Medicare and Travel – 7 Facts You Should Know

Traveling is a popular activity for retirees, whether exploring the outdoors or visiting new locations overseas. However, if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to understand how your healthcare coverage works while you’re away from home, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Although Medicare covers you in the U.S., it does have certain limitations when it comes to travel. Before booking your next trip, here are seven facts you should know about Medicare and travel.

1. Original Medicare and Medigap plans provide coverage across the U.S.

Most people start wondering about traveling with Medicare around age 65 since that is when most qualify for Medicare. Fortunately, Original Medicare provides flexible coverage and is helpful for those who plan to travel frequently.

With Original Medicare, you can see any provider in the United States as long as they accept Medicare insurance. So, if you’re taking a cross-country road trip, visiting family across state lines, or vacationing in Hawaii or Alaska, you can rest easy knowing that your Medicare coverage will follow you.

Original Medicare coverage also extends to U.S. territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are secondary to Original Medicare, so they will help cover some or all of the costs after Medicare pays, depending on the plan. Providers must also accept your Medigap plan, no matter the plan or insurance carrier you have.

2. Original Medicare has limited international coverage

One of Original Medicare’s biggest limitations is that it does not usually cover healthcare costs outside the United States. However, there are a few exceptions where Medicare may help with expenses abroad. For example, if you need care while in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer, Medicare may help cover services. There are a few other situations, but they are very limited.

Beyond these limited circumstances, Medicare will not pay for healthcare costs while traveling internationally. So, if you’re planning a trip to Rome or want to hike the Swiss Alps, you should expect to be responsible for your medical expenses.

3. Travel coverage varies by Medicare Advantage plan

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have more to consider before traveling. Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies and often have specific provider networks that may be limited to a particular geographic area.

While Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency services anywhere in the U.S., accessing routine or non-emergency care will vary by plan. Some plans include nationwide networks or flexibility for travel within the U.S. but differ by insurer and plan type.

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer international travel coverage as an added benefit, so be sure to check with your plan beforehand.

4. Most Medigap plans provide emergency coverage for international travel

If you have Original Medicare and travel frequently outside the U.S., you may want to consider enrolling in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan. Some policies offer limited coverage for foreign travel emergency care.

These Medigap plans will cover 80% of emergency medical expenses outside the U.S. after you meet a $250 annual deductible. However, coverage is limited to the first 60 days of your trip, with a lifetime limit of $50,000 for foreign emergency medical expenses.

While this can provide some peace of mind, remember that Medigap plans only cover emergency care but do not cover regular medical expenses, elective procedures, or routine care.

5. Most Medicare beneficiaries use travel insurance when traveling internationally

Because Medicare has limitations when it comes to international travel, many beneficiaries choose to purchase travel health insurance. Travel insurance can offer a range of benefits, including coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, and more.

When shopping for travel insurance, make sure the policy provides medical coverage that fits your needs, such as evacuation services, which can be costly. It’s also important to understand a policy’s specifics, such as what conditions are covered, the deductibles, and any exclusions that may apply.

6. Medicare Part D beneficiaries can use in-network pharmacies across the United States

If you’re traveling within the U.S., your Medicare Part D plan (or Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage) will cover your prescriptions as long as you use a pharmacy in your plan’s network. Many large pharmacy chains have nationwide locations, making it easier to access your medications while on the go.

If you’re traveling internationally, Medicare does not cover prescription drugs outside the U.S., so make sure to plan ahead. Before you leave, check with your doctor and pharmacy to ensure you have enough medication to last the entire trip. You may also explore alternatives like mail-order services or portable options for storing medication. Some travel health insurance policies may offer coverage for prescription medications, but this varies by provider and policy.

7. Planning ahead is key for traveling with Medicare coverage

Planning is one of the most helpful things you can do before traveling. This can include reviewing your Medicare coverage, understanding the limitations of your plans, and considering supplemental options like Medigap or travel insurance if needed.

You may encounter unexpected medical costs or lack of coverage without planning in advance. So, be sure to think ahead by checking with your Medicare plan, knowing your network, and preparing your medications if necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding how Medicare works when you travel can help make planning easier and less stressful. While Medicare offers solid coverage within the United States, it does have limitations for international travel. So, whether you have a Medigap policy, Medicare Advantage plan, or travel insurance, knowing your coverage details ensures you can focus on enjoying your travels.