Medicare and Travel: What Coverage You Have Outside of the U.S

Traveling internationally can be an exciting experience, but if you're enrolled in Medicare, it can raise important questions about your healthcare coverage while you’re outside the U.S. Whether you're planning a short vacation or an extended stay abroad, it’s essential to understand how Medicare works when you’re not in the country. Unlike domestic coverage, Medicare’s protection outside the United States is limited. In this blog, we'll explore what Medicare covers when you're traveling internationally, how to prepare for potential health issues abroad, and what alternatives are available to help protect your health during international travel.

Does Medicare Cover Healthcare Outside the U.S.?
For the most part, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not provide coverage for healthcare services when you are outside the United States. This means that if you need medical attention while traveling abroad, Medicare will not pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, or other medical services, even if you’re in an emergency situation.

There are, however, some limited exceptions where Medicare may cover services outside the U.S., but they are rare:

• Emergency situations while traveling through Canada: If you're traveling between the U.S. and Alaska and need emergency care while passing through Canada, Medicare may cover emergency services in that specific situation. This coverage is very limited, and Medicare will only pay if you can't get immediate care in the U.S.
• U.S. Territories: Medicare will provide coverage if you are in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Medicare works the same way as it does in the U.S., with the same coverage and costs for inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) care.

Aside from these rare exceptions, you will need to look into other options if you want coverage while traveling internationally.

How to Protect Yourself While Traveling AbroadSince Medicare doesn’t offer extensive coverage outside the U.S., it's essential to plan ahead and find an alternative way to cover potential healthcare costs while traveling. Here are a few options:

1. Medicare Advantage Plans with International Coverage
While Original Medicare typically does not cover international travel, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer additional benefits, including coverage for healthcare services outside the U.S. Some Medicare Advantage plans include emergency medical coverage for travel abroad, often for up to a certain amount, such as $50,000 in coverage. However, coverage details vary depending on the plan.

Before traveling, check with your Medicare Advantage provider to confirm if your plan offers international coverage, what it includes, and any limitations. Many plans require that services be emergency-related, so you’ll need to verify the specifics of your coverage.

2. Travel Insurance with Medical CoverageAnother option for ensuring you're covered abroad is to purchase travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Many travel insurance policies offer medical coverage for emergency services, hospitalization, and medical evacuation while you're traveling outside the U.S. These policies can be especially helpful if you have a pre-existing condition or if you are planning a long trip abroad.

Travel insurance with medical coverage can vary significantly in cost and benefits, so it's important to carefully compare options. When selecting a policy, make sure to look for one that:

• Covers emergency medical treatment abroad
• Includes coverage for medical evacuation (in case you need to be flown back to the U.S. for treatment)
• Provides coverage for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)

3. Secondary Insurance for Foreign Travel
Some private health insurance plans may offer international coverage as a secondary insurance option, or you may be able to purchase a supplemental insurance policy that specifically covers healthcare outside the U.S. These policies typically cover emergency care, doctor visits, and hospital stays while abroad. Be sure to review any exclusions or limitations on the coverage, particularly regarding medical evacuations or specific regions.

4. Travel Health Clinics and International Health Networks
If you are traveling to specific regions, some travel health clinics or international health networks may offer services to travelers with medical coverage options. These services are typically short-term and may be tailored to the destination country or region, helping travelers stay healthy and protected while abroad.

Additionally, some large healthcare systems or hospitals in major international cities are accustomed to treating foreign travelers and may have relationships with your insurance provider or the ability to bill your U.S.-based insurance.

What About Prescription Medications?
If you're planning to travel abroad, consider how you’ll manage any prescription medications you take regularly. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs within the U.S., but it does not extend to foreign countries.

Here are some things to consider:

• Bringing medications with you: You may want to bring enough of your prescription medication to last for the duration of your trip. Make sure you have a prescription and a doctor’s note in case you need to show customs officers that the medication is for personal use.
• Getting medications abroad: In some countries, you may be able to purchase prescription medications over-the-counter, but the quality and regulations may differ from what you’re used to in the U.S. Before traveling, research whether your medications are available in the country you’re visiting and whether there are any restrictions on bringing them into the country.

You should always check with your healthcare provider or a travel health expert to make sure you have a plan in place for obtaining and managing your medications while abroad.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency AbroadIn the event of an emergency while traveling, the first thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention from a local healthcare provider or hospital. Keep in mind that your Medicare coverage will not pay for emergency services abroad, so you’ll need to rely on your travel insurance or any other coverage you have arranged before traveling.

Once you’ve received care, you’ll likely need to pay for your medical services upfront, and then submit claims to your travel insurance or secondary insurance for reimbursement. Be sure to keep all medical receipts, invoices, and records of treatment to submit for claims.
If your condition requires evacuation back to the U.S. for treatment, you’ll want to ensure that your travel insurance or secondary health insurance includes medical evacuation coverage, as this can be costly without coverage.

While Medicare does not provide widespread coverage for healthcare services outside the U.S., there are options available to ensure you stay protected while traveling abroad. Consider checking with your Medicare Advantage plan for international coverage, purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage, or looking into secondary insurance plans for additional protection. Additionally, it’s important to plan ahead by bringing enough prescription medication for your trip and understanding the process in case of an emergency abroad. Alternatively, you can call us at 1-888-394-0149 to speak directly with a Medicare expert.

Remember, when traveling internationally, always check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage options and limits. For more information or assistance in understanding your Medicare coverage, including options for travel, feel free to reach out to us or check out our free online Medicare class at www.simplemedicareclass.com. We’re here to help ensure you’re fully prepared for both your healthcare needs and your travel plans.

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