Medicare & Healthcare Abroad: Guide for Overseas Buyers
- International Property Alerts
- October 2, 2025
When buying property overseas, most people focus on location, lifestyle, and investment value. But one of the most critical (and often forgotten) questions is:
👉 “What happens to my healthcare if I move abroad?”
👉 “Does Medicare cover me overseas?”
The truth is that healthcare access varies widely depending on your destination. If you’re retiring abroad, working remotely, or buying an investment property, you’ll need to understand how Medicare, private health insurance, and local healthcare systems work before making the move.
This guide explains everything you need to know — with a focus on US retirees (Medicare), UK pensioners (NHS & S1), and international visa requirements.
1. Does Medicare Cover You Abroad?
Medicare (United States):
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does not cover medical services outside the US.
Very limited exceptions apply, such as:
- If you’re in the US but a foreign hospital is closer (e.g. Canadian/Mexican border emergencies).
- If you’re on a cruise ship within 6 hours of a US port and treated by a doctor licensed in the US.
Medicare Part D (prescriptions) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) usually do not cover care abroad either.
Bottom line: If you’re moving overseas, you’ll need separate healthcare insurance in addition to keeping Medicare active.
2. Should You Keep Paying Medicare if You Retire Abroad?
Yes — many US retirees continue paying Medicare premiums while living abroad. Why?
- It ensures you’re still covered if you return to the US.
- If you stop paying and re-enrol later, you may face penalty surcharges and waiting periods.
However, Medicare will not reimburse you for care abroad. This means you’ll need:
- Private international health insurance, or
- Local healthcare access through your country of residence.
3. UK Pensioners & Healthcare Abroad
Inside the EU, Switzerland & Treaty Countries:
- UK retirees may use the S1 scheme, where the UK government covers healthcare costs in your new country.
- Your UK State Pension and S1 entitlement can give you access to local public healthcare systems.
Outside the EU:
- You won’t be covered by the NHS.
- You’ll need private health insurance or to buy into the local healthcare system if available.
Returning to the UK:
- If you spend long periods abroad, you may lose “ordinary residency” and NHS access unless you come back permanently.
4. Healthcare Systems Around the World
When planning to buy property and live overseas, you need to know how healthcare works locally.
Europe (Spain, Portugal, Greece):
- Strong public healthcare systems.
- Residency often grants access, but you may need private insurance initially.
UAE & Dubai:
- Healthcare is private and high quality. Insurance is mandatory for residents.
Thailand:
- A mix of public and private care. Expats are usually required to have private health insurance for long-stay visas.
Malaysia:
- Affordable, high-quality private healthcare. Insurance strongly recommended and required under MM2H visa.
Latin America (Mexico, Costa Rica):
- Public and private systems available. Many expats use a mix of local care and private insurance.
5. Healthcare & Visa Requirements
Residency visas often require proof of health insurance. Examples:
Spain, Portugal, Greece: Must show private health insurance to secure non-lucrative, retirement, or Golden Visas.
Thailand Retirement Visa: Requires proof of insurance with coverage for at least THB 400,000 inpatient care.
UAE Golden Visa: Health insurance proof is mandatory before approval.
Malaysia MM2H: Medical insurance is compulsory for participants.
6. Types of Health Insurance for Expats
If you’re retiring or living abroad, you’ll typically choose from:
1. International Private Health Insurance
- Covers you across multiple countries.
- Ideal for expats who travel frequently.
- Premiums can be high, especially for older applicants.
2. Local Health Insurance
- Often cheaper than international cover.
- Only valid in your country of residence.
- May not cover medical evacuation.
3. Hybrid Approach
- Use local systems for day-to-day care.
- Keep international coverage for emergencies, travel, or serious illness.
7. Costs of Healthcare Abroad
Europe: Spain and Portugal offer affordable healthcare compared to the US. Insurance premiums vary but can be €1,500–€3,000/year for retirees.
Asia: Thailand and Malaysia have lower costs, but insurance becomes more expensive with age.
UAE/Dubai: Healthcare is world-class but costly — private insurance is a must.
Latin America: Mexico and Costa Rica offer low-cost but good-quality care, often popular with US retirees.
Tip: Factor healthcare into your retirement cost of living calculations when budgeting for property abroad.
8. Key Risks and Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming Medicare or NHS will cover you abroad — they won’t.
❌ Forgetting healthcare proof is required for many residency visas.
❌ Ignoring age-related premium increases for private insurance.
❌ Underestimating currency exchange risks (insurance premiums often priced in USD/EUR).
❌ Not checking if pre-existing conditions are covered in your new policy.
9. FAQs: Medicare & Healthcare Abroad
Q: Can I use Medicare in Europe?
No. Medicare does not cover you in Europe (or elsewhere outside the US).
Q: Can UK pensioners use NHS abroad?
No. The NHS is for UK residents only. However, in the EU you may be covered under the S1 scheme.
Q: Do I need health insurance for a Golden Visa?
Yes. Most Golden Visa and residency programmes require private health insurance before approval.
Q: What’s the best option for expats?
Most retirees abroad use a combination: local healthcare + private insurance for major emergencies.
10. Summary Table: Medicare & Healthcare Abroad
Final Thoughts
Healthcare planning is just as important as choosing the right property. Medicare does not cover you abroad and the NHS has strict limits, so expats and retirees must rely on private or local health insurance. Many countries even make insurance a legal requirement before granting residency.
At International Property Alerts, we help you look beyond the property itself. We make sure you understand how healthcare, visas, pensions, and costs of living fit together — so your move abroad is safe, secure, and stress-free.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
🌐 www.internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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Email: office@internationalpropertyalerts.com
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