Has it crossed your mind to live outside the US in retirement?

If so, you’re not alone. More and more Americans are considering retiring abroad, where the cost of living can be lower and the lifestyle more relaxed. But one of the biggest concerns for expats is how to get health insurance.

The good news is that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes it possible for expats to get health insurance coverage. You can enroll in a Marketplace plan, which is a type of health insurance plan that is available to individuals and families who meet certain income requirements.

Marketplace plans offer a range of benefits, including:

Coverage for essential health benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs
Financial assistance to help you pay for your premiums and deductibles
Access to a network of providers who have agreed to accept the plan’s rates

If you are an expat, there are a few things you need to do to enroll in a Marketplace plan:

You must be a US citizen or legal resident who meets the income requirements for the plan.
You must enroll during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1st to January 15th each year.
You must live outside the US for at least 330 days each year.

If you meet these requirements, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan by visiting HealthCare.gov or by calling the Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596.

Once you are enrolled in a Marketplace plan, you will have access to the same benefits as other Marketplace enrollees. You will be able to see any provider in the plan’s network, and you will be covered for essential health benefits.

Expats should also consider purchasing supplemental health insurance to cover any expenses that are not covered by their Marketplace plan.

This type of insurance can help to protect you from unexpected medical expenses, such as the cost of emergency medical care or hospitalization.

If you are an expat who is considering retiring abroad, the ACA makes it possible for you to get health insurance coverage. By enrolling in a Marketplace plan, you can protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and enjoy peace of mind in your retirement.

Resources:

[HealthCare.gov](https://www.healthcare.gov/)
[Marketplace call center](1-800-318-2596)
[ACA FAQs for Expats](https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/Downloads/ACA-FAQs-Part-XXVII-MOOP-2706-FINAL.pdf)