Expats advised to consider public services

Retirees who are relocating abroad have been advised to check the level of public services in their new home.

According to Age Concern, people who intend to spend their post-working lives overseas need to make sure they have access to vital amenities.

Gordon Lishman, director general of the charity, flagged up healthcare provision as one of the most important issues for retirees to consider.

Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, he remarked: "Thinking ahead about what health and social care services and benefits will be available may help people to avoid potential problems."

Mr Lishman added that living overseas on a permanent basis is quite different from enjoying a holiday abroad.

Therefore, he said it is important for anyone thinking of making such a move to find out as much as they can about their chosen destination before making any firm plans.

This comes after a study by Saga Travel Money found that traditional hotspots such as Spain are still very popular with older British expatriates.