Miriam(75)

Bob and I met in 1975 when he was stationed at Soesterberg as an American serviceman. We had a summer romance, he returned to Florida and we lost contact. Fifty years later I found him on Facebook. After two years of Skyping and three visits back and forth, we married in Wassenaar. At 73 the immigration process began: a CR-1 spousal visa. Our attorney warned: "At your age it's not easier, just more expensive."

The CR-1 process took thirteen months. The medical exam at the designated physician in Amsterdam was more extensive than expected: blood tests, X-ray, vaccination update (yes, even at 73 you must have all required vaccinations). The Affidavit of Support was straightforward: Bob has a good pension from the US Navy. The consular interview was brief and warm -- the officer was visibly moved by our story.

The biggest shock: as a new immigrant over 65 you have NO right to Medicare for the first five years. Medicare requires at least five years as a lawful permanent resident. That means five years without American senior health insurance. Bob's Medicare doesn't cover me. I had to buy a private health plan on the open market: $1,200 per month for a 73-year-old woman. The premium alone is more than my entire monthly AOW payment.

Fortunately, my AOW remained intact. The Netherlands pays AOW regardless of where you live, as long as you have sufficient accrual years. My AOW of €1,350 net per month is deposited into my American bank account. But I do have to pay tax on it in the US -- the tax treaty determines that pension income is taxed in the country of residence. My Dutch ABP pension is also taxed in the US. The dual tax administration costs me $3,000 per year in advisors.

Sarasota is a paradise for retirees. The climate is mild in winter (20-25 degrees), the beaches are beautiful and there's a large 55+ community. Bob and I live in a gated community with a golf course, pool and clubhouse. The HOA (homeowners association) costs $650 per month -- a concept that doesn't exist in the Netherlands. The Dutch community in Southwest Florida is surprisingly large: there's a Dutch Club that meets monthly.

At 75 I'm happier than I've been in decades. Bob and I have made up for the time we lost. My advice to older Dutch people marrying an American: prepare for the Medicare gap, healthcare costs and tax complexity. Make sure you have a financial buffer of at least $80,000 for the first five years of healthcare costs. Keep your Dutch pension rights intact and hire a tax advisor who knows both systems. Age is no barrier to emigration -- but bureaucracy doesn't discriminate based on romance.