Does Medicare work outside the United States?
Can I use my Medicare benefits if I need medical care while traveling internationally?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) typically does not cover medical care you receive while traveling outside the United States. However, there are some exceptions, and additional coverage options may help you with medical costs while abroad. Here’s what you need to know about using Medicare for international travel:
1. Original Medicare and International Coverage:
Original Medicare does not cover medical care you receive outside the U.S., except in a few limited situations:
Traveling through Canada: If you’re traveling directly between Alaska and another U.S. state, and a medical emergency occurs that requires care in Canada, Medicare may cover your care.
Near the U.S. Border: Medicare may cover care at a foreign hospital if it’s closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital and you have a medical emergency.
Cruise Ship Coverage: Medicare covers medically necessary services on a cruise ship if the ship is within six hours of a U.S. port when the services are provided. If you’re farther from a U.S. port, Medicare will not cover your care.
2. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans and International Coverage:
Some Medigap plans offer foreign travel emergency coverage for medical care outside the U.S. If you have one of the following Medigap plans, you may receive coverage for emergency care abroad:
Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover 80% of the cost of medically necessary emergency care received outside the U.S. during the first 60 days of your trip, after you meet a $250 deductible. Coverage is limited to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
Important Note: Medigap Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible after January 1, 2020, but if you were already enrolled before that date, you may still have Plan F.
3. Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans and International Coverage:
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer limited international coverage, including emergency care while traveling abroad. Since coverage varies by plan, it’s important to:
Check with your Medicare Advantage plan to see if they offer any international travel benefits.
Understand any limitations, such as whether you’ll need to pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement later.
4. Travel Insurance and International Health Coverage:
Because Original Medicare offers very limited coverage outside the U.S., and even Medigap plans have restrictions, many people opt for travel insurance with medical coverage when traveling internationally. Travel insurance can:
Cover emergency medical care and hospital stays abroad.
Provide coverage for medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, which can be expensive without insurance.
Offer additional benefits, such as trip cancellation or interruption coverage.
5. What Medicare Does Not Cover Abroad:
Routine healthcare services outside the U.S. are generally not covered.
Prescription drugs purchased abroad are not covered by Medicare Part D, although some Medigap or travel insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement.
Medical care provided outside the six-hour cruise ship coverage zone is not covered by Medicare.
6. Returning to the U.S. for Care:
If you experience a medical emergency abroad and are able to return to the U.S. for treatment, Medicare will resume coverage once you’re back in the country. Emergency airlift or transport services may be covered under travel insurance, but not Medicare.
Key Takeaways:
Original Medicare does not generally cover care outside the U.S., with a few exceptions for emergencies near the U.S. border or on cruise ships close to U.S. ports.
Some Medigap plans provide limited foreign travel emergency coverage for medically necessary care abroad.
Certain Medicare Advantage plans may offer international travel coverage, but this varies by plan.
Travel insurance is recommended for those traveling abroad to ensure comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies.
For personalized advice on how to manage your Medicare coverage while traveling internationally, or to explore additional coverage options, schedule an appointment with a Tsunami Advisor here: Schedule an Appointment.
