Is Moving Abroad the Answer to Aging with Dignity?
We all dream of a "good" retirement. Maybe you picture yourself gardening, spending time with grandchildren, or simply resting after decades of hard work. But for many of us, a shadow hangs over that dream. It is the fear of getting sick, the fear of running out of money, and the fear of becoming a burden to the people we love most. In the United States, the cost of healthcare and long-term care is skyrocketing. It is a harsh reality that can make growing older feel less like a golden age and more like a financial trap. But what if there was another option? What if the key to aging with dignity, comfort, and excellent care wasn't found down the street, but across the ocean? I recently sat down with Maryam Greenidge, an attorney and global mobility consultant, on the Digital Legacy Podcast. We explored a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant for Americans: retiring abroad for better healthcare.
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We all dream of a "good" retirement. Maybe you picture yourself gardening, spending time with grandchildren, or simply resting after decades of hard work. But for many of us, a shadow hangs over that dream. It is the fear of getting sick, the fear of running out of money, and the fear of becoming a burden to the people we love most.
In the United States, the cost of healthcare and long-term care is skyrocketing. It is a harsh reality that can make growing older feel less like a golden age and more like a financial trap. But what if there was another option? What if the key to aging with dignity, comfort, and excellent care wasn't found down the street, but across the ocean? I recently sat down with Maryam Greenidge, an attorney and global mobility consultant, on the Digital Legacy Podcast. We explored a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant for Americans: retiring abroad for better healthcare.
When the System Fails You
Maryam's journey into this work is deeply personal. Years ago, her mother lost her health insurance while battling an autoimmune condition. Suddenly, a medication that kept her mobile cost $7,000 per dose. Without it, her mother ended up in a wheelchair for nine months. She was helpless, not because medicine didn't exist, but because the system made it inaccessible.
Later, Maryam herself faced a similar reality. As a healthy attorney in private practice, she was quoted $4,000 a month for health insurance. It was simply unaffordable. These stories are all too common. They highlight a painful truth: in the US, illness can quickly lead to financial ruin, even for those who have done everything "right."
More Than Just Medical Tourism
We often hear about "medical tourism," where people travel for a specific surgery or treatment. And while that is a huge industry, this is about something deeper . It is about finding a place to call home when you need support the most.
Maryam shared a touching story about a man who moved to Colombia with his special needs brother. In the US, he feared his brother would end up homeless or neglected if he couldn't care for him . In Colombia, he found a facility where his brother receives occupational therapy, three meals a day, and genuine affection from caregivers. He plays with horses. He is hugged. And the cost? $400 a month . This isn't just healthcare. It is humanity.
What About My Benefits?
A common fear is that moving abroad means losing your US benefits. Maryam clarified that this is largely a myth. You can still receive your Social Security payments while living in most countries. You can still access your pension.
Medicare is a bit trickier. It does not cover care outside the US. However, you can choose to keep it active. This means if you ever move back or want to return for specific treatment, you are still covered . Many expats budget for periodic trips back to the US for check-ups, maintaining a safety net in both worlds.
Planning for Dignity
So, where do you start? You don't have to pack your bags tomorrow. But you can start exploring your options.
Research: Look into countries like Portugal, Italy, or Panama. See what their healthcare systems are like.
Visit: Take a trip. Go see a dentist or a doctor while you are there. Experience the care firsthand.
Consult: Talk to an expert like Maryam who can guide you through the visa process and the legal realities.
The goal is to move from chaos to clarity. It is about creating a plan B that gives you peace of mind.
A Future of Options
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is increasingly up to us. We have choices. We can choose to struggle within a broken system, or we can look beyond our borders for a life of dignity and care. Whether you decide to stay or go, knowing you have options is empowering. It allows you to face the future not with fear, but with a plan.
To hear Maryam Greenidge’s full conversation with Niki Weiss, listen to the latest episode of the Digital Legacy Podcast. You can also find her book, "Chaos to Clarity" and explore her resources at Access Wellness Global.
Take the Next Step: Start Planning with My Final Playbook
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