Savings & retirement income
Pensions, retirement accounts and Social Security. U.S. Social Security benefits can generally be received while living abroad — confirm your situation with the SSA.
FINANCIAL PLANNING Senior Living at a Distance™
How to pay for senior living
How to pay for senior living
— with a clear plan.
Ways to pay, what Medicare does and doesn’t cover abroad, published program prices and a simple calculator to estimate your first year.
At a glance
Paying for senior living abroad — the short answer
Most families pay for senior living and care abroad by combining resources: retirement income and savings, home equity, long-term care or life insurance options, veterans benefits and family contributions. Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S., so private insurance, local public options (such as Costa Rica’s CCSS) or self-pay plans matter. Green Healthcare’s Senior Living at a Distance™ plans start at $350 setup + $29/month, and independent provider costs are quoted separately in writing.
Last updated: · Green Healthcare editorial team
- Common sources
- Savings, retirement income, home equity, insurance, veterans benefits, family
- Medicare abroad
- Generally not covered outside the U.S.
- Our plans
- From $350 setup + $29/month · up to $5,000 setup + $295/month
- Navigation
- $175/hour · Healthcare 101 from $195
- Estimates
- Free personalized estimate on request
Financial planningPlan the costs
Plan the costs
with confidence.
Money shouldn’t be what holds you back from the right support. Most families combine several resources — here’s where to start, plus a simple calculator to estimate your plan.
Selling or renting a home
Home equity is one of the most common ways families fund a move, a retirement community or care at home.
Long-term care insurance
Some policies help with home care or residential care. Ask your insurer whether benefits apply outside your home country.
Life insurance options
Some policies offer living benefits or other options. A licensed advisor can explain what applies to you.
Veterans benefits
Eligible U.S. veterans may have VA benefits, including programs for service-connected care abroad. Ask us about veteran discounts on our programs.
Medicare & health coverage
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the U.S. Review private insurance, local options such as the CCSS in Costa Rica, or self-pay plans.
Family contributions
Adult children or relatives often share costs. A clear written plan makes those conversations easier.
Combine resources
Most families blend two or three of these. We help you see the full picture — with no hidden coordination fees.
Cost calculator
Estimate your first-year plan cost
Choose a Senior Living at a Distance™ plan, then compare your current monthly living costs with your expected costs after a move or change in support.
Membership, first year$698
Membership, following years$348/yr
Living costs, 12 months (current)$54,000
Living costs + membership, 12 months (new)$36,698
Estimated yearly difference$17,30232% lower
For planning only — not a quote or financial advice. Independent provider, housing, clinical, legal and transport costs are separate and confirmed in writing. The Independent Living Plan can also be paid as $299/year after setup.
Request a personalized estimate1
List what you already have
Income, savings, home equity, insurance and benefits.
2
Compare real options
We gather written quotes so you compare actual costs — not estimates.
3
Talk with an advisor
We coordinate with your CPA, financial advisor or attorney when needed.
4
Review every year
Membership keeps the plan and budget current as needs change.
Green Healthcare does not provide financial, tax, insurance or legal advice. Benefit eligibility (Social Security, VA, insurance) is determined by the relevant agency or insurer.
Financial questionsMoney questions,
Money questions,
straight answers.
Every situation is different. We’ll help you see the full picture — then coordinate with your own advisors.
See all plansHow do most families pay for senior living abroad?+
By combining resources: retirement income and savings, home equity from selling or renting a home, long-term care or life insurance options, veterans benefits and family contributions.
Does Medicare cover senior care in Costa Rica?+
Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the United States. Many retirees abroad use private international insurance, local public options such as Costa Rica’s CCSS where eligible, or self-pay. Confirm your coverage with Medicare and your insurer.
Can I receive U.S. Social Security while living in Costa Rica?+
U.S. Social Security benefits can generally be paid to beneficiaries living in Costa Rica and many other countries. Confirm your eligibility and payment options with the Social Security Administration.
Are there benefits for veterans?+
Eligible U.S. veterans may have VA benefits, including programs for service-connected conditions abroad. Eligibility is determined by the VA. Ask us about veteran discounts on Green Healthcare programs.
How much do Senior Living at a Distance™ plans cost?+
Independent Living: $350 setup + $29/month (or $299/year). Care Navigator: $990 + $69/month. LifeCare Advocate: $1,500 + $99/month. Executive Legacy Concierge: $5,000 + $295/month. Provider, housing, clinical, legal and transport costs are separate.
Do you give financial advice?+
No. We organize information and gather written quotes, and coordinate with your CPA, financial advisor or attorney, who provide financial, tax and legal advice.
Begin your plan
Tell us who you’re
Tell us who you’re
planning for.
Three short steps. A coordinator reviews your request and contacts you about the next step.
- No obligation to enrollAsk about one plan or compare everything.
- Private planning conversationNeeds, geography and priorities.
- Clear scope before services beginEverything confirmed in writing.
Please don’t include passwords, financial account numbers or unnecessary medical details. In an emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.
Next stepExplore Senior Living
Explore Senior Living
at a Distance™.
Membership plans, retirement homes, help at home and legacy planning — all in one place.