Even people living in the UK consider extra healthcare cover in addition to the NHS. If you're moving abroad for whatever reason - change of life style, retiring, or simply going to manage your various investment properties - healthcare is something to be considered.
Depending on where you go and what sort of cover you take, it could be an expense you hadn't budgeted for. If you are nearing retirement age or have any kind of health problems, it could make the difference between whether you can afford to live overseas or not.
The quality of healthcare in Europe in most European countries compares well to that provided by the NHS, but can prove to be more expensive.
The E111 form (or E121 form if you are a pensioner) allows you the same treatment for free that a native person in your new country would get. However, you may still find yourself facing considerable extra costs. In France for example, the state only pays for around 70% of health costs and the additional 30% have to be paid by you.
Many expatriates in various countries opt for health insurance, with the most expensive, comprehensive policies costing up to £3000 a year for a retired couple in Europe . Healthcare is notoriously expensive in the USA , where treatment standards can be outstanding, but only for those who can afford it. A family of four or an older couple retiring to the USA might need to pay up to£10,000 a year for a fairly comprehensive policy.
If you are traveling back and forth rather than staying abroad permanently, make sure as an absolute minimum, you are covered by adequate travel insurance. If you are traveling to the USA , ensure its upper medical expense claim is at least $500,000 or preferably over $1 million.
