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

Question

Steven Bleicher · Accepted 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Steve 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 Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve 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

China Conley · Answer

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

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

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website