Many Americans look to retire in the beauty of another country, whether it be the Caribbean, Europe or South America.  If you choose to retire in another country, making sure you have the proper health insurance coverage is crucial.  According to the article “How to Find Retiree Health Insurance Abroad” by Kathleen Peddicord on USNews.com, policy options vary greatly by country and health insurance companies.

Many health insurance providers abroad typically accept new customers only through a particular age.  If you do qualify, in-country insurance options in popular retiree spots can be very affordable.  Getting major medical insurance quotes from various providers is very important and can save you a lot of money.

For example, the Dominican Republic can arrange health insurance for a 60 year old man for as little as $277 per year.  Uruguay claims to have one of the world’s most affordable health insurance options for obtaining medical treatment as a Uruguay resident.  In Ecuador, the best options are through pre-paid medical center programs.  Malaysia also has one of the most affordable health insurance programs in the world.

Bottom line, as with any health insurance, do your research.  Don’t only look at price, but compare benefits to ensure you are getting a good deal whether you are shopping with US companies, or foreign providers.