Americans with Medicare in Thailand

RobSg · #1 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 01:00 AM

I am currently semi-retired in Singapore, but thinking of retiring in Thailand. My question is that I have US Medicare, and am wondering if there are a lot of American ex-pats in Thailand that have Medicare (like I do) with the supplementary and sometimes wonder why they are paying for it if they can't use it there. Just curious.

Glen10 · #2 (**permalink**) 29th July 2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobSg

I am currently semi-retired in Singapore, but thinking of retiring in Thailand. My question is that I have US Medicare, and am wondering if there are a lot of American ex-pats in Thailand that have Medicare (like I do) with the supplementary and sometimes wonder why they are paying for it if they can't use it there. Just curious.

Can you use it in Singapore? I'm sure there are a lot here. I'm sure they must be wondering that. Hell you got me wondering about it and I don't even have it yet.

Wayward Wind · #3 (**permalink**) 30th July 2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobSg

I am currently semi-retired in Singapore, but thinking of retiring in Thailand. My question is that I have US Medicare, and am wondering if there are a lot of American ex-pats in Thailand that have Medicare (like I do) with the supplementary and sometimes wonder why they are paying for it if they can't use it there. Just curious.

I don't have it yet, but it is my understanding that Medicare Part A is automatic at age 65 and is free; the supplemental (Part B) is not free but you have to register for it - it is not automatic. Not sure if you can opt out of Part B if you are already registered. The United States Social Security Administration might have more information

You are correct that it cannot be used abroad.