irregular rhythm notification outside of US

I live outside the US (and territories) and I was told by an Apple rep here that if the watch is purchased in the US (and territories) then the heart monitoring features will work anywhere. Watches for sale overseas have different software, which doesn’t allow the heart features to work. So it’s only a matter of where you bought it, not where you use it.

I have a US-bought Apple Watch and am currently overseas. When I try to turn on the aFib on my series 2 it won't do it because "Irregular Rhythm Notifications are not available in your country."

I presume that when I get back to the US I can turn that feature on. Turning location off doesn't do anything. I'll report back when I'm in the US.

Yes, it will work when you return to the US. Currently, heart monitoring services are only available in the US, US Territories and Guam.

I can't find anything saying a watch purchased and set up in the US won't provide irregular rhythm notifications if traveling outside the country. To be absolutely certain however, I would reach out to Apple for a definitive answer.

• As it stands now, notifications are available in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

fYI I’m in the US and was able to turn afib notifications on. I assume that they’ll continue working once I leave the US; I’ll report back in two weeks.