Living abroad is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that is like nothing else you will ever do in life. It opens the door to new opportunities to see the world’s beauty and make everlasting memories. It enables you to meet new people, make new friends, and do the things you’ve always dreamt of doing.
No matter which country you decide to move to, you can immerse yourself in a new culture and discover the hidden gems of planet Earth. However, it’s important not to get too caught up in the excitement of relocating abroad and forget about the important stuff.
There are several things to organise when you’re moving to a new country, including visas, bank accounts, health insurance, and cultural differences between your home country and the place you’re moving to. Below, we have covered some top tips to ensure you have a successful and stress-free (or at least, almost stress-free!) relocation process, whether you’re travelling to India, Australia, or somewhere in Europe.
Organise Both Medical and Travel Insurance
Both medical insurance and travel insurance are essentials when you’re moving to another country. Medical insurance offers protection for healthcare related costs and enables you to access medical treatments and medications if you need them.
Travel insurance is essential for a smooth and seamless journey to your expat destination and anywhere else you decide to travel whilst you’re abroad.
You will need to arrange health insurance, travel insurance, or medical travel insurance, which are combined into a single policy. Make sure to choose a plan that covers your unique health needs, including treatments or prescription medications that you require for existing health conditions.
If you plan on travelling to multiple countries during your time as an expat, consider getting worldwide medical insurance that provides seamless coverage across multiple borders.
You’ll most likely need health insurance in any country you move to, even if the country offers free healthcare. Most countries with a free healthcare system require expats to have health insurance until they apply for permanent residency.
Travel insurance provides financial protection when you run into issues relating to your travel plans. For example, if your flights get cancelled, your luggage gets lost or stolen, or there’s a natural disaster in your destination country.
Apply for the Right Visa, and Do So in Advance
Most countries need you to have a visa before you move there. This visa will need to be specific to the reason you’re moving, such as for work, study, or retirement.
Make sure to apply for a visa in advance so it gets approved in time for your move. You will need to show proof of your visa when you enter the country at the border. Check the official government website for accurate information about the type of visa you need for your move.
Build a Strong and Stable Support Network
Having a strong support network is essential for maintaining great mental health and emotional well-being during your time as an expat. This is especially important if you’re moving on your own and don’t know anybody in your new area personally.
Don’t be afraid to speak to people in your local area, whether they are native residents or other expats. As scary as it is to put yourself out there, doing so enables you to meet new people and settle into your new home relatively quickly.
At the same time, make sure to stay in touch with your loved ones back at home. Whether this is your family or close friends, regular contact will help you feel less alone during your big move. Building and maintaining a strong support network can reduce the risk of poor mental health and feelings of isolation, which are common issues for expats.
Keep Yourself Physically Healthy
Your physical health is also an important component of a successful move abroad. From the day you move to your new home, aim to maintain a daily exercise routine. Even if your physical activity is a quick walk around the block or a short session in one of the local gyms, small bouts of exercise can make a significant difference to your physical health.
Having medical insurance is vital for maintaining good health abroad. Don’t forget to organise insurance coverage so you can access healthcare services in your local area if you ever get injured or develop an illness. Familiarise yourself with the healthcare system in your expat country so you know how to access medical services through your insurance provider if and when needed.
Consider joining a local running club or attending group classes at your local gym to meet new people and make friends. Group workouts are a great way to find lifelong friends and make yourself as comfortable as possible in your new home.
