Medicare outside US: What You Need to Know About Health Coverage Abroad

When you're living or traveling outside the U.S., Medicare outside US, the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older. It's known as Original Medicare, and it's designed for care within the United States and its territories. Most people assume Medicare follows them everywhere—but it doesn’t. If you're in Canada, Mexico, India, or even on a cruise in international waters, Medicare will likely refuse to pay for your hospital visit, emergency care, or even a simple prescription refill.

That’s why international health coverage, private insurance plans designed for people living or traveling outside their home country. It's also called expat health insurance, and it's what most Americans rely on when they move abroad or take long trips. Without it, you’re on your own. A single emergency room visit in Europe or Asia can cost $10,000 or more. And if you're on a fixed income—like most Medicare recipients—that kind of bill can wipe you out. Some people try to use their U.S. private insurance, but most of those plans also have geographic limits. Others think they can just pay cash, but that’s risky if you need ongoing care or a specialist.

There are a few exceptions. Medicare will pay for emergency care if you're in Canada or Mexico while traveling between two U.S. locations—and only if the nearest hospital is across the border. It also covers care on a U.S.-flagged cruise ship if you're within six hours of a U.S. port. That’s it. No routine checkups. No dialysis abroad. No prescriptions filled overseas. If you're planning to live in India, Thailand, or anywhere else long-term, you need a plan B. That’s where foreign healthcare, the system of medical services and providers available in non-U.S. countries. Many expats find it more affordable and sometimes even higher quality than what’s available in the U.S. comes in. Countries like India, Thailand, and Costa Rica have world-class hospitals that cater to international patients, often at a fraction of U.S. prices. But you still need insurance to access them without paying out of pocket.

What about Medicare Advantage? Most of those plans don’t cover care outside the U.S. either. Some offer limited emergency benefits, but they’re usually capped at $50,000 and only for 60 days. If you're thinking about moving overseas permanently, you’ll likely need to drop Medicare Advantage and get a global health plan. And if you drop Medicare entirely, you might pay a penalty when you try to get it back. It’s a tightrope walk.

So what do you do? Start by mapping your needs. Are you traveling for a few months? Get a short-term travel medical policy. Moving to India for retirement? Look into a comprehensive expat plan that includes outpatient care, prescriptions, and even evacuation coverage. Don’t wait until you’re sick. The best time to plan is before you leave. And remember—Medicare doesn’t cover you abroad, but that doesn’t mean you’re left without options. The right coverage exists. You just have to know where to look.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how to navigate health systems abroad, what insurance actually covers, and how to avoid costly mistakes when you’re far from home. Whether you’re considering medical tourism, relocating, or just planning a long trip, these posts give you the facts—not the fluff.