Ask almost any American what scares them most about retiring abroad and healthcare is near the top of the list.

So let's look at a real bill from St. Luke's Medical Center in BGC, a JCI accredited hospital a short walk from the most popular expat condos.

The $32 Skin Cancer Screening

Bruce spent over 30 years as a certified registered nurse anesthetist in Wisconsin. He knows exactly what American healthcare costs.

He had skin cancer removed before leaving the United States. Six months later he was due for a full body follow-up exam. Medicare doesn't cover routine care outside the country, so he walked to St. Luke's, saw a dermatologist, and paid out of pocket.

The bill came to ₱2,000. About $32.

In Miami, a full body skin exam runs about $250 at the cash price.

A man who spent his whole career in healthcare sat there stunned.

St. Luke's vs. America

Full body skin exam. About $32 at St. Luke's. About $250 cash in Miami.

Initial dermatology consultation. ₱2,500, about $40, at St. Luke's. About $175 cash in the US, with most hospital cash prices falling between $110 and $212.

Same specialty. A fraction of the price.

The Medicare Gap Nobody Mentions

Original Medicare generally doesn't cover care outside the US.

Some Medigap plans cover emergency care while you're traveling abroad. They typically pay 80% after a $250 deductible, for the first 60 days of a trip, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit. That's for emergencies on a trip. It isn't built for routine care while you live abroad.

So in the Philippines you pay as you go. When a specialist visit costs $40 instead of $175, that's a cost you can plan around.

Peace of Mind Within Walking Distance

Living in BGC means a JCI accredited hospital is a short walk from your front door. That peace of mind is hard to put a price on.

The $32 dermatology exam is a pretty good start.

Start your move to the Philippines the right way.

Travel Well,

Evan Lorezca

The Savvy Expat