The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
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Yes absolutely, I have several friends that go back to the US or Canada to use their Medicare. In Mexico there is excellent health care and it's very affordable. You can use the public system, have private health insurance, or just pay as you go. For health insurance, I would recommend contacting an insurance broker that specializes in living abroad like VITALSURANCE. Gabriel has a lot of information and you can find him at www.Vitalsurance.com
Bel - IL Mexico Correspondent. -
Hello,
For France, you can go on the public system, there are no age restrictions. Most everyone uses the public system, I've found not much difference from the private one. Top up / supplmental insurance starts at $80 a month and covers the 20-30% not included in your public healthcare rights.
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Northern Portugal is cold and rainy during the winter. Caminha is a cute little town with bigger places nearby. I'd suggest that you reach out to Facebook groups pertaining to Portugal and especially in the north. There are many expats living there who would love to tell you more. Plan a trip and visit during the winter and see what you think. We live in the Algarve because we like it warm and drier but Portugal has something for most everyone.
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I am interested in living in Ireland or Scotland and have Irish/Scotich ancestry, but don't know how to get started with the process of becoming a resident. I am also not rich. Is there hope for someone like me, to get a second passport? PS...I am also interested in Portugal.
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Do any of you have large dogs as pets? If so, how does that work for expats?
Vets? Rentals? Customs issues traveling to and from the US?
Thank you -
Hello,
Well, I'm not an expert but I can tell you what I've observed by living here. There was definitely some "far right" traction a short time ago but, for me, it's calmed down considerably and lost a lot of steam. I think the French are quite fearful, as a whole, of any extreme right movement.
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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How do Panamanians feel about Trump’s threat to reclaim the Canal? Do you think there might be a backlash against Americans?
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Hello, One main concern is health care? Second one would be Pharmacy's to get your prescriptions. Right now I am with CVS. They have them in Puerto Rico in the US Virgin Islands and that's it. So I'm wondering what the healthcare in Puerto Rico is like also?
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Hello,
Please see my reply on the first page - merci!
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hello, one concern is Healthcare and the second one is pharmacies to get your prescriptions? I'm with CVS Pharmacy right now. They have CVS and Puerto Rico and he was like Virgin Islands. So I'm kind of curious about the Healthcare and Puerto Rico also?
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Note that Panama does not have large high-end assisted living facilities as most families here (as is customary in most if not all of Latin America) choose affordable in-home care instead. There are some smaller options like Wonder Years and I do hope to see more options added but at present there isn't a huge demand... yet.
As a single woman I chose Panama because it is one of the region’s wealthiest, safest, most modern and most stable countries - which means it’s great for single independent types like me who love having the freedom to roam. Panama’s expat communities have been singled out again and again as some of the most active, welcoming communities in the world. It’s so nice living in a place where you’re truly welcome, and where locals are very accustomed to foreigners, especially from the States. Here, I have the freedom to live my life as a single woman comfortably (and with access to so many little luxuries, from nice wine to island vacations)... I live here with a constant and pervading sense of safety and freedom … of possibility…
I did comment in the Panama Canal thread so please do see that above as well, thanks
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
I've found lots of good information and help on a FB group callled "expat Women 50+ in Italy". Best wishes.
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Hello,
Well, unfortunately I think it's a global problem. For France, you can pretty easily research the weather patterns around the country and also the main flood zones. Those would be my top concerns.Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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I spent a month in San Miguel Allende in 2024. I stayed with a friend who bought a home there 2 years ago. I looked at and researched apartment rentals with 2 agents and want to let you know that prices are reaching USA prices. It's very disconcerting. Anyone who tells you it's still affordable doesn't know. American millionaires are moving there in droves driving up prices as they are more than willing to pay $4000-5000.USD for rents. It's crazy.
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I have similar concerns about Panama. Do the Chinese really control the Canal? If so, will they peacefully relinquish that control?
Has Panama breached a contract with the US that was negotiated at the end of the Carter administration? -
SW Panama last region spelling? Teroche?
