I am a resident of another country outside of America. Will I still be covered living abroad?

Question

Jessie Grace · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question! 😊

Medicare generally does not cover medical care when you live in a foreign country outside the United States. There are a few limited exceptions, but in most cases, you would be responsible for your medical expenses abroad.

Here are a few important things to know:

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B): Generally does not cover routine medical care outside the U.S.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some plans offer limited emergency or urgently needed care while traveling abroad. Check your specific plan for details.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Certain plans provide limited coverage for foreign travel emergencies, subject to plan rules and limits.
• Prescription drug coverage (Part D): Generally does not cover prescriptions purchased outside the U.S.

If you plan to live abroad permanently, I recommend researching international health insurance and checking with Social Security or Medicare before making decisions about your current coverage. Dropping Medicare coverage and trying to enroll again later may result in late enrollment penalties or coverage delays.

For official information, visit Medicare.gov – Travel Outside the U.S.

I hope this helps you make an informed decision and stay protected wherever life takes you! 🌺

Robert Lukasik · Answer

No, you will not. Medicare does not generally cover healthcare outside of the United States except in limited medical emergencies in a foreign country that is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital. If you are living abroad, you should still consider keeping your Medicare, though, if you plan to return to the United States, to avoid penalties. However, it may not be worth the cost if you do not plan to return and plan to live abroad permanently and will not travel very frequently.

Answered by Robert Lukasik on September 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, FL & PA

Answered by Robert Lukasik Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Biggs · Answer

Medicare won’t cover you for care you receive while living abroad, even if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The program is designed to work only inside the United States (and a few very limited situations near the border or on a cruise ship).

Most people in your situation either keep Medicare active for when they visit the U.S. or in case they eventually move back, or they rely on local health coverage in the country where they actually reside.

Esther Miller · Answer

As a traveler, you'll only have the emergency travel benefits of either an 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 overseas, 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

Gary Haft · Answer

If you are talking about Medicare - keep in mind that Medicare does not cover outside the USA.
If you have a Medicare Supplement - then they will cover up to 80% up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 after you meet a $250 deductible. Also keep in mind - it is really for "emergency" needed care that would be considered a life-threatening emergency. All claims must be in English or at least converted to English before submitting it to your insurance carrier.

Ezel McIntee · Answer

Original Medicare generally does not cover medical care received outside the United States, so you would typically need private travel or international health insurance for coverage while living abroad. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited emergency coverage overseas, but it’s usually restricted and costly.

Answered by Ezel McIntee on November 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Ezel McIntee Medicare Insurance Agent

John Ward · Answer

Medicare is a US health insurance program, and in almost all cases, it does not cover you if you live outside of the US. Certain Medigap plans cover emergency foreign travel, but typically with monetary financial limits. If you're an expat, you should purchase international or local health insurance in your country of residence.

Answered by John Ward on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, FL, GA, LA, NM & OK

Answered by John Ward Medicare Insurance Agent

Cathy Bajkowski · Answer

Medicare is the US government's health insurance for people over 65 and those under 65 who qualify due to a disability. Coverage is only available in the US and in the US territories, such as the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

If you are living abroad anywhere outside the US territories, you have no coverage under Medicare.

Those living abroad can look at purchasing coverage for Ex-Pats in other countries.

Rita Collins · Answer

No. Medicare will not provide coverage while living abroad. You can keep your Medicare active, however, by continuing to pay your Medicare premiums. This will eliminate any issues upon moving back to the United States permanently.

Answered by Rita Collins on September 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & NC

Answered by Rita Collins Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

You are covered for medical emergencies only. You must maintain an address in the United States, be a United States citizen and worked 40 quarters in the US to qualify for Medicare.

If you need routine, acute medical care, you must return to the US or pay out of pocket in the country you reside in.

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, AL, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Tracy Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Randy Sanchez · Answer

Great question.

I hate to assume, but, assuming you're a Medicare beneficiary and your permanent residence is in the US, your coverage would be limited in use if you are outside the US.
I would need more information to expand on that.

Second, assuming your residence is now permanent outside the US, your Medicare most likely would not be valid in another country. That is because Medicare covers health care in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.

Hope that helps!

Hope Foutz · Answer

Coverage options vary depending on the type of plan you have. Most U.S.-based health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not provide full coverage for care received outside the United States. However, some plans may offer limited international benefits or travel coverage.

It’s important to speak with a licensed agent who can review your specific situation and help you understand what, if any, coverage you would have while living abroad and explore supplemental options if needed.

Gary Church · Answer

That depends on your specific Medicare Advantage plan and only applies in emergency situations. Make sure to keep your Medicare Part A and B active. You might also consider getting an International health plan.

Answered by Gary Church on October 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church 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

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

No, not by Original Medicare. Medicare does not provide coverage overseas & outside of the U.S. except for near the U.S. border.

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 circumstances, such as emergency situations, you can submit 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. Your insurance from outside the United States does not come with you.

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. Your insurance from outside the United States does not come with you.

Michael Gilman · Answer

Short answer: If you live abroad full‑time, Original Medicare will not cover your medical care outside the United States. 

But there are important nuances depending on your situation and your future plans. So it is really important to talk with an agent to assist you.

Bill Wheeler · 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.

Vicki Wuest · Answer

Are you a Medicare beneficiary currently? If so, it depends on the plan you're enrolled in. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you are most likely NOT covered as you are out of network.

David Moscowitz · Answer

Almost all Insurance carriers will not have medical coverage outside the United States; however, Urgent care as well as Emergency care is available outside the country.

Thomas Magnus, RHU · Answer

No - depending on the plan you are enrolled in there MAY BE limited overseas coverage while you travel abroad as a US Resident but not otherwise.

Juan Cardona · Answer

Many Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans will cover you abroad for emergencies and urgent care. This will be a good time to find a plan that covers you abroad.

Elijah Pannell · Answer

Unfortunately not. You must be a resident in the plan's service area within the U.S. Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

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 Jr · 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 Jr on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

I am a resident of another country outside of America. Will I still be covered living abroad?

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