Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?

Question

Curtis Stoner · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can enroll in Medicare even if you've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas. However, your eligibility and costs will depend on your residency status and work history.

Medicare Eligibility Without U.S. Work History
To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years before applying. 

While most people receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premium-free by earning 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work paying into Social Security), you can still enroll in Medicare by paying premiums if you haven't met this requirement

Costs Without Work Credits
Part A (Hospital Insurance): If you have fewer than 30 work credits, you'll pay the full premium for Part A. For 2025, this premium is up to $505 per month. 
Social Security

Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B requires a monthly premium for all enrollees, regardless of work history. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185 per month

Steve Brauer · Answer

Anyone legally in the United States can enroll into Medicare if they are at least 65 years old or if they have been deemed disabled for the last 24 months by a physician. Someone that has worked overseas and not paid into the system may have to pay a premium for Part A (Hospital coverage) of Medicare, that people who have paid into the system get it premium free.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, you can enroll in Medicare even if you haven't paid into Social Security due to working overseas. However, you may have to pay a premium for Part A (hospital insurance) and must enroll in Part B (medical insurance). You can enroll in Medicare during a special enrollment period when you return to the United States as a permanent resident. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:
Premium-free Part A:
If you haven't worked enough quarters (40 quarters) to qualify for premium-free Part A, you'll need to pay a premium to enroll in Part A. 
Part B:
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has been living in the U.S. for at least 5 years, you can enroll in Part B. 
Special Enrollment Period:
When you return to the U.S. as a permanent resident, you will have a special enrollment period to enroll in Part A and Part B without late enrollment penalties. 
Enrollment outside the U.S.:
If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad and don't qualify for Social Security benefits, you cannot enroll in Medicare until you return to the U.S. 
Enrollment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
If you are living abroad and wish to enroll in Medicare, you can do so by contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Ron Gambles · Answer

You can enroll. However, you will be required to pay both Part A and Part B Premiums out of your own pocket in addition to premiums for a Medicare Supplement Plan, Rx Plan or whatever Premiums for an Advantage Plan. All of which will be very costly for the average person.

Answered by Ron Gambles on April 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN

Answered by Ron Gambles Medicare Insurance Agent

Fran Lovelace · Answer

You can if you want to pay full price.  You can find it on Medicare.gov
It is possible that you would come out better on the ACA coverage.

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

No! You need 40 quarters, equivalent to 10 years working to qualify for Medicare. If not, you can purchase quarters. More discussion needed on that.

Dan Green · Answer

Yes. If you have not met the requirements for a no cost Medicare Part A, there will be a cost to you. It is on your best interest to contact a Social Security office near you to learn about your options.

Answered by Dan Green on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dan Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Albert Smith · Answer

Yes, you can. You must be 65+ or disabled for 24 months, and then you must pay a premium for parts A and B.

Joshua Filmore · Answer

Yes—you can still get Medicare even if your paychecks never fed the Social Security pot while you were globetrotting. Here’s the wrinkle: without 40 U.S. work credits (or a spouse who has them) you’ll have to buy Part A instead of getting it premium‑free; in 2025 that’s up to about $505 a month. 

Part B and Part D work the same for everyone—you pay the regular monthly premiums and must enroll during the proper windows to dodge late penalties. You’ll also need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who’s lived stateside at least five consecutive years. Bottom line: Medicare is still on the menu, it just may cost a bit more. 

Let’s talk through the math and timing so your re‑entry to the U.S. health system is smooth and penalty‑free

Andrew Firmin · Answer

Yes. However, you may have to pay a premium for your Part A coverage if you do not have the full 40 work credits. You should talk with a certified medicare planning advisor to review your particular situation. There may be enrollment period questions or late enrollment penalty situations that you might need to revew.

Answered by Andrew Firmin on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, CT, DE & 13 other states

Answered by Andrew Firmin Medicare Insurance Agent

Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?

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Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?

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