November 2026

Retiring to Costa Rica: What Happens to Your Pension and Health Cover?

Retiring to Costa Rica raises a question most guides skip: which of your North American benefits follow you? For Canadians, Old Age Security can be paid abroad only after 20 years of residence in Canada since age 18, according to Canada.ca. For Americans, Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the US. Costa Rica ranks third in International Living's 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index,...