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Travelers Employees Take on the World: Exploring the Best Overseas Retirement Spots for 2025

'Travelers employees exploring international retirement can enhance their lifestyle by planning carefully around healthcare, tax considerations, and residency requirements abroad.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Travelers employees nearing retirement should view overseas living as a strategic lifestyle choice that combines financial efficiency with rich cultural experiences—when approached with thoughtful planning.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The growing trend of retiring abroad and its increasing allure among Americans.
Top international retirement destinations and their unique attractions, as highlighted in the 2025 Retirement Overseas Index.
Key considerations for transitioning to an overseas lifestyle, including residency visas, tax benefits, and healthcare options.

For Travelers employees seeking a meaningful vacation or a permanent change of scenery after retirement, the idea of retiring abroad might be enticing. Recent trends show more Americans interested in international living. According to a Gallup poll, interest grew to 21% by 2024 from 10% in 2011. Improved global connectivity and broader social acceptance globally are contributing to this rising curiosity.

The 2025 Retirement Overseas Index by Live & Invest Overseas shows why people move abroad. This index rates retirement destinations on cost of living, healthcare quality, local regulations, tax considerations, and proximity to beaches, museums, and nature trails. Such factors are essential for retirement security.

The index considers some cities as good retirement spots. Valencia in Spain has an expat community and a Mediterranean climate for leisure and culture. And Medellin, Colombia, meanwhile, is an active urban area with a varied culinary and cultural scene for retirees looking for a dynamic lifestyle.

Transitioning to an overseas lifestyle takes planning. From choosing the right travel insurance to learning from current expats, Travelers retirees can prepare for life abroad. Those efforts enable informed decision-making and realistic expectations for those prepared to live internationally.

Understanding residency is also important for retirees moving. For example, Portugal offers the D7 retirement visa, which has accessible income requirements and offers great healthcare and tax advantages. The historical richness, relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful landscape of Portugal are highlighted in the 2025 Retirement Overseas Index.

Find out where to retire abroad in 2025. Explore top options like Valencia and Medellin - both known for their cultural vibrancy, quality healthcare, affordability, and friendly environments. Taxes, residency visas, and leisure tips for retiring Americans abroad. Ideal for Travelers workers looking for a beachy experience after work.

From Valencia's old-world charm to Medellin's cultural capital, each destination offers something different - like picking a wine for retirement. So, whether it's the soft familiarity of Valencia or the wild energy of Medellin, retirees can choose where to retire by weighing costs of living, healthcare, and local community - like choosing a wine by vineyard, vintage, and flavor profile.

Retiring abroad offers lower cost of living, affordable healthcare, and exposure to other cultures. The five sources that support these points are listed below with brief explanations of how they benefit retirees and strengthen the case for international retirement.

Articles you may find interesting:

Source:

1. Investopedia Staff. 'Is Retiring Abroad Right for You? Key Factors to Consider Now.' Investopedia , Nov. 2024, www.investopedia.com/is-retiring-abroad-right-for-you-key-factors-to-consider-now-8415232 .

2. Tubongbanua, Rachelle. 'Retiring Abroad: Financial Factors to Consider.' U.S. Bank , Oct. 2024, www.usbank.com/financialiq/inspire/retirement/retiring-abroad-financial-factors-to-consider.html .

3. Ingrim, Alex. 'The Pros and Cons of Retiring Abroad.' Kiplinger , July 2023, www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retiring-abroad/the-pros-and-cons-of-retiring-abroad .

4. U.S. News Staff. 'Best Places to Retire Overseas in 2025.' U.S. News & World Report , Jan. 2025, www.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/best-places-to-retire-overseas-in-2025 .

5. Investopedia Staff. 'Retirees Flock to These Countries for Unmatched Benefits—Is Yours on the List?' Investopedia , Oct. 2024, www.investopedia.com/retirees-flock-to-these-countries-for-unmatched-benefits-8421893 .

How does the Travelers 401(k) Savings Plan compare to market standards, and what strategies can employees implement to maximize their retirement benefits while working at Travelers, considering the various contribution options available?

Travelers 401(k) Savings Plan Comparison to Market Standards: The Travelers 401(k) Savings Plan offers immediate eligibility upon hire, automatic enrollment, and flexible contribution options between 1% and 75% of pay, with a mix of pre-tax and Roth options. Employees benefit from a generous dollar-for-dollar employer match on the first 5% of eligible pay, up to $6,000 annually. To maximize retirement benefits, employees should consider contributing at least enough to receive the full employer match and periodically review their investment choices with the aid of Financial Engines, an independent advisory firm provided by Travelers.

In what ways does the Travelers Pension Plan provide a safety net for employees as they transition into retirement, and how does participation in this defined benefit plan impact financial planning for retirement among long-term employees?

Impact of the Travelers Pension Plan: The defined benefit Pension Plan at Travelers, funded entirely by the company, provides a secure foundation for retirement with benefits based on age, salary, and years of service. This plan is crucial for long-term financial planning as it guarantees a predictable income stream in retirement, supplementing savings and Social Security benefits. Employees are eligible after one year of service, which encourages long-term commitment and aids in retirement readiness.

What resources does Travelers offer to assist employees in making effective investment decisions within their 401(k) plans, and how can employees leverage these resources to reach their personal retirement goals?

Investment Decision Resources in Travelers 401(k) Plans: Travelers offers resources such as Financial Engines to assist employees in making informed investment decisions within their 401(k) plans. This service helps employees tailor their investment strategies to their individual retirement goals and risk tolerance. Engaging with these resources can significantly enhance employees' ability to grow their retirement savings effectively.

How can employees best understand the interplay between their personal savings and the benefits provided by Travelers, particularly in relation to healthcare and retirement planning as they age?

Interplay Between Personal Savings and Travelers Benefits: Understanding the interplay between personal savings and company-provided benefits is vital for comprehensive retirement planning. Travelers employees should consider how their benefits package, including health care, life insurance, and disability coverage, complements their savings and Social Security. Regular consultations with financial advisors provided through the company can help employees strategize effectively as they age.

What should employees at Travelers know about the eligibility requirements and benefits associated with the company's Long-Term and Short-Term Disability policies as they prepare for a secure retirement?

Understanding Disability Policies at Travelers: Travelers provides both short-term and long-term disability coverage, which is crucial for protecting income in the event of an unforeseen health issue. Short-term disability covers up to 13 weeks at varying pay levels, while long-term disability kicks in for more severe cases, offering up to 60% of base salary. Employees should familiarize themselves with these policies early to ensure comprehensive coverage as they approach retirement.

How does the company's Paid Time Off (PTO) policy under Travelers facilitate work-life balance, and what implications does this have for employees' long-term health and preparedness for retirement?

Benefits of Travelers PTO Policy: The Paid Time Off (PTO) policy at Travelers allows employees to accrue significant time off based on service length, enhancing work-life balance and contributing to long-term health and well-being. This policy supports employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for long-term career sustainability and retirement preparedness.

What strategies can employees implement to effectively utilize the Educational Assistance Program offered by Travelers not only for their personal development but also as a way to enhance their retirement planning prospects?

Utilizing the Educational Assistance Program: Travelers' Educational Assistance Program supports employees in pursuing further education relevant to their professional growth and retirement planning. By investing in additional qualifications and skills, employees can not only enhance their career prospects at Travelers but also increase their earning potential for better retirement savings.

How does the Business Travel Accident Plan improve the overall financial protection for employees at Travelers, and what are the claims procedures if an incident occurs while conducting company business?

Financial Protection through the Business Travel Accident Plan: The Business Travel Accident Plan provides a safety net by offering coverage of up to three times the annual base salary, up to $2 million. This plan is crucial for financial protection against unexpected incidents during business travel, and employees should understand the claims procedures to utilize this benefit effectively.

In terms of post-retirement benefits, how does Travelers support its retirees concerning access to resources like financial planning services or health benefits?

Post-Retirement Benefits at Travelers: Travelers supports retirees by offering access to financial planning services and health benefits. These resources are vital for maintaining financial stability and health during retirement. Retirees should actively engage with these services to optimize their retirement lifestyle and financial management.

For employees looking for further information or assistance regarding their retirement plans and benefits at Travelers, what are the best ways to contact the company to ensure they receive accurate and timely information?

Accessing Retirement Plan Information at Travelers: Employees seeking information or assistance regarding their retirement plans can contact Travelers' Employee Services Unit via email at 4-ESU@travelers.com or by calling 800.441.4378. Utilizing these channels ensures employees receive accurate and up-to-date information about their retirement benefits.