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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
