The short answer
If you spend part of the year abroad and part in the U.S., a key question is whether to keep paying for Medicare Part B, since Medicare generally doesn't cover care outside the United States. For part-time expats who still get care in the U.S. during their time home, keeping Part B usually makes sense. For those who rarely return, the math is different.
The decision hinges on how much U.S.-based care you'll actually use and the penalty risk of dropping Part B.
Why keeping Part B often makes sense
If you return to the U.S. for part of the year and use doctors or hospitals here, Part B covers that care, so paying the premium buys real coverage during your time home. Dropping Part B to save the premium while abroad is risky: if you later want it back, you can face a permanent late enrollment penalty and a delayed start. Our guide to retiring abroad and keeping Medicare covers the full-time case.
For genuine part-year residents, the premium is usually worth keeping for the coverage during U.S. months and to avoid the penalty trap.
Coverage while you're abroad
Since Medicare won't cover most care outside the U.S., part-time expats typically arrange separate travel or international health coverage for their time abroad. Some Medigap plans include a limited foreign travel emergency benefit, which helps for emergencies but isn't full coverage. Our guide to whether Medicare covers you traveling abroad explains the limits.
So the usual setup for a part-time expat is: keep Medicare for U.S. months, and add international coverage for the months away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep Part B if I live abroad part of the year?
Usually yes, if you still get care in the U.S. during your time home. Part B covers that care, and dropping it risks a permanent late penalty if you want it back later.
Does Medicare cover me while I'm abroad?
Generally no. Medicare doesn't cover most care outside the U.S., so part-time expats typically add travel or international health coverage for their time abroad.
What's the risk of dropping Part B while abroad?
If you drop it and later want it back, you can face a permanent late enrollment penalty and a delayed coverage start, on top of having no U.S. coverage in the meantime.
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