Have you recently got a new job that requires you to relocate to a new country? Or are you fed up with living in the US and want a change?
If you’re currently a citizen of the United States and you plan to move abroad to live in another country permanently, you will become what is known as an expat. This is a huge decision to make but it’s an exciting one nonetheless.
Most of you probably know the basics of moving locations, such as packing up your belongings and changing your postal address. However, relocating to a new country comes with a lot of additional complications.
One of the main complications is safety. When you’re heading to a foreign country, you might not know your way around. You might also be unaware of the laws and cultural norms in your destination country.
Despite being a complex process, many people successfully and safely become US expats every year. There are things you can do to maximize your safety every step of the way.
Here are some top tips to help you stay safe on your journey out of the US.
Set Up Your Health Insurance
Arranging health insurance is probably not the first thing you think about when you’ve got several other things to plan. However, it’s one of the most important things to arrange before you move.
Health insurance is essential when you’re moving to another country. Without it, you might not be able to access the healthcare facilities in your new country.
You never know when you might fall ill or get injured while you’re living in another country. Even if you can access the healthcare facilities in another country as a US expat, your medical bills might be sky high if you don’t have insurance.
Your BCBS International health insurance plan will significantly reduce your medical bills if you end up having treatment while you’re living abroad. It enables you to access the best possible healthcare for your needs so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
No matter how long you plan to live as a US expat, you’ll need valid health insurance. Most plans last between 12 and 24 months, after which point, you will need to renew with your provider.
Make sure to arrange your health insurance well before you move so that it is active from the moment you land in your new country. Most medical insurance plans cover medical bills up to $2 million for US expats.
Stay in Touch with Your Family
When you are moving to another country, no matter how far away it is from the US, it’s important to stay in touch with your loved ones back at home. Regular contact will help you to feel less lonely and isolated, especially if you have moved on your own.
Catching up with your friends and family lets them know that you are safe and vice versa. Arrange a time each week to give them a video call. If you’re busy, drop them a text every few days to let them know you’re okay.
If you feel like you are in danger, you can discuss things with them and make the necessary arrangements to keep you safe. Maybe a family member could come and stay with you temporarily until you’ve settled in or you could fly back home for a short while.
Arrange International Shipping with a Reliable Company
When you’re moving out of the US on a semi-permanent or permanent basis, you’re probably going to bring most of your belongings with you. The last thing you need when you are in the middle of a big move is for your luggage to get lost.
Search for a reliable international shipping company that offers affordable prices. Using a trustworthy, credible company will give you peace of mind knowing that your luggage will safely arrive at its destination.
To maximize the safety of your belongings, you should also purchase travel insurance. Your insurance will cover you in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Keep Your Important Documentation Somewhere Safe
You will need several different important documents when you move out of the US. Keeping them somewhere accessible and safe is key to making sure you don’t lose them.
If you fail to show the right legal documentation when you move, you could be denied access to healthcare facilities or into your new country altogether.
Some of the important documents to keep in mind are your:
- Passport
- Visa documents
- Insurance documents
- Medical records and vaccination history
- Birth certificate
- Employment documents
Purchase a folder to keep all of your essential paper documents in one place. To be extra safe, you could create second copies of each document just in case you lose the original copies. You might also want to create digital copies of them in case you lose your luggage along the journey.
