Mostly, no. Original Medicare almost never covers care outside the United States, so for day-to-day health needs abroad it won't help you. The real question isn't whether it works overseas (it doesn't) but whether to keep paying for it anyway.
What You'll Use Instead
Living abroad, you'll rely on your new country's healthcare system, often available to legal residents, or private international health insurance. Both are usually far cheaper than U.S. care, which is part of why many retirees move in the first place.
The Part B Decision (This One Costs Money)
Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, about $185 in 2025, and does nothing for you overseas. But if you drop it and re-enroll later, you face a lifelong late-enrollment penalty: 10% added for every 12 months you were eligible but not enrolled. If you might return to the U.S. or split your time, many retirees keep Part B to avoid that penalty. If you're leaving for good, some drop it.
Part A (hospital coverage) is free if you qualified through work, so there's no reason to drop it. Keep it.
How Retirees Abroad Get Covered
- Your new country's public healthcare system, if you're eligible as a legal resident.
- Private international or expat health insurance, often a few hundred dollars a month.
- Keeping Part B as a safety net if you'll visit the U.S. often or may move back.
Bottom line: Medicare won't cover you abroad, so plan on local healthcare or private international insurance. The one real decision is whether to keep paying Part B to avoid a permanent late penalty if you ever return.
Ready for the next step?
Check out our country-specific guides to see exactly how to apply these steps in your dream destination.
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