Living with Chronic Illness: From the US to Healthier Living and Savings in Portugal

In the early summer of 2024, I decided to call Portugal my forever home.

Having explored many European countries, I found Portugal to be the most inviting. The communal vibe and the welcoming mix of locals and expatriates make participating and connecting incredibly easy. The warmth I've felt from the community has been overwhelming.

There's always something happening here, and I love being close to Lisbon for its vibrant music scene. Like California, Portugal offers a wonderful climate and proximity to nature, making it the ideal place for me.

It's great knowing that sunshine is just a short drive away, even if it’s overcast where you are. In a single day, you could visit the beach, and then find yourself in snowy mountains. The abundance of rivers, trails, and pristine air are aspects of life here that I truly appreciate.

Improved Balance Between Work and Life

Though I operate on Pacific Time, assisting clients across America and even internationally, the setup works well for me.

My workday generally concludes by 10 p.m., allowing for reasonable bedtimes.

As a bonus, I enjoy leisurely mornings. Being able to attend to healthcare appointments or wellness activities in the morning and work later in the day is a lifestyle change that suits me well.

Embracing the Portuguese Way

The prevailing mentality of living to enjoy life rather than living to work is refreshing and aligns more with how I wish to live.

In the US, the culture is slowly shifting towards healthier living, but Portugal offers a lifestyle that already supports a sense of well-being and affordability.

Eating organically is more financially feasible here than in the US, where the cost of living would leave me nearly broke each month.

For example, the weekly shopping for two at local markets costs about 125 euros ($145), considerably cheaper than the roughly $300 I'd spend in the United States.

I maintain a property in Joshua Tree, California, relatively economical compared to major metros like San Diego and Los Angeles. Yet, my spacious three-bedroom home in Portugal only sets me back 1,300 euros a month.

To rent something comparable back in San Diego might cost at least $5,000, especially for the kind of neighborhood access I enjoy here.

Community life is vibrant, brimming with family gatherings and regular events, something I hold dear.

The High Cost of Healthcare in America Prompted My Move

Despite being a European national now settled in Portugal, I pay out of pocket for healthcare.

Yet the cost is much lower than in the US; for instance, I only spend 40 euros for each osteopathy session in Portugal, whereas it would be $275 for just half an hour in California.

Regular lymphatic massages, necessary for my health condition, cost 40 euros for an hour-and-a-half session here, compared to $175 stateside.

While living in Greece, a minor emergency surgery cost me just 50 euros at a private clinic, an amount that pales in comparison to the likely $5,000 ER bill in America.

It's troubling how some Americans turn to crowdfunding for medical needs, indicating a systemic healthcare flaw despite paying substantial insurance premiums.

This reality saddens me, though I'm thankful for my circumstances. Leaving the US shouldn't be the only way to manage health expenses.

Environmental safety and comfort directly influence health. I've seen significant health improvements since moving, even without treatments.

A Healthier Life Abroad

Client interactions have been wonderfully supportive and inquisitive.

I feel rejuvenated, equipped to manage my health, and secure in my surroundings.

It's not uncommon for people to move for better health. When relocating brings about such positive change, it's undoubtedly worth it.