Question
I have retired to live in Thailand due to the fact that my spouse is Thai and for us to live together in the US is impossible. I have lived here for the past 8 years and am currently a very healthy 67 years old. No medications, no serious health issues at all.
Thai hospitals and medical treatment have been relatively inexpensive . .excellent doctors and care .. .and low costs . .and I paid out of pocket for my gall bladder operation, annual checkups, removal of precancerous moles and the like.
I am uninsured.
Most companies here will not insure at my age, those that will are exorbitantly expensive. We have car insurance so that I am covered in the event of an accident, and I can continue paying my medical expenses out of pocket for as long as I need to . . .until something big happens.
Here is my question: I realize that Medicare offers no coverage abroad. If I were to be diagnosed with something requiring extensive treatement, a major operation perhaps . . .can I return to the US for treatement and coverage by Medicare?
I wrote to a couple of US hospitals about this and recieved no reply.I have been wandering around the AARP websites and Medicare websites for hours to no avail.
I know this is possibly the wrong forum for this post . .but I also know that my request will fall on friendly and understanding ears.
I would so much appreciate any help, suggestions or links to websites that may be able to help.
Thanks so much
Chas
Answer
If you had enough working quarters in the Medicare system, you can still get Medicare but you will pay a hefty premium for not signing up when you were eligible. No, you cannot use Medicare overseas and I am not sure if you have to have a US address for Medicare. I would suggest that you call Medicare and get the answer. A hospital is not a good resource for this.
