In the US, most retirees either lose their employer-paid health care altogether, are shifted to a different health care policy, or must furnish self-paid health care insurance. Medicare covers some health care costs, but it is far from comprehensive. For retirees, access to affordable health care has a significant impact on the quality of life in retirement.

The cost and availability of health care isn’t just a concern for retirees from the United States, though. Retirees from places like Canada, Great Britain and other countries with “universal” health care also express concern about their ability to get the treatments they need. In many cases, government-paid health care won’t cover certain procedures and treatments, or the wait is too long. Citizens who can afford to do so pay for private medical services when they require medical care. Like retirees in the US, however, they are also concerned about the impact that health care costs will have on their retirement savings.

Coverage for medical services may not be universal, but the desire to find affordable health care certainly is. That’s one reason Puerto Vallarta health care is so attractive to people from all over the world. High quality health care services, procedures and treatments are readily available in Puerto Vallarta. Well-trained, board-certified physicians who work in modern hospitals and clinics provide them routinely. In fact, some physicians practice both in the US and in Mexico, providing state-of-the-art treatments and procedures that are either unavailable or too expensive to provide in the US.

In addition to affordable health care services, retirees can find affordable prescription drugs. The 50%-75% savings on prescription drugs can make a major difference for retirees who may otherwise not be able to afford their medications. As in other countries, generic equivalents are also available here and meet the same quality standards as drugs prescribed in the United States.

The cost of medical services and prescription medications in the US can consume a major portion of a retiree’s income and savings. Having access to affordable health care can mean the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and struggling to get by.

Photo Credit: Joel Rorabaugh