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9 Countries Where Americans Are Quietly Retiring Abroad

Discover 9 top countries where Americans retire quietly overseas, including visa requirements, healthcare insights, and financial planning tips.

A woman gardens among lush tropical plants on a stone patio against misty green mountains.
Costa Rica attracts retirees seeking peaceful living, offering full access to public medical facilities through its Pensionado Visa.

3. Costa Rica

Renowned for political stability, rich bio-diversity, and peaceful living, Costa Rica attracts retirees through its established Pensionado Visa. The visa requires proof of a guaranteed lifetime pension or Social Security benefit of at least $1,000 monthly. Visa holders must enroll in Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, known as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social or CCSS, paying a monthly contribution between 7 percent and 11 percent of declared income. This grants full access to public medical facilities across the nation, supplementing excellent private clinics.

6 Comments

  1. I am retired usa military, will my health care be ok abroad. I am 77 and concerned about my health care down the road.

  2. Dennis,
    I am also retired military and in 2015, I relocated to Colombia. I would still live there if it were not for one concern. If you plan to purchase medical insurance from a reputable insurance company, you may be in for an eye-opener. I cannot comment on what is available in other countries, but in Colombia, many companies will not take new customers older than 59. Those companies that offer insurance will charge you such high rates that you may reconsider the move there.
    I suggest doing research into which are the best hospitals in the city of your choice and which medical insurance policies are the recommended ones.

  3. Philippines bought a condo there for 50k mortgage pnly 500.00 a month , eating well 300.00 a month electric 50.00 , high speed internet 55.00 water 13.00 a month with income of 5k a month u live like a king Here

  4. Not sure where you live in the Philippines but I live like a king on just my ssi check. Nice place off the beach 200 yards. electric is $80 internet $50 and rent is $200 and water $20. since you can not buy property in the Philippines unless you are married to a Filipina. And it has to be in her or his name.

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