Spending time overseas in retirement: start here
However long you'd like to go, here is what changes at home, the four rules that matter most, and where to read next. Or let us help you plan it.
Checked 19 October 2026 against Services Australia, the ATO and Smartraveller, re-checked monthlyBy the Retirees Abroad teamGeneral information only, how we check
The short answer
Yes. You can spend part or all of your retirement overseas and keep the Age Pension. Under 6 weeks away, in most cases nothing changes. After 6 and 12 weeks some extras stop, Medicare doesn't pay for care overseas, and if you move for good the house and tax rules change too.
Which of these sounds like you?
Four ways to spend time overseas. Choose one, mix them, or change your mind later. A month away each year is a fine choice on its own.
A month somewhere new
A month or so away, once or twice a year, somewhere different each time if you like.
What changes at home: Under 6 weeks away, in most cases nothing changes with your Age Pension or Pensioner Concession Card.
The 6, 12 and 26-week rules · Travel insurance for long stays
A few months each year
Six weeks to six months away each year, and home for the rest.
What changes at home: After 6 weeks the Energy Supplement stops and your Concession Card is cancelled until you are home. After 12 weeks the Pension Supplement stops.
Half the year
Two homes, with about half the year in each.
What changes at home: The 6 and 12-week changes apply on each trip. Past 26 weeks away, your rate can be reduced if you lived in Australia for less than 35 years between age 16 and pension age. You also pay for two homes.
Moving for good
A new life overseas, with your way home kept open.
What changes at home: The Age Pension keeps paying, but at the base rate from the day you leave: supplements and the Concession Card stop. The house, tax and Medicare rules change too.
The move for good · Moving overseas for good and the pension
The four rules that matter most
- Does the Age Pension keep paying overseas?
- Yes. After 6 weeks away the Energy Supplement stops and the Pensioner Concession Card is cancelled; after 12 weeks the Pension Supplement stops; after 26 weeks the rate can be reduced if you lived in Australia less than 35 years between age 16 and pension age.
- Does Medicare cover me?
- Not overseas. Agreements with 11 countries give medically necessary public care there, and none are in Asia. Everywhere else you need your own insurance.
- What happens to the house?
- It stays exempt from the pension assets test for the first 12 months of a temporary absence. Selling while a foreign resident for tax can cost you the main residence exemption from capital gains tax.
- Do I need a visa?
- For a visit, often not: Malaysia gives 90 days on arrival and Thailand 30 days visa-free. To live there, retirement visas come with age, income or deposit rules.
General information, checked 19 October 2026 against Services Australia, the ATO and Smartraveller.
Where to read next
Aged 55 to 59Retiring early, years before the Age Pension
Aged 60 to 66Living on super, before the Age Pension at 67
Aged 67 to 74On the Age Pension, and still easy to insure
Aged 75 and overInsurance cut-offs, care and staying close to home
PlacesCosts, visas and Medicare, place by place
All guidesThe pension, health cover, the house, tax and more
Want a hand working it out?
Tell us what you have in mind, and we'll help you plan it on a free Zoom call.
No pressure and no card details. You decide what comes next.