Thorough preparation is key to growing old abroad!

Our brand-new brochure ‘Growing old abroad’ offers many practical tips as well as useful information for those of you who are looking to spend their old age abroad. It will assist you in leaving well prepared and avoiding unpleasant surprises.  

Those who are advanced in years and feel that time is slipping through their fingers, often dream about spending their old age abroad. A hospitable climate – especially in winter –, an interesting culture, lovely landscapes, a new language, … For all these reasons and countless others, exploring new horizons feels like a breath of fresh air.

No matter how appealing this prospect may seem, our consular services still wish to point out that you must prepare thoroughly before packing your bags. Moving to a different country means getting acquainted with different customs, a different set of rules, and so on. And are local healthcare services equipped to address the inevitable discomforts you might experience?

Brand-new brochure

To help you prepare, we have created a brand-new brochure ‘Growing old abroad’, that offers you many practical tips as well as useful information. After all, even though our consular services are ready to assist you, it is up to you and your loved ones to make the necessary arrangements, such as insurance and care facilities, in time.

For instance, we strongly recommend that you consult the Travel Advice section on our website before you leave. It also includes a link to the Belgian consular representation with jurisdiction over your destination.  

Another useful piece of information is that your embassy or consulate will become your new town hall if you move abroad indefinitely – for a period of more than 3 months. That is why you must register with the consular post with jurisdiction over your new place of residence. If you have not registered, the post cannot provide you with an identity card, a passport, or a consular certificate.

The right answer to your many questions

Furthermore, the brochure offers you the necessary information on how you can receive your retirement pension. And have you thought about health and hospitalisation insurance that also covers medical evacuations? Is your medication available? How about taxes and pets? Have you notified your loved ones or your general physician of your final wishes in writing? We provide you with an answer to all these questions and we have added a detailed list with useful links as well.

Do you wish to embark on an adventure abroad during this new chapter in your life? This can only be commended. However, you are advised to read the brochure attentively and to not leave ill-prepared. This will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises during the stay you had so eagerly anticipated.