Medicare does not provide coverage for healthcare costs for US citizens living abroad, with very limited exceptions, such as a medical emergency in a foreign country that is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital. US citizens living overseas can enroll in Part A and maintain Part B coverage, but the premiums for Part B may result in a late enrollment penalty if they delay enrollment upon returning to the US. It is often more advantageous to purchase a private international health insurance plan to cover costs abroad.