Actually, everything sounds like a good plan. Shortly before retirement, a senior couple emigrates to Mallorca. The island attracts with good food, lots of sun and low cost of living. There are also many German families living on the island. The best conditions for pensioners to spend their twilight years cheaply and with quality of life, even with a low pension.
Almost 2,000 pensioners have already fulfilled their dream of retiring on Mallorca. But at the same time, many of them in Germany often pack up their tents. Insurance policies are canceled, properties are sold and residences are deregistered. A big mistake, as it often turns out later.
When fate and illness strike…
The couple moves to Spain with full suitcases and household goods. They don’t speak the language and the authorities also avoid them. Too complicated, too incomprehensible, not necessary. But that was a mistake, reports Roland Werner, founder of the aid organization Herztat. The association looks after seniors who feel lonely on the holiday island or who want to return to Germany. Because what many seniors don’t think about are illnesses and fate.
For example, if one of the partners becomes ill, the costs of hospital stays and doctor’s visits rise quickly. Because many emigrants don’t even think about registering in Mallorca or even taking out health insurance. They often even canceled their health insurance in Germany.
As a result, savings can quickly be used up. If the partner also dies, the survivor is left alone, abandoned and impoverished. It’s also a financial disaster, because your own old-age pension and widow’s pension are often not enough to pay the rent.
Many are ashamed of their situation. Local friends and contacts break off and those in need keep canceling private meetings because of money worries because the budget simply doesn’t allow coffee or beer. Many pensioners in Mallorca experienced this situation, says Werner. “Some of them are already in an emergency situation and are literally neglected.”
This is what pensioners should do before they emigrate
If you don’t want to spend your retirement in Germany, you should start thinking about emigrating as early as possible. How easy or complicated it is to start a new life depends primarily on the destination country. It is easiest for pensioners who stay in Europe.
Retirees should obtain comprehensive information about the country in which they want to settle. These include climate, culture, cost of living, healthcare, safety and language.
Health care is particularly important
Anyone who stays in Europe can continue to make contributions to the statutory health insurance pay and is entitled to benefits. However, you only receive the benefits that local insured people are entitled to. Sometimes you have to expect poorer care than in Germany. For example, in Spain patients have to cover almost all dental costs themselves. Your own health insurance company provides more detailed information. Anyone who would like to return to Germany in the event of illness should take out international travel health insurance. This covers the costs for the return transport.
FOCUS online advises: Health care is a crucial factor, especially in old age. Check the quality and availability of medical facilities in the destination country. Emigrants should check how their health insurance works abroad or whether additional foreign insurance is necessary.
If you have found a new home outside of Europe, you will need international health insurance or local insurance. This can be a cheap alternative in the Philippines, for example. If you do not rule out returning to Germany, you should take out expectancy insurance. Otherwise it could happen that your old health insurance company will no longer accept you after you return.
Be sure to have an emergency plan
Even if everything is well planned, there may be situations where returning to the home country is the best or only option, whether due to serious health problems, political unrest or family emergencies.
Older emigrants should have a clear plan for how such a return could work. This includes considerations for financing the return trip, transporting pets or personal items, and temporary accommodation in the home country. It is also advisable to organize important documents such as passports, birth certificates and medical records so that they are quickly available in an emergency.