I am a resident in another country outside of America, will I still be covered living abroad?

Question

Bill Wheeler · Accepted Answer

Most U.S.-based health insurance, including Medicare and ACA-compliant plans, generally do not provide coverage for medical care outside the U.S

Esther Miller · Answer

As a traveler, you'll only the emergency travel benefits of either a  Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement Plan (also called Medigap Plan), while you are on vacation for either urgent care or emergency room care for up to 6 months with the Medicare Travel benefit. Each plan is different, so you'll have to check on how much they will cover and for how long. 

For long extended stays oversees, greater than 6 months, you may need to purchase a separate travel insurance for routine healthcare or self-pay for services. It will depend on where you are located and whether you have dual-citizenship there. 

If you are going to be returning to the US, you'll want to continue to pay your Medicare Part B premiums and have Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, and don't let your policies lapse so you won't have to pay penalties for being without part B or Part D insurance while you are gone or lose your Medigap Insurance coverage.

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover you outside the United States, except in very limited situations—like certain emergencies close to the U.S. border. Some Medicare Advantage plans or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies may offer emergency coverage abroad, but it’s usually for a limited time and amount. If you plan to live outside the U.S., it’s important to look into private international health insurance or a plan in your country of residence so you’re protected wherever you are.

Answered by Leslie Kaz on August 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz Medicare Insurance Agent

Tracy Davis · Answer

Typically medicare is not recognized abroad as it is a United States based plan. I would encourage you to get some travel insurance while you are away to assist in medical costs. I highly encourage GeoBlue; I am currently writing one for some clients at this time for their travels to Germany. I use it personally, when I travel outside of the country and have had excellent experience with the company along with a very affordable premium.

Answered by Tracy Davis on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & KY, NM, OH & TN

Answered by Tracy Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Patricia Graham · Answer

Some Medicare plans have a benefit, although they are for short-term traveling up to a year in some cases, after that, no.

Ronnie Robinson · Answer

We offer International Travel Insurance that will provide the coverage needed to get you the care needed abroad, or it includes a life flight home as well. A simple call for a quote is all that is needed.

Answered by Ronnie Robinson on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, IL & 8 other states

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Medicare Insurance Agent

Parris Brady · Answer

In general, if you are living outside the US the answer is no. However, if you are a traveler living in the US, MA will cover in the case of an emergency. Some Medicare supplement plans will cover for foreign travel.

Answered by Parris Brady on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 18 other states

Answered by Parris Brady Medicare Insurance Agent

Matthew Moreno · Answer

If you picked up a medicare supplement plan inside the united states. Usually medicare only covers inside the country of the united states on certain circumstance such as emergency situations you can submit in a claim to medicare to get back the money like a ppo plan but only in certain situations where the bills are in English. I always recommend my clients to pick up traveling insurance when going outside the united states. 

If you are outside of the united states and are coming to the united states that is different but very similar. You will need to purchase traveling insurance. You're insurance from outside the united states does not come with you.

I am a resident in another country outside of America, will I still be covered living abroad?

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I am a resident in another country outside of America, will I still be covered living abroad?

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