Costa Rica Expat Forum

guestuser
Joined 2001
Posts: 5

8 years ago

Is politics important to relocaters?

8 years ago

In the 12+ years talking with folks thinking of relocating to Costa Rica, I now send a mailer out every month to 10’s of thousands of people, and on a yearly basis talk to around 2000 people at conventions etc. I think it would be safe to say I understand what people are thinking and considering when contemplating pulling up roots and moving to a foreign country. We have folks who purchased in Grand View from Cuba, England, Canada, the U.S., Trinidad and Tobago, Poland, Jamaica, Columbia and other countries. For brevity I need to broad stroke a little but I would put the three main topics that factor into the move ----is the person adventurous and looking for a change----politics in home country vs. target country----economics in home country vs. target country. The first topic, sense of adventure—if they don’t have that, it won’t happen. Many folks can’t imagine life without the local group having coffee at the diner. Funny but the second most important is the economic factor but in reality many aspects of that is determined by politics in their home country. So often this forum forgets that there is a big world out there and other citizens are looking to move. Last week I had long conversations with people from Italy and Venezuela. They were pretty typical conversations as well and guess what? They centered around politics and economics. So if politics offends you that is fine—but trust me it is of prime importance to those thinking of relocation. And it is usually a matter of trying to understand the differences between their home country and the country they are considering. Politics effect the economics of home values, banking interest rates, moral direction and health care to name some of the most important topics people ask me about. Lets take a look at what the typical conversation is and what the concerns of a US citizen are when wondering how Costa Rica is different, and if and how they might benefit from a move—this is what I do every single day in my work. Lets take health care---and these are not my opinions but based on current feedback I get.
The US monolog—ACA—a program that was rammed down our throats—we were lied to to get it passed—we can’t keep our doctor, we can’t keep our policy, the monthly costs are going up not down as promised. No control over medicinal costs. I can’t afford the new premiums. The copays and limits are too much. I am paying for people to get free health care.(I talked to a friend yesterday—his policy was 900—now 1500!—and they are only a year or two from retirement. Not a happy couple!)
The Costa Rica comparison-in 1948 the Army was abolished and Health Care became Universal. All working citizens and employers contribute to the system. You work --you contribute. (too bad there is an illegal immigrant problem similar to the US that taxes the system.) The government controls costs of labor and medicine to keep it as affordable as possible. As permanent residents we don’t get a free ride and are required to pay into the system. I tell folks that I have insurance as a permanent resident and my Tica wife is on the policy as well—my cost? $69 bucks a month. Full coverage.

Of course all these topics could be discussed more deeply but that is what I run into every day. Those on the forum who don’t like the topics that are important to many reading here?? When you see GBP—move on—delete—bypass—ignore. If you can’t control the urge to read anyway and then call me names and throw out insults?? --heres a suggestion, subscribe to Netflix for 7.99 a month—that way you can control what you see on your computer screen better.

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com

William Russell

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William Russell

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