Love the article! When we were in Austria with the in-laws, my mother-in-law broke her foot in a small village in Austria. The ambulance came and took her to the hospital, after the X-rays,, the cast and 1 hour in the hospital, the final bill was a whole whopping $254. If this would have happened in the USA the bill would have probably been around $4,000. We've only been in Germany and Austria for a week now and I have zero concern about any type of hospital issues or coverage. At some point I will get the global insurance but the $2500 dollar deductible will never even get touched based on the above example. (By the way this is Michael and Heather M. on your Facebook,,, who just moved to Southern Germany a week ago and headed to Austria soon). 👍
6 months ago (edited)
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Good topic. Agreed that many of us americans worry about overseas Healthcare care but the reality is that not only is overseas care high quality and affordable but it is actually easier to access. When I hurt my shoulder I was given a doctor appointment along with an ultrasound 2 hour after requesting said appointment, then physical therapy started the next day. No red tape or referrals that cause delays. 🤔
5 months ago
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Really interesting facts and information. Health care is my biggest concern about moving abroad. And if I move abroad before 65 years of age can I still enroll in Medicare if living abroad (I am currently 60 years) just in case I decide I want to go back to the U.S.?
6 months ago (edited)
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Warren & Julie Travel - Slow Travel Nomad Expats
Here’s a draft of a small article I’m working on for our website. Thoughts?
Why Americans Shouldn’t Let Healthcare Fears Hold Them Back from Exploring the World
Many Americans hesitate to move or travel abroad, fearing the healthcare quality won’t match what they’re used to at home. However, there’s a growing disconnect between perceptions and reality. America, despite its enormous spending on healthcare, is seeing its life expectancy ranking fall—poised to be overtaken by countries like China if current trends continue. Meanwhile, countries that spend far less on healthcare are often seeing better outcomes, and much of this has to do with different approaches to health and wellness.
One thing that surprises people when they consider international medical coverage, like what I offer, is that it’s usually much less expensive than U.S. plans. This isn’t because the quality is lower—it’s simply that many countries emphasize cost-effective treatments and preventive care. For example, it’s common to see doctors abroad recommending diet changes, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments before rushing to prescribe medications. For many, the simple act of stepping outside the U.S. leads to better health outcomes thanks to less stress and a different approach to care.
This is something we’ve experienced firsthand. We have coverage for wherever we travel and live abroad, and if a major health issue arises, we have no intention of returning to the U.S. for treatment. In fact, if something goes wrong while we’re in America, our plan is to head overseas for care! Healthcare costs abroad can be remarkably affordable, even for high-quality services. Moving abroad can bring substantial savings on both healthcare and health insurance—often one of the biggest cost reductions people notice.
For those looking at international plans, remember you can choose options that include or exclude the U.S., with U.S.-inclusive plans generally costing more. And, importantly, if you’re an American over 65 with Medicare, it’s crucial to keep that coverage if there’s any chance you’ll want to live back in the States again someday. Dropping Medicare permanently increases premiums when you re-enroll.
So, don’t let fears about healthcare hold you back from exploring the world. High-quality care is available globally, often at a fraction of the U.S. cost. The world has a lot to offer, and for those ready to embrace it, healthcare should be the least of their worries. For coverage that fits your needs wherever you are, you can always run a quote or compare options on our website. WarrenJulieTravel.com
Safe travels and healthy adventures await!
6 months ago | [YT] | 22