Will Medicare cover me while I’m traveling abroad? (2024)

FAQs

Will Medicare cover me while I’m traveling abroad? ›

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Medicare does not pay for medical services you receive outside the United States. Medigap policies C through J have a foreign travel benefit for medically necessary emergency care that would have been covered by Medicare in the United States.

Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital care and doctor visits in all 50 U.S. states and its territories, as long as providers accept Medicare. Certain Medicare Advantage plans also provide state-to-state coverage, but some limit coverage to a defined service area.

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. Solo travelers can expect to pay around $60-$100 for coverage. Travel insurance provides a range of protection before and during your trip.

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.

Your insurance policy should have given you an international number that you can use to get in touch with your insurers. Your call will usually be dealt with by an assistance company which is appointed by the insurer to arrange the necessary medical treatment.

Should I bring my health insurance card overseas? ›

Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information. Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad.

Travel medical insurance

A comprehensive travel policy with at least $50,000 in medical coverage is recommended when traveling to Europe or any country where you don't have health insurance. Travel medical insurance will cover expenses related to an unexpected injury or illness.

Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, M and N cover some travel-abroad emergency help. No other Medicare Supplement plans provide foreign travel emergency coverage. Medigap plans can only be combined with Original Medicare.

Restrictive networks

In some cases, you'll have a higher share of costs when you see an out-of-network doctor. In other cases, you're not covered at all if you go out of network. This is particularly important if you travel a lot because Medicare Advantage plans generally don't provide out-of-state coverage.

Your Compass Rose Medicare Advantage Plan covers care even when you're traveling outside the United States just as if you were in the United States. UnitedHealthcare will reimburse you for any covered services or prescriptions you may need while traveling minus any copays that may apply.

Medicare may cover transportation

Part A may cover emergency transportation services, and Part B may cover transportation if it's deemed medically necessary. A Medicare Advantage plan may offer special transportation benefits that will cover getting you to your doctor.

Medical emergencies, stolen baggage, lost passports, cancelled flights. Every travel insurance company provides 24/7 support for all of these needs. This service is most important when you have a medical issue.

Your Compass Rose Medicare Advantage Plan covers care even when you're traveling outside the United States just as if you were in the United States. UnitedHealthcare will reimburse you for any covered services or prescriptions you may need while traveling minus any copays that may apply.

Generally, Medicare covers services (like lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and items (like wheelchairs and walkers) it considers “medically necessary” to treat a disease or condition.