June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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There are three factors people tend to consider when choosing an overseas ultimate retirement destination. They want to find a place that’s safe, affordable, and easy—that is, where it’s easy to get legal residency, easy to get around, and easy to build a life for yourself.
That makes sense. But deciding where to retire abroad is a big decision, and it’s not as simple as picking a country from a list. Before you pack your bags for good, plan a trip to your chosen destination. The longer, the better: You want to really get a feel for what it might be like to live there. Use this guide to finding your personal best retirement destination. And don’t forget travel insurance! Find your plan today.
Years ago, you visited the Spanish city of Seville. You fell in love with its medieval architecture, flamenco bars, and delightful restaurants, and you decided that one day, you’d retire there. But now that it’s time to take the leap, you realize: You’ve only visited Seville’s hip, touristy neighborhoods, and that’s not how most locals live.
Book a vacation rental in a neighborhood where you could actually see yourself settling. In Seville, that might be the working-class district of Triana, or Alameda, which is popular with expats. There, you can get a sense of the rhythm of life in your retirement destination. Where’s the best cup of coffee? How are the grocery stores? How easy is it to overcome the language barrier?
If you have an Allianz Travel Insurance plan that includes concierge access, you can ask your concierge for guidance. Call the number printed on your policy letter of confirmation, and your concierge can provide a detailed city guide with personalized recommendations on where to stay and what to do.
Panama consistently ranks as one of the best retirement destinations in the world. Housing is affordable, crime is low, people are friendly, the weather is warm, and life is good. But if you’re picturing endless sunshine, think again. The rainy season brings often-torrential downpours. And that’s exactly when you should visit.
Plan a trip to Panama in November, when the rainy season is at its height and everyone takes off work to celebrate multiple festivals. If you still love Panama when the shops are closed and the skies are gray, then you can feel more confident about retiring there.
Your grandmother grew up in Wang Nam Khiao, a mountain village in Thailand. You’ve always loved it, and you dream of one day retiring there for good. There’s just one problem: You have rheumatoid arthritis, and so you need to see a specialist regularly for treatment.
The Allyz® app from Allianz Global Assistance can help answer these questions. Search local high-quality hospitals and pre-screened doctors by location and specialty to see what’s available near you. Then contact those medical providers to ask about treatment availability and pricing.
And while you’re visiting, make sure you have travel insurance! Medicare does not cover care outside the U.S. Look for a plan with emergency medical and dental benefits and emergency transportation benefits, which can cover the cost of medical care for a covered medical emergency. One important thing to know: While OneTrip Prime can provide these benefits for up to 180 days, it does not cover the costs of routine, non-emergency medical care.
The United States is one of the most car-dependent countries in the world. This means that if you choose a retirement destination outside the U.S., you’ll probably have to adjust to different modes of transportation.
This can be a good thing, of course. Walking and cycling improve your physical health and mental health. A recent study found that while having a car can add to overall life satisfaction, having to drive to activities more than 50% of the time is linked to a decrease in life satisfaction.1
However, you have to be realistic about your abilities and preferences. If you retire in Lisbon, will walking up and down steep hills every day keep you fit well into your 80s? Or will it just destroy your knees? Try taking public transportation as well. Are you comfortable using it, and is it safe?
Consider, too, how easy it is to drive in your chosen retirement country. For instance, in the Netherlands it’s hard for Americans to get a driver’s license, but you need a Dutch license in order to insure your car.2 In Brazil, driving can cause high anxiety for Americans: traffic is intense, stop signs are treated as optional, and drivers often swerve across several lanes without warning.3 (P.S. Did you know that Allianz Global Assistance offers low-cost rental car loss and damage insurance that’s valid overseas? Learn more.)
When traveling to the place you might retire, ask yourself: Will my future self be able to live here comfortably? If you develop mobility challenges, hearing or vision loss, or any other disability, will you be able to get the accommodations you need?
Many countries have laws ensuring fair treatment and access for people with disabilities. These include some popular retirement destinations, such as Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Spain.4 But even in these countries, actual on-the-ground accessibility varies. As you explore a town or city, consider how hard or easy it might be to navigate for someone with a disability. Are there curb cuts for wheelchairs? Are buses and trains accessible?
Again, your concierge (included with OneTrip Prime and several other plans) can be of service. If you need accommodations for a disability, chronic condition, dietary restriction, religious restriction, or anything else while you’re traveling, your travel concierge can help.
Ready to head out and find your perfect retirement destination? Remember to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Get a quote!
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
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