Travel coverage depends on where you go and which Medicare coverage you have. Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap do not provide the same benefits away from home. Confirm routine care, emergencies and claim procedures before departure.
Within the United States
Original Medicare can be used with providers who take Medicare throughout the U.S. With Medicare Advantage, routine care can depend on the network, plan type and authorization rules. Emergency and urgently needed care have different protections from a planned out-of-network visit.
For this purpose, Medicare includes Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands as well as the states and District of Columbia. Confirm the actual provider before a scheduled visit.
Outside the United States
Original Medicare generally does not cover care abroad. Its limited foreign-hospital exceptions include:
- An emergency in the U.S. when the nearest appropriate hospital is across the border.
- An emergency during direct travel through Canada between Alaska and another state, without unreasonable delay, when the Canadian hospital is closer.
- A U.S. resident whose nearest appropriate hospital is foreign, even without an emergency.
These exceptions are not general vacation coverage in Mexico, Canada or other countries. Related physician and ambulance services have additional limits. On a cruise, certain services may qualify when a legally authorized ship’s doctor treats you in a U.S. port or within six hours of one.
What another policy may cover
| Coverage | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Medigap foreign emergency benefit | Whether your policy includes it and how its deductible and limits apply. |
| Medicare Advantage travel extra | Exact emergency benefit, exclusions and reimbursement procedure. |
| Travel medical insurance | Medical benefits, eligibility, exclusions and assistance arrangements. |
The standard Medigap foreign-emergency benefit generally pays 80% of eligible billed charges after a $250 annual deductible, for qualifying emergencies beginning within the first 60 days of a trip, with a $50,000 lifetime limit. Not every Medigap policy includes it. Ask about additional rules for your policy, including high-deductible versions.
Seasonal stays and claims
Tell your plan about long absences and confirm how long you can remain outside its service area. A seasonal stay is not automatically a permanent move, but an extended absence can affect enrollment.
Carry member contacts, obtain itemized bills and retain treatment records. Foreign providers may require upfront payment and are not required to file Medicare claims. Medical evacuation and trip cancellation are separate questions; a travel policy does not necessarily include health coverage. Seek emergency help promptly, then contact the insurer when practical.
Related coverage questions
- How to Find and Verify a Medicare Provider
- Medigap Plan G Abroad: Foreign Emergency Coverage Limits
- Medicare HMO and PPO: Networks, Referrals and Costs