When it comes to choosing a place to call home overseas some factors rank higher than others… Cost of living is of course key, as is health care. Today, let’s look at the three destinations that scored an A+ for health care in the 2025 Overseas Retirement Index.
Valencia, Spain
Valencia was crowned the #1 Best Place To Retire In The World in this year’s Overseas Retirement Index. This sun-soaked city on Spain’s Mediterranean coast offers an unparalleled quality of life surrounded by beauty, cultural richness, and community. It also offers top-notch health care.
Indeed, Spain is among the world’s top-ranked countries for medical care, and expats across the country speak highly of its health care system.
In Valencia, excellent public facilities are available through Spain’s National System (the SNS) as well as private hospitals and clinics. Hospital La Fe (one of the top-ranked hospitals in Spain) and Hospital Clínico Universitario are among the most highly-regarded facilities.
As an expat, you’ll need to take out private health insurance, at least initially, to access the Spanish health system. Costs are extremely affordable.
If you decide to settle in Valencia, you should feel confident about having all of your medical needs taken care of to a high standard.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is one of the world’s most livable cities thanks to its efficient public transportation system, friendly locals, ample green spaces, and weather that most people would describe as perfect. It’s never too cold or too hot, so utility bills stay low because you don’t need to heat or cool your home.
Its varied cosmopolitan offerings almost put it on par with the world’s top metropolises… However, unlike comparable destinations, life in Medellín is inexpensive, particularly for American retirees. The U.S.-dollar-to-Colombian-peso exchange rate accentuates the already-low prices.
Colombia is a regional leader when it comes to health care, and some of the best hospitals in Latin America are found in Medellín. This is a city where you can have your health care needs taken care of to a high standard and affordably.
Medellín is home to several top-tier hospitals, including the JCI-accredited Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe and Clínica Medellín. Both public and private facilities are available, although expats pay for private insurance to use the private facilities where standards are highest.
Medellín has become a hub for medical tourism because of the affordability, quality, and advanced equipment and services. Many medical professionals have international training.
Pisa, Italy
Pisa is so much more than just a tourist trap or an architectural project gone wrong. It’s a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Tuscany that offers history and culture combined with the conveniences of modern living. If you’re considering a move to Italy, you should put this highly liveable, underrated city on your radar.
Italy’s health care system is one of the world’s best, so you should feel confident having your medical needs taken care of here.
In Pisa, public health care facilities are available through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). This is the national health care system, which provides affordable and comprehensive care to residents.
Cisanello Hospital and Santa Chiara Hospital are public hospitals that provide specialized care and emergency care. You can also find private facilities in Pisa if you need faster appointments. Facilities in Pisa are modern and well-equipped, and medical professionals are highly trained.
Sincerely,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Living Letter
