Discovering Your Dream Retirement: Top 4 International Destinations for Vulcan Materials Employees

Healthcare Provider Update: Vulcan Materials Company utilizes the services of various healthcare providers, primarily focusing on employer-sponsored health plans to offer coverage to its employees. This means that healthcare costs for these employees are directly influenced by the company's insurance choices and market conditions. As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are predicted to see significant escalations-especially for those covered under plans tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Record premium increases, with 2026 projected hikes exceeding 60% in certain states, are anticipated due to a combination of factors including skyrocketing medical expenses and the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Vulcan Materials employees, along with many others, may face a drastic increase in out-of-pocket costs, with estimates suggesting a rise of up to 75% for those reliant on ACA marketplace insurance. This forthcoming burden highlights the need for careful evaluation of health benefits and proactive financial planning as 2026 approaches. Click here to learn more

Vulcan Materials employees planning to retire abroad should also take the time to find out how happy people are and how well they are treated in the healthcare systems of the countries they plan to retire in,' recommends Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, recommends that Vulcan Materials retirees should look for better opportunities for health and happiness abroad than traditional retirement destinations, especially in Portugal and Spain, which have favorable taxes and climates.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Increase in the Number of U.S. Retirees Leaving the Country: Emphasizing the rising trend of American retirees leaving the country and concentrating on Europe.

2. The Best Countries to Live in Terms of Quality of Life: Why Spain, Portugal, and other countries are chosen for their climate, healthcare, and cost of living.

3. Financial Implications for Retirees: Explains the costs and benefits of retiring abroad in terms of taxes and other factors.

The trend of American retirees exploring the option of international retirement destinations is on the rise. The Social Security Administration reports that the number of U.S.  retirees collecting benefits from abroad has jumped from 413,000 to 760,000 in the last three years, many of whom have chosen Europe as their destination.

The Vulcan Materials retirees may find better healthcare, standard of living and safety in various parts of the world as identified by the recent study by Global Citizen Solutions.  Among the best places for retirement, Spain and Portugal are the most popular.

The capital of Spain is the city that was ranked highest in the quality of life with a score of 100 based on factors such as wind speed, temperature, and health care.  Researcher Laura Madrid of Global Citizen Solutions argues that the public health sector in Spain and affordable private insurance services are key in enhancing the quality of life of its citizens. Moreover, Vulcan Materials retirees who do not want to use their private vehicles as a means of transport during retirement find the Spanish transport system to be very efficient and relatively cheap.

The neighboring country, Portugal comes close behind with a nearly perfect score of 99.79. The climate and low costs of healthcare have attracted an increasing number of American retirees to the region. Both Spain and Portugal are generally cheaper than many European countries and the United States and have good tax exemptions for new exotic residents for the initial years of their stay.

Costa Rica is the third place, Uruguay and Mexico are the second and the first, respectively. That is why Mexico is better than Portugal in terms of the quality of life. In the economic category, Malaysia is the best as there is no tax on income earned outside the country.  It should be noted that all the citizens of the United States living abroad must meet the tax reporting requirements to the United States.

The average New Zealand is hard to beat when it comes to retirement, especially with regard to social adaptation and the attitude towards immigrants.  The main criteria that influence the choice of retirees when moving overseas are tax benefits, good healthcare, and affordable housing. This study establishes a pattern of older Americans who are looking for better financial situations, tax exemptions, and cultural experiences through retirement abroad.

For Vulcan Materials retirees who are planning to retire abroad, Portugal is a country that deserves attention since this nation offers not only a high standard of living but also some tax benefits. As for International Living, Portugal is one of the best countries for expat retirees due to its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and excellent but affordable healthcare (International Living, 2024).

Retiring from Vulcan Materials abroad can be a bit like finding a secret paradise after a long journey: walking into a country with sun, healthcare, low taxes, and so many new experiences. Just as travelers look for comfortable and interesting places to visit, seniors choose countries like Spain and Portugal for their decent public healthcare, affordable living, and special tax benefits.  It is a chance to enjoy life’s good things in an environment which is designed for peace, relaxation, and community.

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Disclosure:

This information is not intended as recommendation. The opinions are subject to change at any time and no forecasts can be guaranteed.  Investment decisions should always be made based on investor's specific circumstances. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Sources:

1. Social Security Administration.
SSA Payments Outside US | International Programs,' Social Security Administration, 2025, https://www.ssa.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html

2. Rader, Jameson.
Social Security Abroad for U.S.  Expats and Retirees [Guide].'' Savvy Nomad, 2024, https://blog.savvynomad.io/social-security-abroad-for-us-expats-and-retirees-guide

3. 'How to Retire Abroad as a US Citizen: The Complete Guide.' ExpatDen, 2024, https://www.expatden.com/us/how-to-retire-abroad-as-a-us-citizen-the-complete-guide.

4. Behrens, Frederic.
American Expat Social Security and Retiring Abroad.' Cerity Partners, 2024, https://www.ceritypartners.com/american-expat-social-security-and-retiring-abroad

5. 'Expat Retiring Abroad? Rules on Taxes, Social Security, and Benefits.' PlanWell Financial Planners, 2024, https://www.planwellfp.com/expat-retiring-abroad-rules-on-taxes-social-security-and-benefits.