Article Highlights:

  • One in three travelers are considering retiring abroad, signaling a major shift in retirement planning.
  • Mexico and Costa Rica remain top retirement destinations due to affordability and healthcare access.
  • European options like Portugal and Greece offer cultural richness with modern infrastructure.
  • Financial flexibility strongly influences who is most likely to retire internationally.
  • Retiring abroad increases the importance of medical evacuation and emergency preparedness.

 

 

For generations, retirement planning focused on domestic milestones: downsizing, relocating to a warmer state or settling closer to family. Today, that narrative is changing. Travel exposure, financial flexibility and shifting lifestyle priorities are driving more Americans to consider an international future. According to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, more than one in three travelers are actively thinking about retiring abroad, with interest strongest among younger, higher-income travelers who already see the world as accessible and familiar.

The idea of retiring internationally is no longer limited to adventurous outliers. Instead, it is becoming a mainstream aspiration tied to affordability, quality of life, healthcare access and cultural enrichment. Countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, Panama and Greece consistently appear on lists of the best places in the world to retire, offering a compelling mix of cost savings, lifestyle benefits and residency options. Yet retiring abroad also introduces real considerations around safety, healthcare access and emergency response, factors many retirees underestimate until they are living far from home.

 

A Global Trend Shaped by Experience and Income

The Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey highlights a broader shift in how Americans view retirement. Interest in retiring abroad is highest among travelers under 55, particularly those aged 35 to 54, who have integrated global travel into their lifestyles. Higher-income respondents are leading this trend, with those earning over $150,000 annually showing the strongest interest in international retirement.

“Travel often sparks more than just short-term adventure, it opens people’s eyes to what life could look like elsewhere,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. These travelers are not chasing novelty alone; they are evaluating long-term sustainability, healthcare access and personal safety as part of their retirement planning.

 

Mexico: Familiar, Affordable and Close to Home

Mexico remains one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking to retire abroad and for good reason. Proximity to the United States allows retirees to stay connected to family while enjoying a significantly lower cost of living. Many expat-friendly cities offer modern infrastructure, private healthcare facilities and established English-speaking communities. For retirees asking whether they should retire in Mexico, the appeal often centers on affordability, climate variety and cultural familiarity.

Mexico’s advantages, however, are location-specific. While some regions boast excellent hospitals and international medical standards, others may have limited emergency response capabilities outside major urban centers. Public healthcare quality varies widely and retirees often rely on private providers. Security concerns also differ by region, requiring careful research before settling. Retiring in Mexico can be rewarding, but it demands thoughtful location selection and contingency planning.

 

Costa Rica: Stability, Healthcare and Natural Beauty

Costa Rica consistently ranks as a top choice for retirees seeking stability, environmental beauty and strong healthcare systems. The country’s long-standing democracy, lack of a standing military and emphasis on sustainability make it particularly attractive to retirees prioritizing safety and quality of life. For those considering whether to retire in Costa Rica, access to both public and private healthcare is a significant draw, along with a well-defined residency program for retirees.

That said, Costa Rica’s popularity has driven up costs in some areas, particularly coastal and expat-dense regions. Infrastructure can be inconsistent outside major cities and specialized medical care may require travel to San José. Retirees accustomed to immediate emergency services may find response times slower in rural or remote locations. Costa Rica offers a balanced lifestyle, but expectations around convenience and accessibility must be realistic.

 

Portugal: European Living With Financial Incentives

Portugal has emerged as one of the best countries to retire in Europe, combining Old World charm with modern infrastructure and strong healthcare access. Favorable residency programs, a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European nations and a welcoming attitude toward foreigners have made Portugal especially appealing to retirees seeking cultural richness without excessive complexity.

The country’s public healthcare system is widely regarded and private options are readily available. Bureaucracy can be slow, however, and language barriers still exist outside major cities. Additionally, popular retirement hubs have seen rising housing costs. While Portugal offers security and quality of life, retirees should be prepared for administrative challenges and evolving tax policies that may impact long-term financial planning.

 

Panama: Financial Advantages and Strategic Location

Panama positions itself as a retiree-friendly destination through incentives such as pensioner discounts, favorable tax policies and modern infrastructure. Its strategic location and use of the US dollar add layers of familiarity and financial simplicity. For those searching for the best place to retire with a balance of urban convenience and tropical living, Panama frequently stands out.

Yet Panama’s benefits are unevenly distributed. Healthcare quality is excellent in Panama City but less consistent in rural regions. Cultural integration can take time and emergency services may be limited outside metropolitan areas. Retirees drawn by financial incentives must weigh these benefits against potential gaps in regional infrastructure and medical response.

 

Greece: Culture, Climate and Lifestyle Appeal

Greece offers retirees a lifestyle steeped in history, cuisine and Mediterranean living. Coastal towns and islands attract those seeking slower rhythms, scenic environments and strong community ties. Compared to other European destinations, Greece can be relatively affordable, making it an appealing option among the best places in the world to retire.

Greece’s healthcare system varies by region, however, with top facilities concentrated in larger cities. Island living, while idyllic, can mean delayed emergency care and limited specialist access. Bureaucracy and language barriers may also present challenges. Retiring in Greece offers profound lifestyle rewards, but it requires adaptability and careful healthcare planning.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Retiring abroad offers freedom, affordability and access to new experiences, but it also introduces risks many retirees overlook. In many international destinations, first responders may not arrive quickly, emergency transport may be limited and advanced medical care may require travel across borders. These realities make preparation essential, not optional.

A Global Rescue membership provides field rescue, medical evacuation and medical advisory services that bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. Whether living in a coastal village, mountain town or emerging retirement hub, retirees benefit from knowing that expert help is available when local systems fall short. For those choosing the best country to retire beyond their home borders, Global Rescue adds a critical layer of security, ensuring that adventure, independence and peace of mind can coexist, no matter where retirement leads.