Can You Get Health Insurance When You Retire Outside the U.S. and Visit Occasionally?

Suppose you’re planning to retire abroad but still need health insurance when visiting the United States before you are eligible for Medicare at age 65? In that case, you may wonder about your options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The ACA, also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in 2010. It expanded health insurance coverage to millions of Americans and introduced a number of new rules, including the requirement that most individuals have health insurance.

To be eligible for an ACA plan, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and not be incarcerated. You must also meet certain income requirements. If you do not have access to affordable health insurance through an employer or other group plan, you may be eligible for premium subsidies to help cover the cost of your plan.

If you retire outside the United States but plan to visit occasionally, you may still be eligible for an ACA plan. However, there are some important things to keep in mind:

You must maintain a U.S. address. To enroll in an ACA plan, you must have a U.S. mailing address. This can be the address of a friend or family member, or you can rent a mailbox at a commercial mail receiving agency.
You must be physically present in the United States to enroll. You cannot enroll in an ACA plan while you are outside the United States. You must be physically present in the country when you apply for coverage and when you pay your premiums.
You may be subject to a waiting period. If you have a break in coverage of more than 63 days, you may be subject to a waiting period before your coverage begins. The waiting period can be up to three months.

If you are not eligible for an ACA plan or do not want to purchase one, there are other options for health coverage when you retire abroad. These options include:

Travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses incurred while you are traveling outside of your home country. However, it is important to note that travel insurance is not a substitute for health insurance. It does not cover routine medical care or pre-existing conditions.
Expatriate health insurance. Expatriate health insurance is designed for people who are living outside of their home country. It provides comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, including routine care and pre-existing conditions. However, expat health insurance can be expensive.
International health insurance. International health insurance is similar to expat health insurance, but it is designed for people who travel frequently or live in multiple countries. It provides coverage for medical expenses incurred anywhere in the world.

When considering your health coverage options, it is important to carefully compare the benefits and costs of each option. You should also consider your individual needs and circumstances. If you have any questions about your health coverage options, you should consult with a licensed insurance agent or broker.