If I live part of the year abroad, do I still have to pay for Medicare if I don’t use it?

Question

Lavina Woart · Accepted Answer

If you plan to live outside the United States for an extended period, you may have the option to disenroll from Medicare Part B and avoid paying the monthly premium while you are abroad. However, this decision should be made carefully. When you return to the U.S., you may need to demonstrate to the Social Security Administration that you had qualifying health coverage or met specific enrollment requirements to avoid a late enrollment penalty. Depending on your circumstances, you could also experience a delay before your Part B coverage becomes effective again.

For many individuals who travel or reside overseas part-time, maintaining Medicare Part B coverage may provide greater flexibility and peace of mind. One option is to enroll in a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan (while continuing to pay the Part B premium) that offers worldwide emergency and urgent care benefits. While Medicare Advantage plans are generally designed for use within the United States, certain plans can help cover emergency medical situations that occur abroad—something Original Medicare typically does not cover.

Before making any changes to your Medicare coverage, it’s important to evaluate how long you expect to be outside the country, whether you maintain a U.S. residence, your access to healthcare overseas, and the potential impact of future enrollment rules and penalties. Consulting with a Medicare specialist can help ensure you make the choice that best fits your travel and healthcare needs.

Note: Individuals living abroad generally do not automatically qualify for a Special Enrollment Period simply because they reside outside the United States. Eligibility to reenroll in Part B without penalty typically depends on meeting specific Medicare enrollment rules, such as having qualifying employer group health coverage. Always verify your situation with the Social Security Administration before dropping Part B.

Anna Davis CIC-RSSA · Answer

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.

Answered by Anna Davis CIC-RSSA on August 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Anna Davis CIC-RSSA Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenda Martin · Answer

If you live part of the year abroad, you might not need to pay for Medicare if you don't use it, but it depends on your situation. Medicare generally doesn't cover health services outside the US, so if you're not planning to return to the US for medical care, you might consider dropping Part B to save on premiums ($202.90 per month in 2026). However, keep in mind that dropping Part B could lead to a penalty if you decide to re-enroll in the future.

*Key Considerations:*

- *Part A*: Usually premium-free if you've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can keep it even if you're abroad.
- *Part B*: Requires a monthly premium. You can drop it while abroad, but be aware of potential penalties when re-enrolling.
- *Part D*: Can't be paid while abroad; you'll need to re-enroll when you return to the US.

If you're unsure, consider consulting with a licensed insurance agent to determine the best approach for your situation.

Jessica Ellis · Answer

Yes you still have to pay for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums even if you live abroad and are not using the benefits. Medicare does not usually cover care outside the United States. If you drop the coverage while you are abroad you could face late enrollment penalties if you return and sign up again later. Many people keep at least Part A since it is usually premium free and then decide whether to keep paying for Part B and D based on how long they plan to stay overseas.

Answered by Jessica Ellis on October 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Jessica Ellis Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Biggs · Answer

Yes—if you want to keep your Medicare Part B active, you still have to pay the monthly premium even when you’re living abroad and not using the coverage. Medicare generally doesn’t pay for care received outside the U.S., but dropping Part B to save money can backfire because you’ll face a permanent late-enrollment penalty and limited enrollment windows if you ever move back and want it again.

Most people who spend part of the year overseas keep their Medicare in place as “insurance for the future,” since re-establishing it later can be costly and difficult.

Kyle McLaughlin · Answer

While you do not have to pay for Medicare while abroad, but dropping it carries serious risks. You can choose to drop Part B to stop paying the monthly fee, or keep paying for it even though Original Medicare does not cover care outside the U.S. 

Benefits of keeping Part B, this ensures you have full coverage ready the moment you return to the U.S but remember you must continue paying the monthly cost even though you're out of the country. 

Risk of dropping Part B, when you return, you may face lifelong late enrollment penalties or a waiting period unless you qualify for specific exceptions like active foreign employment coverage.

April Burke · Answer

Whether you keep paying for Medicare depends on which part of the program you have and whether you plan to return to the U.S. for healthcare. Because Medicare almost never covers medical care outside the U.S., paying for coverage while living overseas can feel unnecessary, but dropping it carries serious financial risks.

| Medicare Component | Premium Required? | What Happens If You Spend Part of the Year Abroad 

**Part A (Hospital)** | Usually **$0** | Remains active automatically at no cost as long as you qualify for premium-free Part A (10+ years of U.S. work history). 
 **Part B (Doctor / Outpatient)**Yes** (monthly premium) | You must continue paying the monthly premium to keep your U.S. coverage active. If you drop it, you avoid the monthly fee, but you incur a **lifetime penalty** when re-enrolling.
**Part D (Prescriptions) **Yes** (monthly premium),Requires a U.S. home address in the plan's service area. Dropping it may lead to Part D late-enrollment penalties if you re-enroll later without creditable coverage. |
**Medigap (Supplement)**Yes** (monthly premium) | Many plans (e.g., Plan G or N) cover **80% of emergency medical care** during the first 60 days of a foreign trip. |

---

### The Hidden Costs of Dropping Part B

If you spend part of the year abroad and drop Part B to save money, returning to the U.S. health system gets complicated quickly:

* **Lifetime Late-Enrollment Penalty:** Medicare adds a **10% premium penalty for every 12-month period** you were eligible for Part B but dropped it. Foreign health insurance or foreign national healthcare generally does **not** count as creditable coverage to waive this fee.
* **Coverage Gaps:** You cannot re-enroll anytime you choose. You must wait for the **General Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31)**, and coverage will take effect the following month, leaving you uninsured in the U.S. in the interim.

If you maintain a primary residence in the U.S. and return

Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA · Answer

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.

Juliette Chihade · Answer

Yes, you l have to pay for Medicare even if you live abroad part of the year and don't use it, but the specifics depend on which parts of Medicare you have and your individual situation.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Most people don't pay premiums for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can keep this without paying premiums even while living abroad.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This typically requires monthly premiums (around $175+ in 2024). If you're living abroad and not using it, you can disenroll to avoid paying premiums. However, there are important considerations:

You may face late enrollment penalties if you re-enroll later without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period

Julia Alves · Answer

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.

Answered by Julia Alves on August 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, GA & 5 other states

Answered by Julia Alves Medicare Insurance Agent

Brenda Trejos · Answer

For the most part the answer is "Yes."  Just because I don't use my Medicare even if I'm in the US or overseas, I still have to pay for it.   Its insurance.  That said, the question is, "will you have credible health insurance while living abroad?"  If so, you could talk to your Agent/Broker and see if there's a lesser cost option, BUT you will have to talk to Medicare directly to "pause" your Medicare.  Medicare is a government program and has lots of rules.  
Travel insurance is not credible coverage.  If you have an emergency overseas, you will want to still have the additional coverage (Medigap or Advantage Plan) that can cover you overseas (check with your Agent) in case of emergencies and especially have it if you return to the US for medical attention.  If you cancel or pause Medicare, you can face penalties when you restart it if not done in an official manner.
Its a little complicated, to say the least.  If I was you, I'd keep Medicare with the additional coverage and even get travel insurance.  The protection & peace of mind are worth every penny.

Kevin Johnson · Answer

Yes, if you live part of the year abroad and plan to return to the U.S., it is often advisable to continue paying for Medicare, especially Part B, to avoid permanent late enrollment penalties. While Medicare does not cover most care received outside the U.S., keeping it active by paying the monthly premium will ensure you have coverage without penalties when you return. You will need to keep your Part B premium payments up-to-date, as you are still responsible for the premiums even while living abroad

Answered by Kevin Johnson on October 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, NM, OH & SC

Answered by Kevin Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Ricky Rash · Answer

It depends, especially since Medicare does not cover services outside of the United States; however, if you decide to suspend/terminate/cancel your Medicare, they may impose penalties upon your return to the U.S. Most people keep their Original Medicare active and purchase a Medigap plan that includes a foreign travel benefit, or they enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers them outside of the United States for both ER and urgent care visits.

Answered by Ricky Rash on January 12, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Ricky Rash Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kelly · Answer

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.

Answered by Andrew Kelly on July 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA & OR

Answered by Andrew Kelly Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

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.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

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.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Dustin Diesman · Answer

In most cases you'll still pay your Medicare Part B premium even if you're living abroad for part of the year and do not use your coverage. While it may be tempting to cancel Part B to save some money, by doing so could lead to permanent late enrollment penalties and gaps in coverage if you need it again in the future. That's why it's important to review your options before making any changes.

Answered by Dustin Diesman on July 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in MN, AL, AR & 12 other states

Answered by Dustin Diesman Medicare Insurance Agent

Adam Gent · Answer

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.

Answered by Adam Gent on August 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, AL, AR & 17 other states

Answered by Adam Gent Medicare Insurance Agent

Tanisha Coffey · Answer

The short answer is: No. You do not have to pay for Medicare if you live part of the year abroad. If you chose not to do so, there are some things to consider. First, if you opt not to pay for your Part B, that could leave you without health insurance coverage for everything besides hospital-related stays. It could also result in a permanent late penalty on your Part B premiums whenever you did resume Part B coverage.

Answered by Tanisha Coffey on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & MD, SC, TX & VA

Answered by Tanisha Coffey Medicare Insurance Agent

Leann Burkholder · Answer

If you are enrolled in Part B, then you must continue to pay the Part B premium so as not to incur a penalty. Medicare does not cover routine care outside of the US, but it will prevent potential gaps when returning to the US.

Answered by Leann Burkholder on October 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Leann Burkholder Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

Tricky question. Medicare itself does not cover you. Outside the United States.  
If you have a Medicare supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have coverage outside United States for emergency or urgent care. I would think that if you spend a lot of time in another country, you should buy insurance there, but you still should keep your Medicare so you have it when you’re back in United States. Your cost for it is not that high anyway.

Andre Cabral · Answer

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.

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

Yes, to avoid a lapse in coverage and possible penalties, you must still pay your Medicare Part B premium if you live abroad for part of the year.

Tai Thao · Answer

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.

Answered by Tai Thao on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in WI, AR, IL & MI, MN, NC & OK

Answered by Tai Thao Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Yes, you still have to pay for Medicare Part B premiums even in you live abroad and don't use the coverage. That's because Medicare is a U.S.-based program, and enrollment comes with ongoing premium responsibilities-whether or not you access care.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Jonathan Brower · Answer

Yes, you will need to continue paying your part B premium and maintain a drug plan (part d) to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

If you plan on returning to the U.S you should maintain your Medicare. If you permanently relocate overseas and plan to rarely return to the U.S. then giving up your Medicare could make sense.

Adam Ernst · Answer

If you are a citizen and are taking Social Security, the answer is yes. If you creditable coverage deemed approved by Medicare, then no. You can choose not to pay for it until you are required to take SS, but then you risk serious Part B/D penalties when you are ready to start Medicare. Medicare will coverage some international costs, especially with a Medicare Supplement.

Answered by Adam Ernst on January 15, 2026

Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN

Answered by Adam Ernst Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

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.

Answered by Terri Reagin on July 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Korina Medrano · Answer

Yes, if you drop it from abroad, you may face penalties for the Part B Premium and Part D.  You want to have seamless coverage upon your return to the US.

Robert Tovar · Answer

Yes, you must continue to pay into Medicare while you live abroad. Medicare does not pause so in order to continue having it, you must continue to pay. Hope this helps you.

Michael Cavanaugh · Answer

Yes you must continue to pay your Part B . If you don't, and you want to continue upon your return, you will be assessed a penalty monthly going forward for life.

Lynn Hapke · Answer

Yes you do.  If you were to cancel either your Part B or Part D for part of the year, then you would be subject to late enrollment penalties.

Forest Parker · Answer

Medicare doesn’t have and on and off and on again switch that I know of that doesn’t include loss of coverage penalties. If you qualify for premium free Medicare Part A, then at least you would only be paying for Medicare Part B.

Answered by Forest Parker on July 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Forest Parker Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, if you are on Original Medicare. Although Medicare does not cover you overseas except for limited coverage near the U.S. border.

Mark Zaruba · Answer

You will still need to pay you premium even though you may not be able to use it as for the most part Medicare does not cover foreign country medical services.

Hannah Skinner · Answer

Yes, you do. Unless you take up residency in another country and disenroll from Medicare, you will have to pay the premiums.

Angie Templin · Answer

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.

Carol Thompson · Answer

More than likely yes but the best thing to do is to contact 1-800-Medicare to ask. They should be able to give you the most precise information. If you are not insured while abroad - some medicare plans offer coverage while abroad. That would be another question to ask- what is the length of time that you will have coverage while abroad.

Answered by Carol Thompson on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Muhammad · Answer

Yes. Medicare Plans are prov5as as annual service. As long as you continue to pay your premiums you will continue to be provided healthcare services, whether you use them or not. Your Medicare Plan and services are provided based on your permanent legal address.

Answered by Diana Muhammad on October 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, CA, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Diana Muhammad Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim Cotten · Answer

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.

Deborah Webster · Answer

You cannot turn Medicare on and off, so if you are going to be living in the states at all you will need to continue to pay your part B

Toni Cormier · Answer

Yes, you pay for Medicare monthly regardless to whether you are in town or out-of-town, regardless to whether you use it or not.  It is there when you need it.

Chris Vari · Answer

If you want to use your Medicare, when you are back in the state, you must continue to pay for your part B premium. If you have a Medicare advantage plan and you're out of your place of domicile for six months then they can terminate the Medicare advantage plan.

Answered by Chris Vari on September 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Chris Vari Medicare Insurance Agent

Misty Bolt · Answer

Yes the only way to get out of paying for Medicare is to have low income and qualify for Medicaid to pay the premiums.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Yes. A half year out of the country does not allow you to stop paying for Medicare. A longer period depending on its length can be considered.

China Conley · Answer

Yes you are still required to pay for your part b premium. If you still want to be enrolled into Medicare.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

Yes. Medicare is a standard requirement after the age of 65. In most cases a penalty will be assessed for not having medicare.

Edward Givens · Answer

Yes. Simply spending part of the year outside the United States does not normally stop your Medicare premiums.

Medicare is not priced based on how many months you physically use the coverage.

Original Medicare generally provides very limited coverage outside the United States, with only certain exceptions. Medicare Advantage plans also generally have limited coverage outside the U.S., although some plans may provide emergency or urgently needed care benefits while traveling internationally.

Some Medicare Supplement policies provide limited foreign-travel emergency benefits as well.

If you spend several months abroad every year, I would separate two questions:

First, what Medicare coverage do I want to maintain for the months I am in the United States?

Second, what coverage will protect me while I am outside the United States?

I would be very cautious about dropping Medicare Part B simply because you spend part of the year abroad. Re-enrollment rules and potential late-enrollment penalties can depend on your circumstances.

For frequent international travelers, the better approach is usually to coordinate Medicare with appropriate travel or international medical coverage rather than assuming Medicare alone will cover care overseas.

William Lawler · Answer

If you live part of the year abroad, you still need to pay for your Medicare. All insurance is a gamble. You pay for insurance hoping you`ll never need it. But when you do need it, you are very happy to have it.

Answered by William Lawler on October 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Grant Evans · Answer

Yes, you would need to pay for the medicare year round regardless of if you are living part of the year abroad.

Jennifer Wesolek · Answer

I do not have enough information to properly answer this question. Call me and we can discuss it or call a local agent licensed and contracted to sell Medicare Health Insurance so they can have a discussion with you.

Answered by Jennifer Wesolek on March 16, 2026

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Wesolek Medicare Insurance Agent

If I live part of the year abroad, do I still have to pay for Medicare if I don’t use it?

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