TRAVELING SOON?
Whether you’re heading across the U.S. or jetting off to another country, it’s important to understand how your Medicare coverage travels with you.
Original Medicare:
The good news is, Original Medicare travels with you anywhere in the United States including external territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can visit any provider that accepts Medicare, making it easy to access care while you’re away from home.
Medicare Supplement Plans (also known as Medigap) can be used alongside Original Medicare anywhere in the U.S. Some Medigap policies also pay for services not covered by Original Medicare, but where you have the ability to use those benefits can depend on the plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans:
With Medicare Advantage Plans, coverage may depend on your network, so it’s always a good idea to confirm what’s included before you travel. Some MA Plans have local provider networks, while others have nationwide provider networks. Routine care is often limited to in-network providers, while emergency services are typically covered nationwide.
Most MA Plans also have a national pharmacy network that allows you to pick up your prescriptions across the US. Whether or not you can use your coverage out-of- network depends on the type of plan you have (HMO or PPO).
Original Medicare:
Original Medicare generally does NOT cover care outside of the U.S., with a few
very) rare exceptions. Prescription Drugs are also not covered internationally. With Original Medicare, it is recommended to consider additional options such as Travel Medical Insurance or a Medicare Supplement Plan.
Most Medicare Supplement policies will cover up to 80% of Medicare-approved emergency care while traveling abroad and up to $50,000 over the lifetime of the policy. However, services such as emergency air evacuation, routine medical care, prescription drugs and trips over 60 days are typically excluded from that.
Specific Travel Medical Insurance plans may offer greater coverage for those medical evacuations and ambulance rides if needed.
Medicare Advantage Plans:
Medicare Advantage international coverage varies by plan, and you should check your specific summary of benefits before traveling. Most MA Plans do NOT cover routine care outside of the U.S., but many DO offer limited emergency or urgent care benefits internationally. You will also likely be required to pay for any covered costs out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement later on.
SOME TIPS FOR YOUR UPCOMING TRIP:
- Bring your Medicare ID Card (and any supplemental plan cards)
- Review your plan’s coverage and network rules before leaving
- Pack enough medications for your trip
- Know where to seek care at your destination(s)
Traveling should be exciting - not stressful! If you have any questions before you leave, we're here to help!
Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This is a solicitation for insurance, by responding to this ad, you may be contacted by a licensed agent to discuss Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Prescription Drug Plans.