Medicare Abroad in 2026: What Happens to Your Healthcare When You Leave the US?

Medicare doesn't work the way most people assume once you leave the United States — and the gap between what you think is covered and what's actually covered could cost you tens of thousands. This video breaks down exactly what Medicare covers (and doesn't) once you move abroad in 2026, the real penalty math behind dropping Part B, and the three replacement strategies American expats actually use in Portugal, Costa Rica, and Mexico — with real monthly costs for each. What we cover in this video: What Medicare actually covers outside the US (almost nothing) The Part B late enrollment penalty, explained in plain numbers The 3 replacement strategies: public systems, global private insurance, and the hybrid approach Real 2026 healthcare costs in Portugal, Costa Rica, and Mexico What to do before you apply for a long-stay visa Subscribe to The Expat Retirement for weekly guides on retiring abroad. DISCLAIMER: This video is for general informational purposes only and is not personalized financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Medicare rules and insurance costs change — always confirm current details with Medicare.gov, the Social Security Administration, or a licensed advisor before making a decision. 0:00 The $202.90 number that starts everything 0:25 The fear nobody names 1:10 What Medicare actually covers abroad (almost nothing) 3:00 Part A vs Part B — the decision and the penalty 4:00 The strategy almost nobody talks about 4:15 The 3 replacement strategies 6:45 Real costs: Portugal vs Costa Rica vs Mexico 8:00 What nobody tells you 9:00 Watch this next 9:20 Final verdict