Yes. The medicare part B premium is not designed to be picked up and put down at will. You could be subject to penalties and definitely will have to wait several months to get it back if you don't pay your premium.
If you choose to maintain your Medicare coverage while living abroad, you are still responsible for paying the monthly premiums, especially for Part B. If you fail to pay for Part B while abroad, when you return to the U.S. you may go months without health coverage. This is because you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which runs January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage starting the first of the month after the month you enroll.
While Medicare generally does not cover services outside the U.S., you can keep your coverage for when you return.
If you know you’ll be living abroad for an extended time and want to pause coverage, let’s talk through your options before you make a move. I can help you weigh the savings vs. potential penalties and make a game plan that fits your lifestyle.
Bottom line: Medicare doesn’t follow you outside the U.S., but your premiums don’t automatically stop just because you’re not using it. Let's protect your long-term coverage while also respecting your current lifestyle.
Yes you do. If you don’t pay your Part B premium then you will loose your Part D coverage too. Once you stop paying your Part B & D premium, you will no longer have coverage for Doctor and Prescription Drug.
Yes, in most cases, you still have to pay for Medicare even if you live part of the year abroad and don’t use it, especially if you want to avoid penalties or gaps in coverage later.
If you live abroad for extended periods of time, you technically have the option to drop Medicare Part B to avoid paying the monthly premium while you're not using the coverage. However, when you return to the U.S., you’ll need to provide proof to the Social Security Administration that you were living outside the country the entire time to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and avoid the late enrollment penalty. Even then, you may have to wait for Part B to be reactivated, which could delay access to care. For many people, it’s actually a smart move to keep Part B active and enroll in a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan, especially one that includes worldwide emergency coverage. These plans won’t cost you extra each month, but they can give you some peace of mind in case of a medical emergency overseas—coverage that Original Medicare does not offer. While you won’t be using the plan regularly abroad, having it in place preserves your Medicare enrollment and provides a safety net both at home and overseas.
Yes. If you have gaps inyour Medicare coverage, you may owe penalties and you may only be able to enroll at certain times of the year when you return to the U.S.
You will continue to pay for part B while abroad, but it is limited in coverage outside the US. You can cancel it while traveling abroad, but know when you come back to US and want to reinstate, you can only do so during the general election period (Jan-Mar) and you may have a penalty incurred if you go too long without it.
Yes, even if you live abroad, you are generally still required to pay Medicare premiums. However, you are not required to enroll in Medicare if you live outside the U.S. for at least 30 consecutive days. If you choose to enroll in Medicare while living abroad, you will still need to pay the premiums, but you won't be able to access the benefits unless you return to the U.S.
The short answer is yes. If you want to use Medicare services when you return, you must keep your Medicare Part A and Part B active and paid up. If you don't, there is a chance you will owe substantial penalties when you return AND want to use your Medicare. Just so you know....the penalties can be several hundred dollars A MONTH, and they are for the rest of your life.
Yes, you have to pay for your Medicare premiums as long as your account is active. You may use your Medicare benefits for EMERGENCY medical services outside the USA and its territories.
Yes. The only way to "turn off" your Medicare is to have other credible insurance. Plus, if you have Original Medicare with a supplement (G, N) that supplement will reimburse for up to 80% of emergency medical care out of the country. The safest bet is to keep your coverage intact and enjoy your time out of the USA.
Yes, if you’re enrolled in Medicare, you still have to pay your monthly Part B (and Part D, if you have it) premiums, even if you’re living outside the U.S. and not using the benefits. Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the country, but keeping your coverage active prevents late-enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage if you move back or need care in the U.S. later.
