Can I Get Private Health Insurance in Costa Rica?
Private insurance is available and as usual, there are exclusions. Nobody I know buys it. Why? Because with the low cost of private medical care, you pay less per annum than the premium costs.
Welcome to the International Living mailbag, your repository of questions posed to our expert expats by your fellow subscribers.
We’ve spent over 40 years digging deep on the best places in the world to retire. In that time, our editors, correspondents, and longtime contributors have built up a wealth of expertise.
And it’s all at your fingertips, right here, as an International Living subscriber.
Take a look below at the questions we’ve been asked, and the expert responses.
And remember, if you’ve got a question you’d like answered, simply send it to mailbag@internationalliving.com and you could see it featured right here.
Private insurance is available and as usual, there are exclusions. Nobody I know buys it. Why? Because with the low cost of private medical care, you pay less per annum than the premium costs.
One of the important things to get used to overseas is how mealtimes work. In many European countries, Spain included, meals are savored a lot more than in the U.S
Belle S. Says: I’m very interested in retirement to San Sebastián, Spain; any information would help. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Belle, San Sebastián is a great choice for a retirement destination. This stylish, seaside city on Spain’s north Atlantic coast—only about 10 minutes by car from the French border—is legendary for Read more...: How Can I Retire in San Sebastián, Spain?
William B. Says: What are the long-term care options in Portugal? IL Contributor Terry Coles Writes: I wouldn’t recommend relocating to a country if you’re close to needing hospice, long-term, or assisted care arrangements. One issue, of course, is the language barrier, even in the best of circumstances. However, things happen, and it is possible Read more...: What are the Long-Term Care Options in Portugal?
It’s most likely you saw photos of the Belizean Mennonite community, who share a similar faith with the Amish. It’s easy to spot Mennonites in Belize. Many of them speak a variety of Low German and dress in an old-fashioned way—men with beards, women in plain clothes and little to no makeup—so they’re often mistaken for Amish.
Sophie W. Says: I’ve always dreamed of one day owning my own château in France. Is that something that’s possible, or just pie in the sky? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Writes: There’s something undeniably romantic about having the keys to your own French château. The word château takes in a whole range of Read more...: Is it Possible to Own a French Château?
Emilie L. Says: Is it easy to get around Costa Rica by bus? IL Contributor Kathleen Evans Writes: All major regions of Costa Rica are accessible by public bus except for the North Caribbean Coast. You can get around town, from outlying neighborhoods and rural areas into town, or travel across the country on Read more...: Is It Easy to Travel Costa Rica by Bus?
Caitlyn O. Says: Can I get my regular prescription medication in Ireland? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Caitlyn, Doctors in Ireland may prescribe you an unfamiliar brand of drug/medication, but all pharmaceuticals are subject to rigorous EU testing before they are allowed to be sold. If you have a specific medication you Read more...: Can I Get My Regular Prescription medication in Ireland?
Trudi P. Says: Can I get much access to alternative medicine in Portugal? IL Contributor Terry Coles Writes: Portugal has its share of alternative medicine practitioners, and as expats continue to move here in search of healthier lifestyles, the industry is flourishing. You’ll find all kinds of therapies and treatments available in special centers Read more...: Does Portugal have an Alternative Medicine Scene?
Antonio M. Says: Do I need to worry about bribing traffic cops in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Writes: We all know corruption exists in every country. In Latin America it can seem more visible. You’ll hear Panamanians discuss bribing traffic police— most often to avoid a well-deserved ticket—as if it were the Read more...: Do I Need to Bribe Traffic Cops in Panama?