Decision 3 · Week 3 · Wed Nov 18
Does Medicare cover me if I live abroad?
SHORT ANSWERGenerally no. Medicare does not pay for care outside the US except in a few narrow emergency and border situations, so retirees abroad need another way to pay for care where they live.
Options include a country's public system where legal residents can join, local private insurance, international health plans, or paying cash where care is affordable.
Many retirees abroad weigh whether to keep Medicare Part B. If you drop it, the late penalty is 10% for each full 12 months you could have had it, for as long as you have Part B. Medicare's guide for people living abroad says those who sign up later generally use the general enrollment period, January 1 to March 31, and pay the penalty.
Access matters as much as price. Ask how far the nearest good hospital is and whether you can get your medications.
Week 3 compares health care access place by place, including where you live now.
Sources
- Travel outside the U.S. · Medicare.gov
- Avoid penalties · Medicare.gov
- Welcome to Medicare (for people living outside the U.S.) · Medicare.gov
Written and reviewed by Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence
Facts checked Oct 6, 2026 · Next review by Apr 6, 2027
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