As the Dec. 7 Medicare annual enrollment period deadline approaches, millions of beneficiaries are racing to finalize their health care coverage for 2025.
Some of the beneficiaries who are facing extra challenges are retirees who typically spend much or most of the year abroad.
Those retirees need expert advice about Medicare enrollment to avoid potential missteps.
The Coverage Gaps
The Original Medicare Part A inpatient hospitalization plan and the Original Medicare Part B outpatient care and physician services plan generally do not cover medical services received outside the United States, with limited exceptions:
- Emergency care near U.S. borders, such as in Canada or Mexico.
- Medical care received onboard cruise ships within U.S. territorial waters.
- Certain emergencies during travel involving Alaska.
Despite these limitations, it is crucial even for Americans who move overseas to maintain Part A coverage while abroad, to avoid penalties if they return to the United States later.
Dropping Medicare Part B while living overseas is an option, but re-enrollment upon return may lead to lifelong late-enrollment penalties.
