What Countries to avoid paying USA taxes?

[Hobo]

But the problem is that in today's service economy finding a better paying job is tough. Yes there are good jobs out there for people with the right skills, but not enough of them. And companies who are always seeking to improve their stock price are seeing their employees as a source of profit enhancement. Thus the constant reduction of benefits, the slowing of wage growth while annually increasing healthcare costs, etc. I put in the majority of my working life into a major corporation that promised if I stuck with them I'd receive good pay and a good retirement. They are highly profitable and aren't under pressure to put jobs offshore. I'm a courier and pkgs can't be delivered here by someone in Mexico. The emphasis is always on our stock price. I'm 47, have no desire to switch into something else at this point. Easy to make those remarks but if you've put 21 years of your life into something and it goes bad you may feel different about it.

What you describe is a lesson what NOT to do for anyone seeking early retirement. You have broken many of the fundamental rules of following the path to ER: 1) Never count on a company or organization being around for your entire lifetime. Companies go bankrupt, they merge, they so many things that will break their promise of a good pension when you retire, 2) Be in control of your own finances - never trust some other organization with your future, 3) Beware of working for one company for too long... you are likely to be trapped by the "golden handcuffs", ie, when you are making too much money to quit, but not learning new skills where you are.

I could list a few more rules, but I think you get the idea. You must be in control of your own finances and your own life (including career). The road to ER is littered with the bodies of people who died from broken promises by well-intentioned big companies.

 

[AlmostThere]

What you describe is a lesson what NOT to do for anyone seeking early retirement. You have broken many of the fundamental rules of following the path to ER: 1) Never count on a company or organization being around for your entire lifetime. Companies go bankrupt, they merge, they so many things that will break their promise of a good pension when you retire, 2) Be in control of your own finances - never trust some other organization with your future, 3) Beware of working for one company for too long... you are likely to be trapped by the "golden handcuffs", ie, when you are making too much money to quit, but not learning new skills where you are.

I could list a few more rules, but I think you get the idea. You must be in control of your own finances and your own life (including career). The road to ER is littered with the bodies of people who died from broken promises by well-intentioned big companies.

Fair enough, but this is where I'm at and have to make the most of it. So while all you folks who did it the right way are enjoying the States, looks like I'll be sitting on a beach in South America. In the long run I'll be ok, but most people in similar straits will slog thru to the bitter end because they'll never be aware of alternatives. Or aren't willing or afraid to try anything different.

 

[Texarkandy]

Fair enough, but this is where I'm at and have to make the most of it. So while all you folks who did it the right way are enjoying the States, looks like I'll be sitting on a beach in South America. In the long run I'll be ok, but most people in similar straits will slog thru to the bitter end because they'll never be aware of alternatives. Or aren't willing or afraid to try anything different.

AlmostThere - I find that a little disrespectful to those of us who don't choose your path. It's not a matter of not being "aware of alternatives" or not being "willing or afraid to try anything different"

I am well aware of the alternative of retiring overseas - and as to being "not willing or afraid to try anything different", well I could tell you about some things I've done in my life that might indicate otherwise to you (as could others on this board, I'm sure), but that's not the point.

Frankly, I choose the US over a 2nd or 3rd world country. My family is here, I have security here (finanicial, medical, political, social) and that's important. I like the climate, I like the people, I like the amenities. I actually like living in the US and prefer it over any other country.

If you choose a different path, I say fine & good for you - but don't put the rest of us down as we're sitting on the beach in Destin, FL, scuba diving in the Keys, camping in the Rockies (or whatever/wherever)

 

[haha]

AlmostThere - I find that a little disrespectful to those of us who don't choose your path. It's not a matter of not being "aware of alternatives" or not being "willing or afraid to try anything different"

More than one poster around here thinks his way is the way, whether it be where to live, how to live, or how to invest.

I agree with someone around here who said the game isn't over until we are tucked into the earth, so until then proclamations of what should be done are premature.

Regarding Arica- I read the piece, and I can't think of a more boring life. Great place for a short vacation with a compatible someone, but an awful place to spend a lot of time. But obviously Almost thinks it will suit him. And why should it not? Presumably he knows what he wants. But even more certainly, he doesn't know what others want, or can afford, or would be repelled by. So likely his criticisms of those who don't want to pack off to some remote place where they would have no connections or familiarity are because he is insecure about his own decision to do so.

Ha

 

[mexmeme]

Do you have a source for the CEO's pay? I would be interested to read it.

Concentration of wealth is within historical norms. People that who want to raise that issue start measuring from the 1970s when wealth concentration declined due to the economic issues at the time. In other words the wealthy lost more money than the average person.

CEO pay is not the cause of the disparity in wealth. It is an issue politicians raise as a class warfare issue and distract people from the true causes. If CEO pay was reduced to the average employee wage, it would not help the average employee.

Yes the bailouts and other issues will eventually break the country.

Here is one example I found regarding U.S. CEO pay VS foreign.

http://www.cab.latech.edu/~mkroll/510_papers/fall_05/Group6.pdf

 

[AlmostThere]

AlmostThere - I find that a little disrespectful to those of us who don't choose your path. It's not a matter of not being "aware of alternatives" or not being "willing or afraid to try anything different"

I am well aware of the alternative of retiring overseas - and as to being "not willing or afraid to try anything different", well I could tell you about some things I've done in my life that might indicate otherwise to you (as could others on this board, I'm sure), but that's not the point.

Frankly, I choose the US over a 2nd or 3rd world country. My family is here, I have security here (finanicial, medical, political, social) and that's important. I like the climate, I like the people, I like the amenities. I actually like living in the US and prefer it over any other country.

If you choose a different path, I say fine & good for you - but don't put the rest of us down as we're sitting on the beach in Destin, FL, scuba diving in the Keys, camping in the Rockies (or whatever/wherever)

I believe you would be covered under the part of my statement "not willing." And obviously because you are on this forum you would be better informed than average. I was talking abour the average person out there with no hope of retiring early in the U.S. because he doesn't make enough to even consider it. In his mind it's just the way it is. But present an alternative to him such as living overseas, or fulltime RVing, or anything different than what he knows, and most likely he'll be unwilling to try, or even fearful of what might go wrong.

Concerning Arica. I can go to the beach, I can go the markets, surf the internet, watch satellite tv, go to a huge duty free shopping district in Peru, take my dogs for walks, surf, catch very economical buses to some of the world's most beautiful locations, or fly there even faster, go to a casino, go deep sea fishing, surf, or just hang out in very pleasant weather. Probably a few other things too. Life is what you make it. If my choice is to work until I drop or go to Arica, better not stand in my way. And while Arica is very affordable, if you want to see an area that is as beautiful as about any place on Earth, go to Google Images and search for Pucon. One of the places I'll spend my time in. I'm not anti-American, but it's getting tougher for average people to have anything. I bet when your ancestors talked of leaving Europe they got criticised too!

 

[AlmostThere]

AlmostThere - I find that a little disrespectful to those of us who don't choose your path. It's not a matter of not being "aware of alternatives" or not being "willing or afraid to try anything different"

I am well aware of the alternative of retiring overseas - and as to being "not willing or afraid to try anything different", well I could tell you about some things I've done in my life that might indicate otherwise to you (as could others on this board, I'm sure), but that's not the point.

Frankly, I choose the US over a 2nd or 3rd world country. My family is here, I have security here (finanicial, medical, political, social) and that's important. I like the climate, I like the people, I like the amenities. I actually like living in the US and prefer it over any other country.

If you choose a different path, I say fine & good for you - but don't put the rest of us down as we're sitting on the beach in Destin, FL, scuba diving in the Keys, camping in the Rockies (or whatever/wherever)

I believe you would be covered under the part of my statement "not willing." And obviously because you are on this forum you would be better informed than average. I was talking abour the average person out there with no hope of retiring early in the U.S. because he doesn't make enough to even consider it. In his mind it's just the way it is. But present an alternative to him such as living overseas, or fulltime RVing, or anything different than what he knows, and most likely he'll be unwilling to try, or even fearful of what might go wrong.

Concerning Arica. I can go to the beach, I can go the markets, surf the internet, watch satellite tv, go to a huge duty free shopping district in Peru, take my dogs for walks, catch very economical buses to some of the world's most beautiful locations, or fly there even faster, go to a casino, go deep sea fishing, surf, or just hang out in very pleasant weather. Probably a few other things too. Life is what you make it. If my choice is to work until I drop or go to Arica, better not stand in my way. And while Arica is very affordable, if you want to see an area that is as beautiful as about any place on Earth, go to Google Images and search for Pucon. One of the places I'll spend my time in. I'm not anti-American, but it's getting tougher for average people to have anything. I bet when your ancestors talked of leaving Europe they got criticised too!

 

[Hobo]

Almost There, what you say is fair enough - early retirement can be achieved by simply adopting a simpler, less expensive way of life. That is much easier to achieve in a foreign country.

Some people may think living in a foreign country would be a big step down from living in America - and in many ways it is. On the other hand, if you are looking for a slower pace of life and a chance to get away from the social pressures of "keeping up with the Jones", then living in a foreign country can be superior to living in the US. It is a decision each person must decide by him/herself.

Finally, I think it is important to emphasize that if you relying on the company you work for to provide a way for you to retire early, I hope you have a good pension program. Most companies are more of a hindrance than a help to ER. If you are risk adverse and always choose the safe road, then you are going to have few choices for ER other than living a much simpler lifestyle when you do decide to retire. But, like I say, maybe that's okay with you.

 

[Texarkandy]

.... On the other hand, if you are looking for a slower pace of life and a chance to get away from the social pressures of "keeping up with the Jones", then living in a foreign country can be superior to living in the US. ....

I don't understand you at all on this.

Do you suggest people might want to move to a foreign country to avoid social pressure to keep up with the Jones?

Why must one move to a foreign country in order to not "keep up with the Jones"? And "social pressure"? It's never been an issue for me here in the good ole USofA.

(BTW - "keeping up with the Jones" is not a uniquely American thing)

 

[Texarkandy]

....

if you want to see an area that is as beautiful as about any place on Earth, go to Google Images and search for Pucon. One of the places I'll spend my time in. ....

I know places in East Texas (and elsewhere in the US) that are about as beautiful as any place on earth. Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder.

One thing I have learned though is: Wherever you go, there you are.

 

[AlmostThere]

I know places in East Texas (and elsewhere in the US) that are about as beautiful as any place on earth. Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder.

One thing I have learned though is: Wherever you go, there you are.

Among other places I've lived in Santa Fe, Seattle, Salida, CO, and recently transferred to Tyler, TX. Tyler is a beautiful place. Can't afford to retire here though. So either I look for affordable alternatives, or settle for working until I physically can't or drop dead. Doesn't make me disloyal to the U.S., just realistic. Heck, the U.S. is marching towards 400 million people. They won't miss me!

 

[Hobo]

I don't understand you at all on this.

Do you suggest people might want to move to a foreign country to avoid social pressure to keep up with the Jones?

Why must one move to a foreign country in order to not "keep up with the Jones"? And "social pressure"? It's never been an issue for me here in the good ole USofA.

(BTW - "keeping up with the Jones" is not a uniquely American thing)

I don't know what kind of lifestyle you live, but this holiday season is a great example of American social pressures. Just watch how much money you spend in the next month which is as a result of "that's what you do for Thanksgiving and Christmas". For most families, purchases of expensive food and gifts, etc. are controlled by what people around you are doing.

That's okay if you are working and have a steady income stream. But if you are retired with a minimal fixed income it is tough to find a way to not spend money. What to you do for Thanksgiving if you do not have the money to buy a turkey and all the trappings?

In a foreign country it is much easier to save money (or wisely spend the small money you have). A simple e-mail or telephone call is all that is required for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, a book from Amazon.com will suffice. No decorations, no pressure to buy expensive gifts - those are the social pressures that you avoid by moving abroad.

Perhaps you personally have the money to follow the standard traditions of the Holiday season, and maybe you enjoy the whole ritual. But if you live in the US and are retired on a minimal income, this is a difficult time to get along without money.

 

[Texarkandy]

I don't understand you at all on this.

Do you suggest people might want to move to a foreign country to avoid social pressure to keep up with the Jones?

Why must one move to a foreign country in order to not "keep up with the Jones"? And "social pressure"? It's never been an issue for me here in the good ole USofA.

(BTW - "keeping up with the Jones" is not a uniquely American thing)

I don't know what kind of lifestyle you live, but this holiday season is a great example of American social pressures. Just watch how much money you spend in the next month which is as a result of "that's what you do for Thanksgiving and Christmas". For most families, purchases of expensive food and gifts, etc. are controlled by what people around you are doing.

That's okay if you are working and have a steady income stream. But if you are retired with a minimal fixed income it is tough to find a way to not spend money. What to you do for Thanksgiving if you do not have the money to buy a turkey and all the trappings?

In a foreign country it is much easier to save money (or wisely spend the small money you have). A simple e-mail or telephone call is all that is required for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, a book from Amazon.com will suffice. No decorations, no pressure to buy expensive gifts - those are the social pressures that you avoid by moving abroad.

Perhaps you personally have the money to follow the standard traditions of the Holiday season, and maybe you enjoy the whole ritual. But if you live in the US and are retired on a minimal income, this is a difficult time to get along without money.

turkey is cheap actually - we spend a little xmas money on DD - other than that, cards for most & token gifts for a few others.

I don't know where you live or how your family/neighbors may have been making you feel about "the season", but I've never felt any "social pressures" whatsoever about the whole thing and none of it's ever really been a big expense for us.

Certainly it's not anything that would ever be a factor into a decision to permanently move out of the US.

 

[Texarkandy]

Don't get me wrong - I have no issues with folks wanting to move away from the US, even to a 2nd or 3rd world country - but for me (planning a modest but comfortable ER soon) the "pure adventure" of it would be the only valid "rationalization". Not financial or social.

After DD is out of the house DW & I may very well spend half a year or more at a time in some foreign locales (on the local economy, not vacation type accomodations) - we won't be doing it to increase our standard of living though - IMO the standard of living is pretty darn good in the US, even for folks of modest means.

 

[Hobo]

I personally have lived in Indonesia for 9 years, ever since I retired at age 53. It would take many pages for me to tell you why I left the US and why I chose Indonesia - and part of the story is simply that fate lead me in that direction. At that time I had a DD living with me and my second wife. I recall buying a computer for Christmas - and it was a welcome gift, but nothing extraordinary either. In those days computers were more expensive.

The easiest way to put it was I grew bored with my life. When the DD graduated from college, the second wife left me, and my dog died, my business had achieved success, and I lost the race for my second term on City Council, I felt like I really needed a change. Parties and friends were not exciting... basically I was ready for a complete change of lifestyle, and still live on my $3000 per month annuity income.

The move to Indonesia has been wonderful for me. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone - I am sure some would be bored. But the weather is beautiful, and I have complete control over what I do. It has been a great time for me to read so many of the books I never had time to read before. I could hire two young woman as maids (not for sex) - so eliminated a lot of drudgery work.

I am a man of many interests - a lot of them working with my hands, such as woodcarving and tinkering with electronics. In short, my day is filled with activities of my own making. Plus, as you said, the opportunity to experience a totally different culture has been wonderfully interesting. I can travel to some very exotic areas, spend time just watching the day to day life of the village.

As you can tell, it worked out well for me - and I encourage anyone thinking of retiring (particularly if they are single) to seriously consider overseas living. From the standpoint of cost, interesting activities, and simple comfort of living, it can't be had in the US for 3 times the price. Plus the stimulus of living in a new environment is priceless (for me).

Having said all that, everyone must choose their own future after retirement. I only encourage people to look at the wide range of options that are available.

 

[Leonidas]

Among other places I've lived in Santa Fe, Seattle, Salida, CO, and recently transferred to Tyler, TX. Tyler is a beautiful place. Can't afford to retire here though.

Hmmm. Not that I've given Tyler much thought at a retirement location, but it would not have been on my list of potentially expensive places to live.

Apparently the folks in Tyler think it's a pretty darn cheap place to live - especially for retirees:

The East Texas Council Of Governments (ETCOG) has qualified Tyler as the first Certified Retirement City in Texas. Tyler meets high standards for retiree living, such as low crime rate, affordable housing, quality health care, abundant recreation and educational opportunities. Tyler is 16th in the nation for cost of living in Retirement Places Rated: Special Millennium Edition.

Tyler offers many financial advantages as well. Sales tax is on non-essential items only, no state income tax, and property taxes are lower than the state and national average for Texas mid to large sized cities (Texas Municipal League). In fact, Tyler consistently ranks below the national average in cost of living according to the American Chamber of Commerce Researcher’s Association.

 

[AlmostThere]

Hmmm. Not that I've given Tyler much thought at a retirement location, but it would not have been on my list of potentially expensive places to live.

Apparently the folks in Tyler think it's a pretty darn cheap place to live - especially for retirees:

Check rents on the Tyler Craigslist. Unless you are from the Northeast or the West Coast you probably won't find it that affordable. Certainly not on an $1100 a month pension. I can do so much more on that much in some very nice places overseas. But Tyler is a very nice place to live. If you like trees, hills, flowers, scenic country lanes, and big lakes it's all here.

 

[Texarkandy]

I can see where if one intends to live on an $1100 a month pension & nothing else for food, clothing, shelter, medical, & etc - a move to a third world country might be advisable.

 

[Leonidas]

Certainly not on an $1100 a month pension.

I must have missed where you mentioned the amount you had to live on. $1100 a month is going to be tough.

Check rents on the Tyler Craigslist. Unless you are from the Northeast or the West Coast you probably won't find it that affordable. I can do so much more on that much in some very nice places overseas. But Tyler is a very nice place to live. If you like trees, hills, flowers, scenic country lanes, and big lakes it's all here.

Top of the list on Craigslist Tyler is this pretty decent looking place: BanitaCreek1bed1 bathUpstairsAcrossFromUniversity!

$475 / 1br - BanitaCreek1bed1 bathUpstairsAcrossFromUniversity! (Nacogdoches)

1 bed 1 bath
upstairs with balcony right above pool and above office
washer/dryer connectins
dishwasher, disposal, refrigerator, range, stainless steel sink, pantry
3 closets
sliding glass door to balcony
700 sq ft

need for leasees to take over the lease..lease ends in the end of May

Great for anyone and walking distance to the University and also a few restaurants

It is down the road a ways in Nacogdoches, but it was the first one on the list so I grabbed it.

Not a palace but cheap and decent looking.

Then I went to the Nacogdoches convention and visitors website and randomly picked a day from the event calendar. Four free events including a jazz concert at the hotel and two art events.

I think I could make a go in Nacogdoches, and probably Tyler, and probably a couple of dozen other places within a hundred miles of Tyler on 1100 smacks a month. Not that I want to, but if I had to I think I could do it.

But if you're hoping to live like better overseas - I wish you the best. For me, doing it as an adventure/change of place sort of thing would be the motive.

 

[AlmostThere]

I think I could make a go in Nacogdoches, and probably Tyler, and probably a couple of dozen other places within a hundred miles of Tyler on 1100 smacks a month. Not that I want to, but if I had to I think I could do it.

But if you're hoping to live like better overseas - I wish you the best. For me, doing it as an adventure/change of place sort of thing would be the motive.

I'm just thankful, speaking of Thanksgiving, that I have that option. Pretty certain that after rent, utilities, phone, cable, groceries, car, insurance, gas, clothes, incidentals, etc that I'd have to keep working to make up the difference my pension didn't cover. I'd rather spend my time doing what I want to do. I'll need $1500 a month to live like a king by the way. Oh, I see you edited that out, lol!

 

[Hobo]

Just as a comparison, in my hideaway village in Indonesia a regular house rents for $200 per month. Water is pumped from a well, electricity is subsidized by the government, and the weather is always perfect - so neither heater or air conditioner is necessary. A motorbike will get you to all points on the island and all food is purchased from a farmer's market on Sunday. Plus, no sales tax.

That's cheap living!

 

[mexmeme]

I can see where if one intends to live on an $1100 a month pension & nothing else for food, clothing, shelter, medical, & etc - a move to a third world country might be advisable.

There are a lot of us who have to live on very little. Obviously no one in your sphere has this problem. After living in Mexico for 9 months 2 years ago, I am ready to return, as even in an area with many norte americanos, we only spent 1500 dollars/month including rent. We could have lived on a lot less if we didn't want to spend at the grocery store catering to americans. Lots of activities, festivals, concerts, and only 2 hrs to Manzanillo and 3 to Puerto VAllarta. The weather is the best in the world. Land of eternal spring. No air conditioning, no heaters. God, I miss that place. Also, no Christmas advertising, and that counts for soooooo much. Christmas there is just what it is supposed to be.

 

[Texarkandy]

There are a lot of us who have to live on very little. Obviously no one in your sphere has this problem. ....

Well, not sure what you think my "sphere" is? , but OK ....

After living in Mexico for 9 months 2 years ago, I am ready to return, ....

Just curious why you came back & why are you readyto return? Are you talking moving there pretty much full-time permanent - or just for another 9 months?

as even in an area with many norte americanos, we only spent 1500 dollars/month including rent. We could have lived on a lot less if we didn't want to spend at the grocery store catering to americans. ...

I'd be interested to see a breakdown of that budget in terms of what you are getting for your $ - (as opposed to stateside.)

Why did you want to spend more at "the grocery store catering to americans"?

Lots of activities, festivals, concerts, and only 2 hrs to Manzanillo and 3 to Puerto VAllarta. The weather is the best in the world. Land of eternal spring. No air conditioning, no heaters. God, I miss that place. ...

I'm as appreciative as anybody of Mexican culture, both folkloric & contemporary, but only now & then, I wouldn't care to live it 24-7 (& I speak passable Spanish) - but that's just me, others may differ.

Now good weather - that's something I can definitely appreciate as a big +!

Also, no Christmas advertising, and that counts for soooooo much. Christmas there is just what it is supposed to be. ...

Yet

- Christmas advertising doesn't really bother (or influence) me personally, some of it I kind of like actually.

 

[mexmeme]

Why, pray tell, are you ready to return?

Maybe I should have stated that we are childless, and the Christmas season has always been a non event for us. We are sort of like many of our Jewish friends who like to go to Florida for the season. I am a real traditionlist regarding Christmas. It is too over hyped up here. It starts before Thanksgiving. In our little village in Mexico the Posada with the Virgin on donkey going from house to house looking for lodging was the most beautiful Christmas event I have ever seen. It touched me, and I'm not religious. If you remember what your Christmas was lkike when you were 10 years old, then this is it.
As to our spending, I don't have much information, since all was in cash, but our rent was 350, 15 for phone, 6/month for propane gas 50/mo for electricity. We has satellite for 30/mo--only the northern ABC,CBS,NBC and of course, CNBC. Water was free. Gardener incluced in rent. If we has used it, IMSS would have been 30/person/month health insurance. As it was we were still paying 1,000/mo up here to keep our insurance up--not included in 1500/mo expenses. We did to to the big city for Walmart shopping every other month. The store catering to Americans and Canadians was very small, but carried Campbell soup from the us. They also carried the Campbell soup for Mexican taste which was much cheaper, and very much better tasting. If you have a yen for Cheddar cheese, it was mucho peso, but sometimes nothing is better.
The main reason I would love to go back is the great food, the great weather, the great friends we made, and i just loved the slow pace of life, the horseback riders going by at all hours on the cobblestones, the funeral coming right by our house on the way to the cemetary, the casket in the back of a truck a band playing, and the old woman, bent over in all black full length dress and veil, following as she could---every funeral.
But, truthfully not everyone would like this life. Some came down and hated it. Some really loved it. I would not discourage anyone who is finding it hard to make ends meet to go down for a visit, or try it for a month, because it can be one way to have a comfortable retirement on a very slim penson or ss check.

 

[Texarkandy]

I have no doubt there are many fine reasons to live in Mexico as well as other 2nd & 3rd world countries - I'm just not convinced the financial argument is usually the best/greatest reason and kind of tend to believe one can live almost as cheap in the US as some of these other places if they really wanted to.

Having lived there, perhaps you can enlighten further "Mexmeme" -

Can you describe your $350 a month accomodation? How did it compare to, say the $475 apartment in Nacogdoches indicated in a previous post? What did the gardner garden? $50 a month for electricity if you didn't heat/cool doesn't sound too much cheaper than the US if it was a well insulated 1bdrm. Hot water heater gas or electric?

Was $15 phone local only - statewide - or anywhere in Mex - did/will you have a cell phone? Sat TV - includes things like History, Discovery, CNN, CNBC, SHO, HBO in English or for $30 is pretty much same as a Basic package in US? (I can watch Spanish TV but it makes my head hurt after a few hours )

Can you enlighten further about IMSS eligibility (actually the med program is IMPS is it not?) - do you have to be a citizen or married to one, have permanent residency? - pre-existing conditions? - age requirements/factors? - is it a monthly payment, or once annually for the whole year - has it gone up since you were there 2 years ago? - have you ever been hospitalized there? how was that - would you undergo hospitalization for something major/really serious, or come back to thestates - will you be dropping your US health insurance coverage this time around