Medicare overseas: Which countries accept U.S. Medicare for seniors?

When you're on Medicare, the U.S. federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Also known as Original Medicare, it's designed to cover care within the United States. But what happens when you step outside the country? Many seniors assume Medicare follows them everywhere — it doesn’t. Only in rare cases, like emergency care on a cruise ship near U.S. waters or certain treatments in Canada or Mexico under very specific conditions, does it kick in. Outside those limits, you’re on your own — which is why more Americans are looking at medical tourism, the practice of traveling abroad for affordable, high-quality healthcare as a smart alternative.

That’s where the real conversation starts. Countries like India, Thailand, and Costa Rica offer world-class hospitals at a fraction of U.S. prices. Seniors are choosing them not just for cost, but for faster access, personalized care, and even combined recovery vacations. Meanwhile, U.S. Medicare coverage overseas, the limited set of rules that allow Medicare to pay for care outside the U.S. remains confusing. Most people don’t realize Medicare won’t cover routine care in Europe, Australia, or even nearby countries like the Bahamas. If you’re planning to live abroad or travel long-term, you need supplemental insurance — or you need to pay out of pocket. Some retirees choose to buy local health plans, while others rely on private international insurance. And if you’re thinking of using medical tourism, the practice of traveling abroad for affordable, high-quality healthcare as a long-term solution, you’ll want to understand how to carry prescriptions, what documents to bring, and how to verify foreign clinics are legit.

The posts below dig into the real stories behind Medicare and overseas care. You’ll find clear answers on which countries actually accept U.S. Medicare, what you can and can’t get covered, and how to avoid costly mistakes. We also cover practical tools like the medication passport, a portable document that lists your prescriptions for international travel, and how to compare costs between U.S. hospitals and overseas providers. Whether you’re thinking about retiring abroad, taking a long trip, or just curious about your options, this collection gives you the facts — no fluff, no sales pitches, just what works for real people.