Most U.S. and Canadian expats reported receiving cheaper healthcare in countries abroad than in their native countries, based on a "Best Places in the World to Retire" survey, according to TheStreet.
The survey received responses from 389 expats, mainly from the United States and Canada and currently living in Panama, Belize and Nicaragua.
Here are six insights:
1. Of those surveyed, 38.2 percent said their healthcare costs between half and one quarter of the cost of healthcare in their native countries.
2. More than 75 percent of expats reported healthcare abroad was "somewhat better," "about the same" or "somewhat worse" than healthcare in their native countries.
3. About 11 percent of respondents reported "much worse" healthcare abroad.
4. About 43 percent of expats said their lifestyles were "much healthier" abroad. Most attribute this lifestyle change to less stress, healthier food and more exercise.
5. Of the expats surveyed, 42.3 percent reported being "very satisfied" with their healthcare abroad, and 28 percent said they were "somewhat satisfied." About 9 percent were dissatisfied with care abroad.
6. Panama ranked ahead of Nicaragua (36 percent) and Belize (26 percent), with 50 percent of respondents reporting being "very satisfied" with their healthcare.
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