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

Question

Josie Villa · Accepted Answer

Yes, Original Medicare generally continues to work if you move to a U.S. territory such as Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medicare specifically considers Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands part of the U.S. for Medicare coverage purposes.

If you have Original Medicare

If you have Part A and Part B, you generally don't lose that coverage simply because you move to Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can use Medicare-participating doctors and hospitals in those territories.

However, you should make sure your new doctors and hospitals accept Medicare before receiving care.

If you have Medicare Advantage

This is where moving can make a big difference.

Medicare Advantage plans have a specific service area. If you move outside your plan's service area, your current plan generally cannot continue providing your regular coverage there. You get a Special Enrollment Period to choose another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

Your Special Enrollment Period generally begins when you move and continues for 2 full months after the month you move. If you notify your plan before moving, it can begin the month before you move.

What about Part D?

Part D is also plan-specific. If your prescription plan doesn't serve your new location, you'll generally have an opportunity to choose another Part D plan.

One important difference for people with limited income: Medicare's Extra Help program isn't available in Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, although other assistance programs may be available in those territories.

The simple rule

Moving to Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands does not automatically end Original Medicare.

But if you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan, moving can require you to change plans or return to Original Medicare because private plans have service areas.

Corey Schuler · Answer

Medicare is available in US territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. If you have an Advantage plan or a Part D drug plan, you would need to sign up for a new plan. If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, simply notify the plan of your move.

Answered by Corey Schuler on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 10 other states

Answered by Corey Schuler Medicare Insurance Agent

Derek Rogers · Answer

Original Medicare (Part A and B) covers you in U.S. territories—Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands—just as it does in the 50 states. However, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are often not available in these territories, so you may lose that coverage and must return to Original Medicare.

Answered by Derek Rogers on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Derek Rogers Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

Yes, it depends on whether you are on Original Medicare or on a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are on Original Medicare Part A & B, you're covered. If you have a Medicare supplement, you need to let the carrier know your new address. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need to find a new Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

Answered by Gary Church on September 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

That depends on what coverage you have. A supplement is valid in all 50 states and US territories. An Advantage plan will need to be changed to one at your new location. Or you can return to Original Medicare and buy a supplement. Due to the move, you will have a guarantee issue for the supplement, but the price will be based on your age.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on August 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Ngo · Answer

Your Medicare coverage remains active if you move to a U.S. territory like Guam or the Virgin Islands, as long as you continue paying your monthly Medicare premium. However, it is recommended to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (if available) or Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug plan to help minimize your out-of-pocket cost for medical, hospital, and medications.

Answered by Diana Ngo on July 27, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Diana Ngo Medicare Insurance Agent

Jajuan Knox · Answer

If you move to a U.S. territory like Guam or the Virgin Islands, your Original Medicare coverage will usually still be available, but Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may not operate in those areas. You may need to choose a new plan based on what is offered locally, and it’s important to update your address and review your options through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to avoid gaps in coverage.

Answered by Jajuan Knox on February 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 49 other states

Answered by Jajuan Knox Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Bilgere · Answer

If you move to a U.S. territory and are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you will be dropped from that plan and return to Original Medicare. You will be able to add a Part D prescription plan.

Medicare supplements may be available. However, they are not regulated the same as in the 50 states, and all plans may not be available.

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

Cynthia (Cindy) Dixon · Answer

If you move to any US territories, they are still considered part of the United States for the purpose of Medicare.  Original Medicare does not terminate because you move there.    You will need to contact the Supplement Insurance Carrier to confirm if you can continue the Supplement in US Territories if you have a Supplement plan.    If you have a Part D or Medicare Advantage, you will want to see what is available to you in the territories as in most cases this move will be outside of the carrier service area. 

I would check on what is available in the area you want to move before you move.    I hope this helps.

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.

Tameeka Johnson · Answer

Your Medicare coverage does not automatically follow you in the same way when you move to a U.S. territory. While you can keep your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), your coverage for Part B (Medical Insurance) and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) will be significantly affected, and your access to healthcare will be affected. Providers who accept Medicare will be extremely limited.

1. Contact Medicare Directly: Call 1-800-MEDICARE. They are the definitive source for the most current rules and can tell you about any provider options in your specific destination.

2. Contact Your Plans: Inform your Part D, Medicare Advantage, and/or Medigap plan providers about your move. They will explain the disenrollment process and your eligibility for a Special Enrollment Period.

3. Research Local Healthcare: Before you move, contact the Department of Public Health or the major hospitals in the territory (e.g., Guam Memorial Hospital, Schneider Regional Medical Center in the Virgin Islands) to understand how they handle patients with U.S. Medicare. Ask specific questions about billing and reimbursement.

4. Investigate Local Insurance Options: Look into the local health insurance market in the territory. You will likely need to purchase a local private health insurance policy.

For more detailed information, contact us.

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

Jeremy Watson · Answer

As long as you reside in a US Territory, Medicare A and B will cover you. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will likely have limitations of coverage. If you have a Medigap plan, coverage would continue as is.

Answered by Jeremy Watson on July 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY & MI, OH, SC & TN

Answered by Jeremy Watson Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Yes, Medicare and Medicare supplements will cover you in all U.S. states and territories. Medicare Advantage plan coverage depends on the insurance company network availability. PPO plans, POS plans are still covered as out-of-network, but you pay higher out-of-network rates.

Answered by Gary Henderson on July 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

A couple of things. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan and you move to Guam or a territory, it's not going to be applicable. You're going to have to move or segue back into Original Medicare, which is A and B.

The supplements, I'm not sure how they operate in Guam, but typically if you have one in the States already and you move to a territory, they will probably stay in effect, but they may adjust what you pay each month for it. But again, check with your Medicare broker.

And honestly, if I was moving to Guam or the Virgin Islands, I would go down to Social Security and let them know that and find out what that looks like with them, because they're going to be the first people that you need to check with and tell them where you're going to be moving to. That's definitely good advice, at least to start out with.

Brenda Skasko · Answer

Your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage continues, as these are U.S. territories where Original Medicare is accepted. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you must switch to a new plan available in your new location. This is called a SCP, special enrollment. There are limitations in regards to the timelines of your move, and switching plans.

Answered by Brenda Skasko on November 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE & MD

Answered by Brenda Skasko Medicare Insurance Agent

Angie Templin · 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

Susan Ramirez · Answer

You can generally keep your original Medicare part A and B provided you remain eligible and continue paying any required premiums. 
However, if you have a Medicare advantage plan ( Part C ) or (part D) prescription drug plan, you may need to change plans because coverage depends on the plan's service area. It is important to contact Social Security and Medicare to update your address. Keep in mind Medicare generally covers services providers who participate in Medicare, and provider availability may be more limited in U.S. territories.

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

Dominic Javier · Answer

Moving to U.S. territories will allow you to retain your Original Medicare coverages. However, Medicare Advantage is geographic-specific, that is, certain territories where you are moving in may have limited or no coverage at all.

Answered by Dominic Javier on January 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Dominic Javier Medicare Insurance Agent

Nikki Bagley · Answer

Medicare's Part A and Part B will go with you. If you have a Part C, you will go through the same process just as if you are moving to a new ZIP code. Medicare Gap or Medicare supplements also go with you; however, your premiums could change with your new address.

Answered by Nikki Bagley on January 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, MD, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Nikki Bagley Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Medicare and Medicaid plans for Guam and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) are administered differently from the 50 states, with both territories having their own SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) resources and local Medicaid programs. You can get information about Medicare plans for the USVI from the Virgin Islands SHIP (VI SHIP) and for Guam from the Guam SHIP, both of which are federally funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). For Medicaid, contact the local Medicaid office or the territory's Department of Health and Human Services.

Answered by Marcie Barnes on September 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

James ONeal · Answer

If you have Original Medicare (Parts A & B), your coverage extends to U.S. territories like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

This means you can receive care from any provider or facility that accepts Medicare in those territories.

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

Uchennah Okafor · Answer

These areas are the United States territories, and Medicare treats them as would the 50 states and Washington DC. Covered Medicare treatments from providers that accept Medicare are covered.

Norman Smith · Answer

Territories are treated as all states would be, so your Original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plans would work there.

If you have a Supplemental plan to your Original Medicare, that would be accepted as well.

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, AL, AZ & 5 other states

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

John Motsinger · Answer

Original Medicare will cover you in Guam and the US Virgin Islands. However, please note that Medicare Advantage only has limited coverage near the US border.

James Rice · Answer

You maintain your A&B Medicare ( If you have signed up for B ) and can use any provider that will accept medicare. If you have a Medicare advantage plan they are tied to a service area. A Medicare supplement can allow coverage but best to contact them directly to confirm.

Answered by James Rice on October 20, 2026

Agent Licensed in WI, MI, NC, OH & TX

Answered by James Rice Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Bostic · Answer

In an emergency, your Medicare Advantage would work when you first got there, but you would have to see if there is any other option available to you when you got there because typically most plans will not move to a territory.

Answered by Todd Bostic on July 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

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.

Jemeel Adams · Answer

Your Original Medicare would continue to work. It would be Medigap and Part C that would have some issues.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

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

Daniel Brechin · Answer

You will be fine; your Medicare in the islands is the same. However, I don't know when you will do this; you may need to change plans for your Medicare to get a local plan. If you are on a supplement, check around; you may fine or is more expensive for a different Supplement

Answered by Daniel Brechin on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN

Answered by Daniel Brechin 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.

Humara Riaz · Answer

Thank you for asking.

When you move, please contact me. I will help you to change your plan according to the area code. The coverage you have currently might not have the same plan or coverage in your new location; then we need to change the plan.

Hope you understand. You can call directly to get more information.

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

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