AARP Hearing Center
Generally, yes. Even though Medicare doesn’t typically cover care you receive outside of the United States and its territories, you may turn 65 while living abroad.
Whether you can — or should — enroll in Medicare while living outside the country depends on your answers to a few questions:
- Are you retired?
- Are you still working?
- Do you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A?
Enrolling in Medicare while abroad if you’re retired
If you’re eligible for Medicare and neither you nor your spouse is working, you usually can enroll in Medicare while living outside the U.S. But you have a difficult decision to make: Either pay monthly Medicare Part B premiums for coverage you can’t use outside the United States, or delay enrollment until you return to the U.S. and then become liable for permanent Part B late enrollment penalties.
Your decision may hinge on whether you plan to live out of the country for a short while or long term. If you plan to be an expatriate permanently, you won’t need to worry about signing up and late enrollment penalties.
But some people do decide to return home if their health takes a turn for the worse. If that happens, be aware that you will face permanent Part B penalties.
If you decide to sign up for Part B while abroad, you can do so by contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live. You can find contact information on the Social Security Administration’s international webpage.
More on Medicare
Collecting Social Security While Living Abroad
American expats who qualify for Social Security benefits can receive their payments in almost any country.How to Sign Up: A Guide to Medicare Enrollment
When you can enroll for health coverage, the best ways to do it and how to avoid penalties
Where can I find answers to my Medicare questions?
We have 5 resources for you to check out, including AARP