What Medicare Covers During International Travel

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides very limited coverage for healthcare services received outside the United States and its territories. In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S.

There are only three rare situations when Medicare might pay for services you get outside the U.S.: 1) You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital, 2) You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occurs, or 3) You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.

How Medicare International Travel Coverage Works

When Medicare does cover emergency care in a foreign hospital under the rare circumstances mentioned above, beneficiaries are still responsible for the standard Part A and Part B cost-sharing. This includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

It's important to understand that even when Medicare provides this limited coverage, it typically only pays for 80% of the approved amount for covered services after you meet the Part B deductible. This leaves you responsible for the remaining 20%, which can be substantial when dealing with international healthcare costs. Additionally, foreign hospitals aren't obligated to file Medicare claims, meaning you might need to submit claims yourself and pay upfront for all services.

Medicare Supplement Insurance for International Travel

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide foreign travel emergency healthcare coverage when you travel outside the U.S. These plans typically cover 80% of emergency care during the first 60 days of your trip, after you pay a $250 deductible. However, there's a lifetime limit of $50,000 for foreign travel emergency care with Medigap policies.

For comprehensive protection, several Medigap providers offer robust international coverage. Aetna Medigap plans include the standard foreign travel emergency benefit with clear guidelines about the 60-day travel period. UnitedHealthcare, working with AARP, offers Medigap plans with foreign travel emergency coverage and helpful travel assistance services. Cigna provides Medigap policies with international coverage and offers additional travel insurance options for more comprehensive protection.

Medicare Advantage and International Coverage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer additional coverage for emergency and urgent care received outside the United States. The extent of this coverage varies significantly between different plans and providers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans often include worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage with specific per-visit copayments. Humana offers several Medicare Advantage plans with emergency coverage outside the U.S., though benefits vary by plan. Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans typically include emergency and urgent care coverage worldwide, though they recommend contacting them before seeking non-emergency care while traveling.

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans for international travel coverage, pay close attention to emergency care definitions, coverage limits, and reimbursement processes. Some plans may require you to pay out-of-pocket and submit claims for reimbursement upon returning to the U.S.

Standalone Travel Insurance Options

For more comprehensive protection during international travel, many seniors choose to purchase standalone travel insurance policies to supplement their Medicare coverage. These policies can provide broader medical coverage plus additional benefits like trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.

Allianz Travel offers plans specifically designed for seniors with pre-existing condition coverage and emergency medical transportation. Travel Guard provides several tiers of coverage with higher medical expense limits for international travelers. Seven Corners specializes in international travel insurance with plans that include coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses.

When selecting a standalone travel insurance policy, consider factors like your destination, trip duration, age, existing health conditions, and planned activities. Many policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions if purchased within a specified timeframe after making your initial trip deposit.

Conclusion

Medicare's limited international coverage makes additional insurance essential for seniors traveling abroad. Whether through Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or standalone travel insurance, securing proper coverage before departure provides peace of mind and financial protection. Compare options based on your specific travel plans, health needs, and budget to find the most suitable protection. Remember that the best time to arrange travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, especially if you need pre-existing condition coverage. With proper planning, seniors can enjoy international travel with confidence knowing they're protected against unexpected medical emergencies.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.