The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
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The best country in Europe to be able to get private and/or supplemental health insurance for over 70 year olds. At a cost a retiree can afford. In lieu of that, countries that bring you into a high quality state health care system quickly. Thanks!
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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Ronan is very excited about Northern Portugal, expecially Caminha. Are there expats who live in the area. What is the winter weather in Northern Portugal. I am very interested in moving to Portugal. I am a 75 yr single woman. Is it practicle for me to move to Eruope? I lived in Italy when I was much yournger and loved it.
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 -
Hi,
I’m really concerned about the effects Putin is having on several European governments, namely Germany, France, Italy. There is a strong push by far right elements and getting stronger. I’m not trying to make this political but I’m concerned to the point of putting my dream of living in France to the back burner.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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Terry, I missed the first part of your presentation. Where is the region within Portugal you were talking about? I am interested in the north above Porto. Do you know anything about that region? Any thoughts or recommendations?
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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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GARYZEBROWSKI042 said:
looking at renting in Toulon France for a year, to live and explore Europe. How is Toulon's apt rentals and life for expats? Gary -
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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As a single woman, I am looking for safe locations to move to that will stretch my dollars. I am looking for strong expat communities for singles, if possible. I prefer to rent, as this will be my first time living outside of the US. Willing to go car-free. Also concerned about Panama.
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 don't hear a lot about the Italian Dolomites, and yet I love that region. Any feedback on the retirement quality there?
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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Hi,
climate change is my biggest convern when considering location What countries are predicted to suffer and which ones are predicted to be safer from climate change related disasters? -
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?
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Will a recording of this presentation be available later?
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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 youMy Canadian neighbor has 2 large golden retrievers and it's not an issue. Vet's are excellent, profiessional, half to a third of the price of the US and I've never heard of any issues with customs bringing large dogs from either the US or Canada. All you need is to show that your pet has up to date rabies shot and a health certificate from your vet. There's an excellent website called Pet Passport which lists all countries and the paperwork provided so just have a look on there to make sure you have all the up to date paperwork. Rentals are not a problem here in Mexico, just be up front and say you have dogs. Most people will rent no problem.
Bel - IL Mexico Correspondent.
