If you’re on Medicare and thinking about traveling outside of the United States, it’s important to understand how your healthcare coverage works. While travel is exciting, the last thing anyone wants is a surprise bill or confusion about medical care in another country. The good news? With a little preparation and the right information, you can travel with confidence knowing what your Medicare plan does and doesn’t cover.
What Does “Outside the U.S.” Mean?
According to Medicare, “outside the U.S.” doesn’t just mean foreign countries. It includes anywhere that is not one of the 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Learn more here
What Original Medicare Covers (Parts A & B)
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) has very limited coverage outside of the U.S. It only helps in a few special situations, and these mostly involve emergencies.
Here are the 3 times when Original Medicare might cover your care outside the U.S.:
- Closest Care in an Emergency
You’re in the U.S. but there’s a medical emergency, and the closest hospital that can treat you is across the border in another country. - Traveling Through Canada
You’re traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state, and a medical emergency happens while you’re in Canada. If a Canadian hospital is closer than a U.S. hospital, Medicare may help. - Living Near a Border
You live in the U.S. and the closest hospital that can treat your condition is in another country. It doesn’t have to be an emergency in this case.
Even in these situations, you’ll have to pay the coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles just like you would in the U.S. And if the hospital doesn’t submit the claim to Medicare for you, you’ll need to pay upfront, then send an itemized bill to Medicare to ask for reimbursement.
How to file a claim with Medicare
What About Medicare Supplement Plans?
If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you might have more coverage for care outside the U.S.—but only if you have one of the specific plans that offer this benefit.
Here’s what to look for:
- Plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N include foreign travel emergency coverage.
- In Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, there are equivalent versions like the Foreign Travel Rider, Basic or Extended Basic plans, and Core or Plan 1.
Here’s how it works:
- You must receive care during the first 60 days of your trip.
- Medicare must not already cover the service.
- You pay the first $250 of the bill each year (the deductible).
- After that, your plan will pay 80% of the cost, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
Compare Medigap policies
Medicare Advantage Plans and Travel
All Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are required to provide emergency and urgent care worldwide. This means that no matter where you are in the world, you’re covered for emergencies.
However, there’s a catch:
- You must pay for the full cost of care upfront.
- You’ll then need to submit paperwork to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Your plan will pay back the cost minus any copays, deductibles, or coinsurance.
So be sure to keep all receipts, forms, and bills. You’ll need these when filing for reimbursement. Having a folder in your travel bag just for medical documents can help keep things organized.
Learn about Medicare Advantage plans
Should You Buy Extra Coverage?
Yes. If you travel frequently or are planning an extended trip, it’s smart to consider travel medical insurance. These policies are designed specifically for travelers and often cover:
- Emergency medical care
- Emergency transportation (like air ambulance)
- Trip interruption or cancellation due to illness
This extra coverage can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re going somewhere where healthcare is expensive or language might be a barrier.
Visit the U.S. State Department’s travel insurance guidance
Final Thoughts
Traveling the world while on Medicare is absolutely possible—as long as you plan ahead. Here’s a quick summary:
Original Medicare: Only covers emergencies in very limited situations
Medicare Supplement Plans: Some plans offer partial emergency coverage abroad
Medicare Advantage Plans: Provide global emergency and urgent care, but you must pay upfront and submit for reimbursement
Travel Insurance: A smart choice for added protection
If you have questions or want help finding the right plan before your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure you’re protected no matter where life takes you.
Need Help?
Contact Tracy McManamon at One Source Benefits for personalized help with your Medicare plan:
Phone: 877-549-1212
Email: TMcManamon@OneSourceBenefits.com
Website: https://www.onesourcebenefits.com
