Moving abroad opens the door to adventure, career growth, and a fresh start. But for expats with long-term health conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or asthma—relocating also means navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems. Ensuring ongoing access to the care you need isn’t just important; it’s essential.
Why Insurance Should Come First
Managing a chronic illness usually involves more than the occasional check-up. Regular lab work, specialist visits, repeat prescriptions, and emergency care can all add up—and in many countries, the cost without insurance is significant.
When selecting a policy, ensure it covers pre-existing conditions and provides access to a wide hospital and specialist network. Look for plans that include mental health services, prescription refills, rehabilitation, and direct billing options to avoid out-of-pocket surprises.
International health insurance providers offer flexible plans with modules for chronic care, 24/7 health hotlines, digital health tools, and multilingual support—a major plus when you’re far from home.
U.S. citizens should also check whether their plan meets IRS rules for maintaining coverage while living abroad (if applicable), and whether their medications are covered under international formularies. You may also want to consider the availability of Medicare while overseas (it’s usually not accepted) and whether a supplemental plan is needed for repatriation.
Know Your Condition, Know Your Needs
Before you move, take the time to fully understand your condition and how it might be affected by your new location. Meet with your current healthcare provider and request a full medical summary, including treatment plans and recent test results.
Consider:
- Do you need monthly medication refills?
- Are climate or environmental triggers (e.g., high pollen, air pollution) a concern?
- Is your condition stable, or prone to flare-ups?
A person with epilepsy may prioritise access to emergency services, while someone with rheumatoid arthritis might look for physical therapy options. Think not just medically, but logistically—what will daily management of your condition look like abroad?
If you’re moving abroad with a medical condition, it’s important to seek tailored guidance before you go. In the UK, the NHS offers resources to help individuals prepare for life overseas while managing ongoing health needs. U.S. citizens are advised to consult the CDC’s travel health pages for condition-specific recommendations and to schedule a pre-travel consultation with a specialist in travel medicine.
Research the Healthcare System in Your Destination
Healthcare quality, availability, and cost vary widely by country—and sometimes by region. In places like France or Spain, public healthcare is excellent and accessible. In others, particularly outside large cities or in developing nations, private care may be the only viable option.
Ask:
- Are expats eligible for public healthcare, or will you need private coverage?
- Are your prescriptions available—and are they legal or regulated differently?
- Will you need to bring or ship your medications and medical supplies?
- Do providers speak your language, or will you need translation assistance?
For Americans, it’s important to note that the medication you take in the U.S. may go by a different name abroad—or may not be available at all. Always check with the FDA or CDC and consult your insurer’s medication equivalency lists if offered.
Tip: The OECD and WHO websites offer healthcare snapshots by country.
Keep Your Medical Records Close
Continuity of care is vital. Bring both printed and digital copies of your records, including diagnosis history, test results, treatment plans, and prescriptions. These should be in English and, if possible, translated into your new country’s language.
Consider storing these securely on your phone or in a cloud service. Mobile apps like Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or MyChart (if used in the U.S.) can help track medications and symptoms.
A letter from your doctor summarising your condition and treatment plan can be especially helpful for a smooth transition. If you’re American, also check out the MyMedicare.gov portal if you’ve used Medicare services, so you can access your claims history before moving.
Finding Providers You Can Trust
Identifying the right doctor can take time—especially in regions where English-speaking professionals are limited. Start your search before you arrive.
Try:
- Asking your embassy or consulate for a list of vetted providers
- Using your insurer’s provider directory
- Joining expat forums or Facebook groups for condition-specific or local recommendations
If you’re used to choosing from within an HMO or PPO network in the U.S., know that many international systems operate differently. In some countries, you can self-refer to specialists; in others, referrals are strictly required.
Build Your Support Network
Managing a long-term health issue can be isolating, and this can be compounded when you’re far from familiar faces. Seek out social and emotional support early on.
Consider:
- Local meetups or online support groups for your condition
- International organisations like the American Diabetes Association or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which often have global resources
- Telehealth counselling services (many international insurance plans include them)
Platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace offer therapy sessions, no matter where you live.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Know how to respond in an emergency.
- Learn the local emergency number—it’s not the same everywhere. For example, it’s 112 in the EU and 000 in Australia.
- Identify the nearest emergency room and know how to get there quickly.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a health card listing your condition, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts—in English and the local language.
- Apps like ICE (In Case of Emergency) and Medical ID (Android/iOS) can display this info on your phone’s lock screen.
Make sure your insurance covers emergency evacuation or repatriation. For Americans, this can be especially important, as returning to the U.S. for urgent treatment without coverage can be financially devastating.
Final Checklist
Living abroad with a chronic health condition takes thoughtful preparation—but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right steps, ongoing care is entirely achievable, and in many cases, your quality of life may even improve.
Remember:
- Secure international health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
- Understand your condition and its management needs abroad
- Research the healthcare system and medication availability in your new home
- Keep medical records accessible in both digital and print formats
- Find providers and build a trusted support network
- Plan ahead for emergencies
Start by comparing expat health plans—with the right support, managing your long-term condition abroad can be empowering rather than limiting.