It's important to be prepared when you are getting ready for an international trip so that you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Besides remembering to grab your passport and pack extra socks, it's also very helpful to know what happens with your Medicare plan when you travel abroad. Do you know if you will be covered if you end up needing to visit a doctor or have a medical emergency that lands you in the hospital? At Twin City Underwriters, we specialize in helping individuals navigate their Medicare coverage. In this article, we'll explain what you need to know before you hop on a plane or board a cruise ship.
Does Medicare Cover International Travel?
For the most part, Original Medicare does not cover health care services that individuals may receive when they are traveling internationally. There are some exceptions to this, but in general, you should not expect original Medicare or most supplemental Medicare plans to provide coverage when you are outside of the U.S. other territories that the U.S. owns ( such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and etc.).
Medicare Coverage While Traveling Internationally
So what about the exceptions?
Medicare may cover care in a foreign hospital if it's closer than a U.S. hospital during an emergency if you're traveling directly through Canada between Alaska and another state, or if you live near a foreign hospital that offers the needed treatment.
Additionally, if you enroll in certain Medicare Supplement plans or Medigap policies, there may be some coverage for medical care outside the United States.
Learn More About:
Traveling with Medicare Advantage: What You Need to Know
Traveling with Original Medicare and Medicare Supplements
What Are Your Options for Medical Coverage Abroad?
Because medical coverage with Medicare is limited when traveling abroad, most individuals will obtain an insurance policy intended to cover planned or unplanned medical services received out of the country. Comprehensive travel health insurance plans will include coverage of hospitalizations, surgeries, medically necessary evacuations, and more basic services like physician office visits, ambulance services, prescription medications, and more.
Find out: How to Choose the Best Travel Health Insurance Plan for Your Needs
Tips for Traveling Safely with Medicare
Having adequate health insurance in place is an important factor that is often overlooked by those traveling out of the country, especially if they are just crossing a border. Although Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans do offer emergency “life and limb” coverage, travel health insurance can keep you protected both medically and financially for any potential medical emergency.
Here are a few more recommendations we have for safe travels.
Pack Your Medications: Pack enough prescription meds and carry a copy of your prescriptions when traveling.
Bring Important Documents: Keep your Medicare card, travel health insurance information, and emergency contacts handy.
Find Local Healthcare Options: In case of an unexpected medical emergency, it's a good idea to research nearby hospitals or clinics at your destination before you arrive.
5 Travel Tips for Older Adults
Talk to one of our agents today to ensure you have the right travel health insurance in place for your upcoming trips, so you can stay protected and travel with confidence.
This is an updated blog that was originally published in 2018.
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