Moving from the United States
COBRA continues the old plan. It does not add the world.
COBRA continues the employer health plan you already had, usually for 18 months, at about the full premium plus a 2% admin charge. It does not add a country. If the plan was US-only, COBRA is US-only. If it already paid emergency treatment abroad, COBRA keeps that and nothing more.
Information only, not insurance, tax, or benefits advice. Official rules and your plan documents take precedence. Checked 4 October 2026.
What it is for
COBRA is a federal continuation right after a qualifying event such as job loss. Read the plan's geographic area of cover before you elect it for a move. A US-only network does not become a Thailand hospital network because you paid the COBRA invoice. Use the 18 months to buy international cover, not as the policy you live on. See the difference between a trip policy and health insurance.
Common questions
- Does COBRA cover me overseas?
- Only if the employer plan you are continuing already did. COBRA does not add worldwide cover.
- How long does COBRA last?
- Usually 18 months after job loss. Some qualifying events last up to 36 months. You generally pay the full premium plus a 2% admin charge.
- Is COBRA a plan I can live on abroad?
- No. It is a bridge while you buy international cover. When it ends, you are uninsured unless something else is in force.