Medicare Doesn't Work Abroad: Here's What Expat Retirees Need Instead

Summary

Mike from Savvy Nomad discusses Medicare coverage for Americans retiring abroad, revealing that standard Medicare benefits are typically not valid outside the United States. The video explains that Medicare is exclusively designed for healthcare services within US borders, with only a few narrow exceptions like emergency care within US territorial waters or on cruise ships. For expats living full-time overseas, healthcare costs will be out-of-pocket, though some Medigap policies offer limited emergency medical coverage outside the US, covering approximately 80% of charges within the first 60 days of international travel after a $250 annual deductible.