Living Abroad: Medicare Enrollment Outside the USA

If you are an ex-pat and qualify for Medicare, then you may still be eligible for benefits while living outside of the United States.

Can I get Medicare Part B if I’m over 65 and getting Social Security?

If you currently live overseas and are at a qualifying age, then you can apply for Part B coverage if you receive Social Security benefits and have Part A already. You’ll need to wait until the General Enrollment Period starting on January 1 of the next year unless you’re already in this window.

Since most people find themselves in this situation because they declined Part B when they were first eligible, a late enrollment penalty typically applies.

I live overseas and am eligible for Social Security payments – what can I do?

If you are currently living outside of the United States, are eligible for Social Security payments, and are over the age of 65, you might need to apply for monthly benefits. This process includes the Part A paperwork. Then you would need to file for Part B during the General Enrollment Period.

I am not eligible for Social Security – can I still get Medicare while living overseas?

If you are a citizen of the United States living overseas, your address at the time when you turned 65 dictates how you can access Medicare. You must return stateside to file for Part B if you lived outside of U.S. borders at the time. You can enroll the first month you return during the residence establishment process.

You may not need to pay a late enrollment penalty upon your return to a U.S. address. 

What can Medicare pay for if I live outside of the United States?

Medicare does not generally provide coverage for services rendered at foreign medical offices. Although you are eligible to enroll, your medical bills and hospital stays do not receive payment. If you are in this situation, then you must return to an American destination to get compensation.

Territories are acceptable destinations. That means you can receive care in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands under the current terms of Medicare.

What if I’m traveling and need medical care while on Medicare?

Medicare may pay for your medical care if something happens while you are traveling outside of the United States. You must have your permanent address within the country to qualify for this exception. You’ll want to verify coverage at a foreign provider through your benefits administrator to avoid an unexpected charge for the care received.