2022 Healthcare Concerns along Northern Coast of The Mediterrainian Sea

If you have these serious healthcare needs in the near, medium and long-term, don't you need a high degree of predictability with your health care? I am not qualified to give any kind of advice except just to say that, if I were in your place, I would wait well after the surgery (like at least a full year) to make big decisions like relocating to Europe and selecting an area to live where the health system is specialized, highly competent, and well resourced to treat your needs, which seem substantial.

In Europe Xanax isn't prescribed for pain relief, it's a benzodiazepine which is mainly prescribed to treat anxiety so it's highly unlikely that you'll be able to continue to obtain a prescription for it in Europe.

There are many health insurance providers, a search online will return many results. You may find health insurance to be cheaper than in the US, my family health insurance in the UK for two adults and two children is around £250 per month ($345), this is private healthcare insurance which is separate from the tax funded state healthcare and is entirely optional for UK residents. Other countries systems will differ.

As a US national living abroad you will be required to pay both local and US income taxes.

You need to talk to both your medical team and to the Embassies of the countries where you are contemplating taking up residence. Each country will have different residency requirements, banking, healthcare etc and you need to be aware of these before you begin serious planning. Obtaining citizenship is usually a long term project involving a term of residency for a number of years before you can even apply for citizenship and it can sometimes take another few years to actually complete the process.

Moving overseas (I have done it twice, once on a 4 year contract and once emigrating) is not always straightforward or easy; it is stressful at the best of times,

I think I have also heard that some countries have income/savings requirements for outsiders who wish to live there permanently.

Just to add to the good advice/cautions above, not being able to speak the local language in any of the 4 countries you're considering would be a concern, especially if you have serious medical issues. Just curious; how much research have you done into the general non health-related complexities of relocating abroad? And will you be retired or will you (or anyone who might be moving with you) be needing to work?

Sorry, I know I haven't provided answers to your questions but relocation abroad isn't a walk in the park, and your medical situation just make it that much more complicated. You're very likely to need more experienced assistance than found on a forum focused largely on shorter-term leisure travel so might want to post on some of the expat forums like this one?

https://www.expatforum.com

Please note that you have to request permission to move to any of these countries.

It's not necessarily a given that any of them will actually allow you to live there.

Hi,

I'll offer my opinion and will probably "repeat" what others may have already stated.

I wish you a successful operation with a speedy and incident free recovery.

Will you be with a spouse, partner or friend with this move? You stated, "we."

While the dream of living in a favorite country; especially the Mediterranean is quite appealing, I feel you should concentrate on a full recovery before traveling abroad. Please understand this is not a scolding.

I think you know an operation like that deserves the utmost attention.

Even though I am mostly a positive thinker (seeing a glass half full), when it comes to a major health issue, it's best to step back and really think. There are pros and cons.

Where our traveling abroad was stunted, I appreciate the want to get back to it.

The opportunity and privilege to live out your heart-felt dream is wonderful. Of course, having a good understanding of the language would be key. (A two-week vaca in Italy, many of us can get by.) Living there semi-perm or permanent is different.

Now, the what ifs ...

Being in an "unfamiliar territory" and needing medical help should you have post-op complications, may be stressful for many reasons.

You mention the narcotics you will or may need to take. Research these thoroughly. Put aside the medical ramifications for a second; there may be legal ones too.

With the ever-changing circumstances and policies set forth by some countries, perhaps be more patient and wait until your operation is complete with recovery and rehab well underway.

After that, perhaps in the future, you could plan a relaxing 30- or 60- day stay in your favorite country for starters. Then? Look into moving there.

There is lots of red tape.

Keep in mind, some countries, like Italy, requires proof of insurance, housing, and generous income to sustain living there. Don't forget about paying taxes to US too; unless you make a permanent citizenship change.

Lots to think about and research. Still...first things first...have your surgery, post-op care and rehab. Then go from there.

Good luck!

I am on a tight budget.

That being the case, it might be a good idea to check with each of your 'candidate' countries what their income/asset requirements are for extended stay or residency. If you cannot get past this hurdle the rest is moot.

I don't believe anyone has mentioned--in case you're not already aware--that regular Medicare provides no coverage when you're traveling or living in Europe. Some of the Medicare Advantage plans may be different; I don't know about those. Medicare A and B are worth zilch to you if you move to Europe.

Moving to another country is very, very complicated, and dual citizenship is typically only possible if you have specific ties to someone from that country. (such as a marriage or birth mother). It is also a long process. Health care will be one of your biggest issues as well as taxes. As an American citizen, you are taxed no matter where you live in the world and you would have to pay taxes in the country you reside in. A better plan would be to take a vacation first or stay for an extended time (although this cannot be past 90 days without a VISA). I have UK/US citizenship. To be honest, it would be very complicated for me to move back and live in the UK at this point in my life.

margaret

Every country is of course different but I expect that all insurers will only insure what they don't expect - beyond an actuarial probability - to have to pay out for.

In other words, at least in the country where I live, you generally cannot get coverage for pre-existing conditions. There is also often a waiting time for a claim. It would be worth considering for each of the countries you are considering.

A tight budget could be a real problem.

What does your doctor and specialist have to say?