Countries That Accept Medicare: Where U.S. Seniors Can Get Care Abroad

When you have Medicare, a U.S. federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Also known as Part A and Part B, it covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and some preventive care—but only within the United States. Most countries do not accept Medicare directly, meaning if you travel or move abroad, you’re typically on your own for medical bills. That doesn’t mean care isn’t available—it just means you need to plan ahead.

Some people assume Medicare works everywhere because it’s government-backed, but the truth is simpler: Medicare was never designed for international use. Even if you’ve paid into the system for decades, walking into a clinic in Mexico, Thailand, or India won’t get you a Medicare swipe. However, a growing number of Americans are choosing medical tourism, traveling abroad for affordable, high-quality medical procedures. This includes everything from heart surgery to knee replacements, often at a fraction of U.S. prices. Countries like India, Thailand, and Costa Rica have hospitals accredited by international bodies like JCI, and many cater specifically to U.S. patients. But here’s the catch: Medicare still won’t pay for it. You’ll need private insurance, out-of-pocket savings, or a supplemental plan to cover costs. Some retirees use Medigap, a private insurance plan that fills gaps in Medicare coverage. But even Medigap plans rarely cover care received outside the U.S., except in rare emergencies.

So where does that leave you? If you’re thinking about living abroad or getting treatment overseas, you’re not alone. Thousands of U.S. seniors are doing it every year—especially for procedures like hip replacements, dental work, or diabetes care. Places like Mexico, Canada (for some services), and India have become popular for their lower costs and high standards. But Medicare won’t cover any of it. The only exception? If you’re in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Medicare still works. Everywhere else? You’re paying cash or relying on private insurance.

That’s why the real question isn’t just ‘Which countries accept Medicare?’ It’s ‘How do I get quality care abroad without going broke?’ The posts below answer that. You’ll find real stories from people who’ve had open-heart surgery in India, got Wegovy at a fraction of U.S. prices in Australia, and used medication passports to travel safely with prescriptions. You’ll learn what blood tests to bring, how to handle insurance denials, and where to find the most affordable recovery spots—like Mississippi, which has the lowest cost of living in the U.S. for medical tourists. None of these places accept Medicare, but they all offer smart, practical alternatives for seniors who want to stretch their healthcare dollars without sacrificing quality.