| If you are thinking about retiring, you should put | | | | Healthcare is always a concern for retirees. The |
| Panama City on your short list. No, not Panama | | | | majority of local doctors and dentists were |
| City, Florida. I mean Panama City, Panama. The | | | | educated in the U.S. Both health insurance and |
| AARP’s magazine, Modern Maturity, ranks | | | | health care are very inexpensive. The quality is |
| Panama as the #1 place in the Americas for | | | | excellent with the latest in diagnostic testing and |
| retirement. Fortune and International Living placed | | | | services. Unfortunately, Medicare benefits do not |
| Panama in their top five, and Conde Nast Traveler | | | | cover local services. Just buy a small policy to |
| selected Panama as one of the six best places | | | | cover that, but if you return to the States for |
| for a second home in the Americas. All based | | | | treatment, Medicare coverage will apply. |
| their findings on safety, cost of living, | | | | While Panama has its own Caribbean culture, you |
| infrastructure attractions, beauty and climate. | | | | will feel at home. Panama has always been an |
| The best part of retiring to Panama is not just | | | | international business crossroads and has a |
| that it’s great place to live, and inexpensive, | | | | welcoming attitude. Restaurants, entertainment |
| but the government actually encourages foreign | | | | and shopping accommodations are all first class. |
| retirees to come live here! Qualifying for a retiree | | | | But if you get a little home sick, the States are |
| visa is easy. If you can prove a monthly income | | | | only a short flight away via Tocumen International |
| of $500, pass a basic health check, and pass a | | | | Airport. |
| police background check, you’re eligible. | | | | A legacy of the U.S. involvement in the Canal is a |
| On top of that, the government offers what | | | | modern American-style infrastructure. You can |
| some call the best retiree benefit program in the | | | | drink the water. Transportation and roads are |
| world. Retirees, both Panamanian and expatriate, | | | | reliable. Telecommunications and Internet systems |
| are entitled to 15-50% discounts on a variety of | | | | are world class. Banking systems and ATMs are |
| goods and services ranging from movies and | | | | readily available, and the dollar is accepted as |
| concerts to domestic and international airline | | | | currency – no need to exchange. |
| tickets to medical and dental services. | | | | Panama has a variety of climates. There are |
| The U.S. Social Security system still pays | | | | wonderful beaches, cosmopolitan Panama City, |
| retirement benefits, which count toward the | | | | mountains, and lush tropical areas. You can find a |
| earnings requirement, if you choose to live here. | | | | suitable locale here. Choose a beachfront home or |
| If you averaged yearly earnings of $9152, you | | | | condo on the Pacific or Caribbean shore. The |
| are entitled to a $500 per month benefit at | | | | mountain areas offer perfect all-year-round spring |
| “full retirement age.” For the early benefit, | | | | weather. Foreigners who buy property enjoy all |
| at age 62, you would need $12,203. In reality, | | | | the same rights and protections as Panamanians. |
| almost anyone drawing benefits meets the | | | | I am sure you will think of “Panama City” |
| income qualification to retire here. With a little | | | | and retirement in a new way from now on. |
| planning, you can live tax-free. | | | | |