What happens to my Medicare coverage if I move to a U.S. territory like Guam or the Virgin Islands?

Question

Angie Templin · Accepted Answer

Original Medicare will work in U.S. territories. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will likely need to change plans when you move. Medicare allows a Special Election Period when you move to a new area.

Answered by Angie Templin on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Angie Templin Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA · Answer

Original Medicare provides access to healthcare services throughout the United States. This encompasses all 50 states, the District of Columbia, as well as the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Answered by Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NM, NV & TX

Answered by Robert Vaughan, R.Ph., MBA Medicare Insurance Agent

Renee Brown · Answer

No matter where you live in the United States or our territories, you can receive Medicare Part A and Part B. This means your basic inpatient and outpatient care will be paid for through the original Medicare program, and your coverage for Medicare parts A and B will not change if you move out of state

Answered by Renee Brown on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Renee Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Simonds · Answer

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) still covers you in U.S. Territories. However, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may not be available or may require switching to a local plan. It is important to report your move and review your new coverage options. I can help guide you through the process.

Answered by Michelle Simonds on May 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, FL & NY

Answered by Michelle Simonds Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Any US territory like those mentioned do retain all Medicare privileges as though you lived on the mainland. No problem!

Fred Manas · Answer

If you have Original Medicare, you have coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Most doctors and hospitals take Original Medicare.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 4, 2025

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

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

If you move to a U.S. territory, Original Medicare still covers you.

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may not be available, so you could lose those.

Territorial programs may offer limited drug coverage instead.

Mary Salmon · Answer

If you have Original Medicare with a medigap plan, you do not need to make any changes to your coverage. However, Medicare Advantage plans are region-specific so if you move from state to state or to a US territory, you will need to change plans to find a plan available in your new area.

Answered by Mary Salmon on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Gabrielle Sones · Answer

You will need to review with a broker beforehand because you may or may not need to make changes to your current plan.

China Conley · Answer

You will still have Medicare coverage but if you have a Medicare advantage plan. It will be canceled and you will have to find one where you are newly located at.

Kilolo Thomas · Answer

No, you do not lose Medicare, however, services outside of the country are not covered.  
If you are just visiting, some supplemental and advantage plans may cover emergency services.  Other than that, no services will be covered.

What happens to my Medicare coverage if I move to a U.S. territory like Guam or the Virgin Islands?

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What happens to my Medicare coverage if I move to a U.S. territory like Guam or the Virgin Islands?

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Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

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