If you are like many seniors, travel is at the top of your bucket list for your retirement years. Having more time and more expendable income provides opportunities for trips to foreign lands that many have dreamed of for years. Visiting new places and meeting new people benefits seniors in many ways, improving their mental, physical, social, and emotional health.
Before you embark on your big adventure, it’s important to know what your Medicare plan will cover while traveling abroad so there are no unexpected surprises. How you are covered depends on the type of Medicare coverage you have. Here’s what you need to know before traveling overseas.
What Medicare Considers Foreign Travel
The 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S. Anywhere else is considered outside the U.S.
If You Have Original Medicare
Original Medicare only pays for emergency care when you are traveling outside the U.S. in these very limited circumstances:
- If you are in the U.S. when you have a medical emergency and a foreign hospital (such as Canadian or Mexican) is closer than a U.S. hospital, you can be treated there, and Medicare will pay.
- If you are driving through Canada from Alaska to another state, you can get emergency treatment in Canada.
- If you live in the U.S. but a foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital, you can go there for treatment — even if it isn’t an emergency.
- Medicare also may cover “medically necessary” healthcare services on a cruise ship if the ship is docked in a U.S. port or is no more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port — even if it isn’t an emergency.
Medicare does not cover dialysis treatment when travelling outside the U.S. unless it’s during an inpatient hospital stay that meets the criteria above.
Your Part A and Part B deductibles may apply, as well as any copayment or coinsurance amounts.
If You have a Medicare Supplement Plan
If you have a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan, your coverage for travel overseas will depend on the type of plan you have. Six Medigap policies C, D, F, G, M and N offer foreign travel coverage. Coverage is capped at a $50,000 lifetime limit. The plan will cover 80% of the cost after you meet a $250 deductible for the year. You will be responsible for the other 20%. These plans will cover foreign travel emergency care if it begins during the first 60 days of your trip and Medicare does not otherwise cover the care.
If You have a Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage plans must cover everything that is covered by Original Medicare, but your plan may offer additional travel coverage. Since Advantage plans are offered by private insurers, each plan’s coverage may vary. You should check with your plan before you travel overseas to see what benefits are offered, including any limits or restrictions. You should also ask how long you can be away and still receive care. In most cases if you are outside the plan’s service area for more than six months, you will be disenrolled from the plan and be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. You may want to ask how to submit a claim in the event you receive care and need to be reimbursed.
Prescription Drugs
Medicare drug plans do not cover prescription medications purchased outside of the U.S. Make sure you have an adequate supply of your medications before you leave.
Be Prepared to Pay Out of Pocket
Foreign doctors and hospitals are not required to submit a Medicare claim on your behalf which means you may need to pay out of pocket for any treatment and then submit a claim to Medicare or your private insurer for reimbursement when you return home. Be sure to get itemized bills from anyone that you received treatment from.
Travel Insurance
No matter what type of benefits you have through your Medicare coverage, it’s always a good idea to supplement that coverage with a travel insurance policy. Most travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellations as well as medical emergencies. These policies can be used in conjunction with your health insurance. It’s important to read the policy thoroughly in order to understand any exclusions and coverage limitations. The cost of coverage will vary based on your age, the scope of the benefits offered, and your trip destination. Some policies reduce coverage for older seniors or have age limits to apply. If you have pre-existing conditions you will want to look for a policy that includes coverage for those conditions. Some policies include coverage for medical evacuation to return home for care, but these come at a higher cost. Carry a copy of your travel policy with you and keep it in a secure location.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Hopefully, you never need to use your medical benefits while traveling overseas, but you never know when an unexpected health issue may arise. Always carry your insurance card(s) with you when you travel. Your card has your ID number as well as the 800 number to reach your plan’s customer service department in case you have questions or need assistance. Take photos of your cards for back up. Also take a list of your medications, which should include drug names and dosages. Make sure the names and phone numbers of your doctors are in your phone contacts in the event you need to reach them while you are away.
With a little advance planning and preparation, you can set off on your international travels with peace of mind knowing you have the insurance coverage you need to address any health issues that may arise. Bon voyage!
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