Best Overseas Places for Military Retirees
Overseas retirement is a consideration for
many military retirees and service-connected veterans due to generally lower costs of living and exciting cultural explorations.
For U.S. military veterans, retiring abroad is even more advantageous, monetarily speaking.
For instance, most
veterans usually have guaranteed pensions on top of Social Security benefits, which make a retired veteran relatively wealthier
than other Americans, and extraordinarily wealthier compared to citizens of developing countries, according to many demographic
pundits.
Retirement location is important for veterans for many different reasons. However, in terms of living well
off retirement pay and/or compensation benefits, some places stand out more than others. According to demographic and
economic statistics, here are the top four places for veterans to seriously consider:
1. Philippines
Already a popular ex-pat retirement destination, the Philippines has
an extraordinarily large veteran community. According to the Veteran Journal, the Philippines has an estimated 2,000+
ex-Air Force members alone, making it the most popular place for many veteran retirees. Navy veterans also have a large
presence in the Philippines.
Aside from its scenic landscape and low cost of living, the Philippines is the only
foreign country where the Veterans Administration (VA) operates a standalone ambulatory care facility.
2. Panama
Panama is another common destination for military retirees.
Its proximity to the United States, cleanliness, and first-world amenities are all benefits for veterans and regular retirees
alike. Furthermore, Panama offers outstanding retirement benefits.
Combined with the benefits, the use of U.S.
dollars, and the use of English language, Panama is a top location for many military retirees.
3. Thailand
Thailand is another largely veteran retiree location,
according to Veteran Journal. The country is increasingly becoming known for its medical tourism and as such offers great
health-care options, according to the Huffington Post.
Thailand has everything from rural countryside to bustling cities to warm, extended coastlines. As a result,
thousands of U.S. veterans call Thailand home.
4. Malaysia
Ranked as the fourth best retirement location for 2015 by International Living, Malaysia, like other Southeast Asian countries, offers inexpensive luxurious living. Filled with
a large ex-pat community, as well as a naturally diverse culture, Malaysians are welcoming to military retirees.
But the gem of Malaysia is its cleanliness
and safety. Major cities like Kuala Lumpur are not the traditional cities of developing countries. The government’s
no-tolerance policy means virtually no crime. The cultural diversity and safety of Malaysia make it a great retirement
destination for many U.S. veterans.
