Airport lifts, pharmacy hours, and emergency numbers change from country to country. Small gaps in planning can turn into long days of stress, especially during your first month in a new place. If you plan to settle abroad, think about health and safety gear that travels with you. Many older adults now add a Life Assure gps tracker to their kit to stay reachable if they need help while out for a walk, on public transit, or exploring a new city.

Health Cover, Prescriptions, And Local Care

To start with, you are going to need to work out how you are going to pay for any health care. So find out if you are eligible to join the local public health care scheme, if you need to take out a private health scheme or if you are going to rely on a travel insurance scheme for the first few months. Read the small print on the exclusions on waiting lists and pre-existing conditions. If you have a gap in health care provision you will need to keep enough money aside to cover routine visits and treatment costs until sufficient health care is in place.

The next thing to find out is how primary health care works in the new country. In many countries, you are required to register with a clinic that is in your locality. Book yourself in for an appointment shortly after you arrive so that you can take your list of medication in and ask about referrals to other specialists and about after hours care if you are poorly. If you are taking any regular medication, it would be wise to find out the whereabouts of two pharmacies that are near you, and to find out which pharmacy have cover at the week-ends.

If you are moving from the UK, you should check the government guidance about health care and access to health care in respect of overseas residents, which will help you on eligibility, forms required and how long before you get such forms. There are a variety of rules for retirees, workers and family members, so check your occupation or status before you go. Further guidance will be found on the Government Gateway site on health care provision for overseas residents.

Carry a simple medication plan. Pack at least a 90-day supply for the transition period, plus copies of prescriptions that show both brand and generic names. Keep a one-page health summary listing conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts. If you use devices like a glucose meter or pacemaker, bring manuals and a spare charger in your carry-on.

Safety Tech That Works Overseas

Medical alert devices can be a steady link to support while you learn new streets and routines. Before you move, review how your device handles location tracking, calls, and roaming. Confirm that it works in the country you are moving to and test it in spots you will use often.

A short checklist helps:

1. Coverage and roaming: verify supported networks and any extra fees for use abroad.
2. Battery life and charging: bring a pocket power bank and a plug adapter that fits local outlets.
3. Water resistance and wear: choose a device you will actually keep on, whether as a pendant or bracelet.
4. Two way audio: make sure voice quality is clear in a busy street or market.
5. Fall detection and geofence alerts: decide when alerts should trigger, and who should be notified.

Set up caregiver contacts before you leave. Save numbers for a family member, a local friend, and your GP or clinic. If your device allows shared location, set the permissions and show contacts how to view it. Practice a test call so everyone knows what to expect.

On arrival, test the device around your building, on your street, in a nearby park, and inside a large store or transport hub. Check that the operator can confirm your address clearly. Update the device language, time zone, and any local address fields so support staff can find you fast.

Emergency Numbers And Registration

Store local emergency numbers in your phone and on a printed card. Many countries use 112. Some use 911. The UK uses 999. Australia uses 000. Learn the local non-emergency line for medical advice if available. Put these numbers in your phone favorites and also in your alert device if it supports direct dialing.

Consider registering with your government’s citizen services where available. Canadians can use the official Registration of Canadians Abroad program to receive safety updates and to help consular staff reach them during a crisis. You can enroll online and update your address after you secure housing. See the federal site for the program’s details and privacy notes.

Share the basics with trusted neighbors. Give them your first name, apartment number, and a local mobile number. If you use a medical alert device, show them the pendant or bracelet and explain that an operator may ask to confirm your location. Simple introductions can save time during a real event.

Housing, Access, And Daily Routines

Select a house which accommodates all your everyday needs. A lift is desirable instead of stairs. A walk-in shower, grab bars, and non-slip mats are small things you can do in the bathroom to prevent falls. If you rent your accommodation, find out from the landlord if minor safety alterations are permissible, and who will do the necessary work.

Find out where the nearest medical clinic, walk-in care centre (in many places these now operate extended hours to cater for patients with minor problems) is situated and where the nearest pharmacy is open 24 hours. Save routes there and back, both walk and transit on your phone. Find out pharmacy hours over weekends and public holidays. If you depend on some variety of public transport, it may be a good idea to find out if this also offers senior fares or preferred seats and the procedure for a discount card.

Plan according to local terrain and climate. In some places cobbled streets and steep slopes are normal, while in others heat, humidity and snow make the pavements difficult to use. Wear shoes which give a good grip and consider having a compact walking-stick if your balance is poor. On longer walks carry a small water bottle or something for sun protection.

Electricity and charging facilities matter more than you think. Take the correct plug adapter to match local power fittings and find out the country voltage before using any sort of chargers, to prevent damage. Label cables for both your phone and alert device. Keep back-up chargers both at home and with your day-bag.

Money, Contacts, And Paperwork

Sort out banking before you move. Notify your bank of your new country to avoid blocked cards. If fees are high, consider an account that reduces foreign transaction costs or a local account for rent and utilities. Turn on alerts for large or overseas charges.

Keep your key papers together. Make paper and digital copies of your passport, visa, prescriptions, device instructions, and health summary. Store digital copies in a secure cloud folder and protect it with a strong password. Keep one printed set at home and another in your day bag.

List the people who can help if you need support. Include a local friend, a family member at home, your clinic, and the operator number for your alert device. Agree on simple rules, such as checking in after a long trip or sending a quick text when you arrive at an appointment.

Think ahead about decision making. Some countries recognize a power of attorney or similar document. If you plan to set one up, ask a local adviser after you arrive and keep the paperwork with your records. Share the location of the documents with your trusted contacts.

A quick rehearsal helps catch gaps. Spend a weekend living as you would in your new country. Use only the bag you will carry, wear your alert device, call the numbers on your contact sheet, and time the walk to a clinic and pharmacy. Fix any friction now, while changes are easy.

Your move will feel calmer when the basics are set. Line up care, keep your meds and papers handy, test your alert device on the ground, and share your plan with a few trusted people. With those steps done, you can focus on building a routine and enjoying your new home.