical evacuation. They will return you to the nearest, appropriate hospital to your home from most countries worldwide.
Preparing for Health Emergencies Abroad
Preparation is key to handling health emergencies while wintering abroad. Here are some steps to take before you go:
Get Vaccinated: Wintering in tropical climates can bring exposure to endemic diseases- especially mosquito borne illnesses. Ask your doctor for any vaccinations required to travel to your tropical winter destination.
Medical Records: Carry copies of your medical records, including information about any chronic conditions, medications and allergies. This information can be crucial for healthcare providers in an emergency. Be sure they are translated into the local language.
Medications: Have an adequate supply of any prescription medications you take regularly. Carry a list of these medications, including their generic names, in case you need to refill them abroad. The brand names of medications vary from country to country.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and your primary care physician. Make sure these contacts are aware of your travel plans and know how to reach you. Have a local contact that can assist your family if you become incapacitated. If no trusted local contact is available, a local U.S. consulate may be able to assist.
Retirees can enjoy wintering abroad and be better prepared for potential health emergencies. By understanding the healthcare available at your destination, securing appropriate insurance and air medical evacuation membership (like Fly-U-Home International), and taking steps to prepare, you can enjoy your winter abroad with greater peace of mind.
Key Points
- Retirees may not be covered by Medicare if they travel abroad for winter
- Hospitals are not obligated, in many countries, to provide emergency medical care or hospitalization without pre-payment or local insurance coverage.
- Keeping copies of medical records and medications in the language of your destination country can save time in an emergency.
- Local insurance may not cover medical repatriation flights. Select air ambulance membership from companies like AirMedCare Network’s Fly-U-Home International to pay nothing out-of-pocket for a medical flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When a program provides bedside-to-bedside service, the transport medical team accepts the patient at the bedside in the originating facility and delivers the patient to the bed of the receiving facility.
Yes, although it’s not always possible. It will solely depend on available space on our aircraft. All aircraft have the ability to accommodate a passenger, however, this space could be lost due to additional medical staff or medical equipment.
Anyone that resides in the household.
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