We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Cornerstone Health

RJ Pesigan on LinkedIn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

American physician Dr. RJ Pesigan joins We’re Moving to Europe to explain how the Dutch healthcare system really works. From finding a GP and getting insurance to understanding cultural differences, medications, and trans-inclusive care, this episode helps expats navigate healthcare in the Netherlands with confidence.

00:00 Dutch directness and healthcare culture
01:00 Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe
01:30 Meet Dr. RJ Pesigan, founder of Cornerstone Health
01:55 Moving to the Netherlands during COVID
03:00 From medicine to MBA to entrepreneurship
04:00 Understanding Dutch vs US healthcare systems
06:20 Cultural differences in doctor-patient communication
07:20 How to prepare for a GP visit in the Netherlands
08:47 Appeals and patient rights
09:50 Self-care and ownership in Dutch healthcare
11:20 Preventive healthcare and checkups
12:30 How to register with a Dutch GP and pharmacy
14:40 Health insurance requirements for expats
15:10 Membership community: We’re Moving to Europe
16:03 Medication availability (e.g., Adderall) and records
18:02 Access to transgender healthcare in the Netherlands
20:47 Managing chronic conditions as an expat
22:00 Bringing and digitizing your medical records
22:40 Budgeting for medications and transition period
23:30 Finding expat-friendly healthcare professionals
24:10 Vision, dental, and alternative care coverage
25:06 Closing and credits

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

https://serenity-portugal.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-averbukh-md-mha-7b935a44/

Episode Description

Thinking about moving to Portugal and wondering how healthcare works? In this episode of We’re Moving to Europe, host Casey Kelly talks with Dr. Michael Averbukh, CEO and Managing Partner at Serenity, a healthcare concierge service for expats and immigrants in Portugal. They discuss how Portugal’s public and private systems compare to the US, what Americans should prepare for, managing medications, navigating bureaucracy, and access to care for trans people.

Whether you’re planning a relocation or already settling in, this conversation will help you understand how to prepare for your medical needs and make the most of Portugal’s healthcare system.

0:00 Introduction & guest intro

1:30 Dr. Averbukh’s journey to Portugal

2:55 Founding Serenity and its mission

4:24 Comparing US and Portuguese healthcare

6:19 Public vs private systems explained

9:20 Insurance and access differences

12:07 Medication availability & preparation

14:10 Navigating Portugal’s healthcare bureaucracy

19:15 Healthcare access for trans people

22:03 Tips for preparing medical care before moving

27:10 How to manage care after arrival

35:24 Final advice: Be prepared

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

B-Roll
Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and Pexels

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

BNC Tax & Accounting

Christie DuChateau - LinkedIn

Episode Description
Thinking about moving to Europe? Dutch tax expert Christie DuChateau joins host Casey Kelly to explain what Americans really need to know about international taxes, salaries, and retirement planning abroad. Learn how double taxation actually works, what benefits your Dutch taxes cover, and how to prepare your finances before relocating.

[00:00] Casey opens the episode and introduces today’s topic on expat taxes
[01:00] Christie shares her background and how BNC Tax & Accounting began
[03:30] Breaking down misconceptions about double taxation for Americans overseas
[05:30] Comparing European and U.S. income levels and effective tax rates
[07:45] Understanding what European taxes cover, from healthcare to family leave
[10:00] How pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security are treated across borders
[13:00] How expats can e-file, use software, or work with a tax professional
[15:30] The “three pillars” of retirement and smart cross-border investment options
[21:45] Why U.S. business entities are treated differently in Europe
[26:30] How far in advance to prepare for visas, housing, and finances
[28:45] Cost-of-living differences, culture shifts, and spending habits
[31:30] Christie’s final advice, plus where to find more information

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton

B-Roll

Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and FreePik