Baby Boomers Living Abroad - Health Care
Insurance, Quality of Care, Access and Other Expat Health Matters
Sep 24, 2009
For baby boomers considering a move abroad, it's essential to consider all aspects of health care, from insurance to emergency care to finding the supplements and vitamins that one uses on a daily basis.
Key health-related considerations include the following:
Finding a Doctor - Unless one is fluent in the local language, it’s important to find an English-speaking physician. In addition to word-of-mouth referrals, US Embassies and Consulates have lists of doctors and medical facilities.
Insurance- Many health insurance policies cover American expats living abroad, to a level of reimbursement that the insurer considers “customary and reasonable.” However those over 65, or who will turn 65 while abroad, should be aware that Medicare doesn't cover health care provided outside the US.
Access to Prescription Medications - For the lucky few who are not currently taking prescription medication, this is a non issue. But according to US News and World Report, "almost 30 percent of seniors are taking at least five prescription medications and many combine prescription and nonprescription drugs."
Some questions for would-be expats who rely on prescription medications:
- Is it possible to obtain the same prescriptions abroad that are already in the medicine cabinet?
- Can the US- based physician prescribe a sufficient quantity so one has a few months supply?
- Are there generic or other alternatives?
- Will it be necessary to travel back to the US for check ups or lab work in order to renew prescription medications?
Access to Over the Counter Drugs and Dietary Supplements - With a chain drugstore in almost every mall, Americans have become accustomed to a huge variety of readily available over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments, supplements and vitamins. Not every foreign nation has the same range of options, or as well-stocked pharmacies.
Access to Preventive Measures - Is it possible to obtain the same preventive procedures abroad as one might get in the US, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, or special age-related precautions such as the vaccination against shingles (recommended for consideration starting at age 60 in the US)?
Quality of Inpatient Care - How good are the hospitals in a given nation? Expats can check to see if a specific institution has been accredited. Reputable accrediting institutions include the US-based Joint Commission International, the International Society for Quality in Health Care, and Trent International Accreditation Scheme.
Evacuations - Because evacuation to an American hospital can cost upwards of $10,000, often travelers invest in expensive evacuation insurance.
Medical Emergencies - AARP counsels people “ to familiarize yourself with the procedure for medical emergencies in your new country of residence, remembering that "911" does not work overseas," and notes that Global Emergency Medical Services has a list of English-speaking medical providers abroad.
Making Informed Decisions - Before moving abroad, it’s important to discuss the move with one's primary care physician. It's equally important to consider such issues as medical privacy and accountability should something go wrong; not all countries have the same medical-legal liability system as the US.
Before moving abroad, boomers should think about obtaining good insurance coverage,access to prescription medications, over the counter medications and medical emergencies.
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