Expat Community Reveal The Biggest Concerns Of Moving Abroad

Overheard In Our Clubhouse—Fellow Readers Share Their Greatest Retire Overseas Fears

What is your biggest fear related to the idea of moving overseas?

That’s the question we put to members of our Overseas Living Clubhouse.

I thought I’d share some of their responses with you, as their concerns might be your concerns, too, and just knowing you’re not alone can be enough to help you put your worries aside.

Here’s what’s keeping some of your fellow Live and Invest Overseas readers awake at night as they work to push ahead with their plans to realize their dreams of a new life overseas…

David T.:

My worry is having to come back to the States someday…

Dawn F.:

Right! It’s great to go back and see family and friends, grab stuff to bring back that we can’t get or is more expensive here where we’re living. But then it is time to go back home to Belize!

David T.:

One-hundred percent agree. Repatriation back to (especially provincial parts of) the United States is much harder than assimilating into a new expat community anywhere.

Bruce P.:

My biggest concern is medical care.

Carol Anne B.:

I’d be more afraid of affording adequate medical care in the United States.

Me:

Good point. The United States is the most expensive place in the world to seek medical care. Health insurance is far more expensive in the States than anywhere else in the world, as well. Good international health insurance can cost as little as US$100 per month… and medical care some places in the world is so affordable that it can make more sense to pay for it out of pocket rather than insuring against it.

For major medical care, we recommend keeping Medicare, if you qualify. That way you have a backup in case of a serious or long-term medical situation.

Frances O.:

I have no fear! Was sent to France to study at age 14 for the summer—no parents and no cell phones, but I survived!

Kevin P.:

My biggest fear is waiting too long and missing out on years of good health in our dream location by staying here and going through my regular hassles and stress. Debt is the biggest reason for staying put. The actual relocation is no concern to me or to my wife. In my younger days I worked in 12 different countries, including Spain and Colombia (Bogotá in the mid-90s!). My wife uprooted and moved to the United States from Germany at 38. She had a windsurfing school in the Greek Islands before we met. So we both have no fears of living elsewhere.

Darren H.:

We have lived in Medellín, Colombia for six-and-a-half years now. I can’t remember what our fears were, if we even had any. We probably did, but they are gone now. We were never concerned about safety here. It’s far, far more dangerous in Chicago or Rockford, Illinois, where we lived. Medical care is actually far better here than in the United States and costs about 10% to 20% of what it cost for comparable care in the States. That was never a concern either. Most people we have shared our story with have many concerns or even fears, but we find that most if not all of them are either irrational or based upon false information or possibly based upon the Colombia of the 1980s. We live in Colombia 2021. It’s a much better version.

Dawn F.:

Well done!

Linda T.:

Glad to hear good things about Medellín. I’ve been trying to get down there for three years to check it out. First two, caregiving issues, then COVID-19! Maybe late this year or 2022. In the meantime, have to work on my Spanish!

Patricia B.:

My concern is getting my three big dogs over there safely. Besides COVID-19, it’s our only hang-up to move to France.

Jim L.:

My fear is going alone…

Marsha F.:

I’m not exactly afraid of going alone, but I think in many ways it would be easier to have a companion. On the other hand, a companion would make it easier to not mix with the locals, so there are pros and cons.

Linda T.:

I’d be going alone, too. One thing to do is join an expats group for your possible destination(s) and make some contacts in advance. Already have a FB friend in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Rich M.:

I worry about being able to communicate.

Mike A.:

My worry is dealing with government offices.

Dwight G.:

My concern is that I didn’t do it sooner!

Arlea S.:

I worry about people not speaking English. And about leaving my relatives.

Donald W.:

Finding a town with English expats and nearby hospitals yet close enough to catch a plane back to the United States in a rush.

Dawn G.:

Like others have already said, my fear is going it alone.

Meger A.:

I’m loving doing it alone!

Rick M.:

Wondering if we have enough to live there 12 months a year.

Robina U.:

Health care. I am presently living in Canada.

Joseph J.:

Health care. I am a U.S. veteran.

Leslie Y.:

The Philippines has veteran care.

Bill M.:

I fear the lines at immigrations and customs.

Janie D.:

No fears… just not excited about the hassle involved.

Kay B.:

No fear, just frustration that the travel advisory has discouraged travel for going on a year with no change in the near future.

Diana H.:

Finances and all the legalities of getting residency in another country.

Arlea S.:

Yes, my concern also.

Mike M.:

My fear is trying something completely new and getting out of my comfort zone. What if it doesn’t work out? But if COVID-19 wasn’t here, I know right now I would be there on vacation, trying out the idea. I’m doing this.