Do any countries accept U.S. Medicare?
Asked by: Johan Ankunding | Last update: November 16, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)
Do I lose my Medicare if I move to another country?
You can't use Medicare outside the U.S. – If you have Medicare when you move abroad, you might choose to keep it and pay your premiums so you won't have late enrollment penalties if you return to the U.S. to live.
What countries accept U.S. Medicaid?
Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. If you are covered by Medicaid, you should be aware that coverage can be suspended if you remain outside of the country for more than 30 days.
Will Medicare cover me out of the country?
Medicare does not pay for medical services you receive outside the United States.
Should I carry my Medicare card when traveling internationally?
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover you overseas. It depends on your specific plan, so contact your Medicare provider for more information. Also, be sure to bring a copy of your Medicare and health care insurance cards with you when you travel so you have that information at the ready if you need it.
Do I Need Medicare When Living Abroad?
What countries accept U.S. Medicare for seniors?
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country?
Health Care Resources for Travelers
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
Which Medicare Advantage plans cover international travel?
Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, M and N cover some travel-abroad emergency help. No other Medicare Supplement plans provide foreign travel emergency coverage.
How many doctor visits does Medicare cover for seniors?
Medicare does not limit the number of times a person can consult their doctor, but it may limit how often they can have a particular test and access other services. Individuals can contact Medicare directly at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to discuss physician coverage in further detail.
Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?
If you're traveling abroad, going on a business trip overseas or planning an expensive trip, travel insurance or travel protection may be a good choice for you. It's a way to be better prepared for the possibility that your trip may be interrupted or canceled or if you experience a medical emergency while away.
Does Medicare cover you on a cruise?
Does Medicare cover you on a cruise ship? Original Medicare will pay if you receive medical care on the ship while it's in a U.S. port (or within six hours of arriving at or leaving from a U.S. port).
Do I lose Medicaid if I travel abroad?
Medicaid does not cover you outside the U.S. and most Medicare plans also do not cover you outside the U.S., although some provide emergency care in Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov or check with your Medicare supplement provider.
Can I use my U.S. health insurance in another country?
Before you go, consider your insurance options.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.
Can I still collect Social Security if I move out of the country?
If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to be sure you can receive your payments.
Do expats have to pay for Medicare?
Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you will pay nothing for coverage. If you must pay a premium for Part A, be aware of the high monthly cost for maintaining Part A coverage.
What happens if you don't pay a hospital bill from another country?
If no action is taking on your medical bill and you do not pay what is owed, additional charges can be added to your account balance in the form of late fees and interest. Additionally, the healthcare provider can move your balance into international debt collection or file a lawsuit against you.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
Can you refuse a Medicare wellness visit for seniors?
People can refuse a Medicare annual wellness visit, but it is worth considering the potential benefits. Wellness visits can help healthcare professionals detect health issues early on and are an important part of preventive care.
Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?
Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.
What countries outside the U.S. accept Medicare?
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover me internationally?
As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.
What are the disadvantages of humana medicare advantage?
Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.
What happens if an American gets sick in Europe?
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What to do if you are stuck in a foreign country with no money?
If you have no other way to get money, you may be able to get a temporary repatriation or evacuation loan through the U.S. State Department. Look up and contact a U.S. Embassy or consulate to ask about evacuation and repatriation loans. If you get an evacuation or repatriation loan, you must repay it.
How to travel with prescription medication internationally?
The medication should be in its original container with the doctor's instructions printed on the bottle. If you don't have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication.