Does Medicare Cover You When You Travel?

You've retired. You've earned some time to explore. Maybe it's a road trip to see the grandkids, a cruise through the Caribbean, or that long-dreamed-of trip to Italy. But before you pack your bags, there's one question worth asking: what happens if you get sick or hurt while you're away from home?

The answer depends on where you're going -- and what kind of Medicare coverage you have. Let's break it down.

Traveling Within the United States

Good news first: If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), your coverage travels with you across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories. Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare -- and most do -- will bill Medicare the same whether you're at home in Florida or visiting family in Oregon.

There's no need to notify Medicare, file extra paperwork, or get pre-approval. You just show up, show your red, white, and blue Medicare card, and you're covered.

One thing to watch: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage may be more limited. Many MA plans use local provider networks. While federal rules require MA plans to cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the U.S., routine or non-emergency care outside your plan's service area may not be covered. Always check with your plan before a long trip.

Traveling Outside the United States

Here's where it gets tricky. Original Medicare generally does not cover health care outside the United States. If you have a heart attack in Paris, break your hip in Cancun, or need emergency surgery in Tokyo, Original Medicare won't pay the bill.

There are a few very narrow exceptions:

• Emergency care on a foreign ship within 6 hours of a U.S. port
• A Canadian hospital that's closer to you than the nearest U.S. hospital in an emergency
• Certain situations in Canada while traveling between Alaska and the lower 48 states

But for all practical purposes, if you leave the country with only Original Medicare, you're uninsured.

Medigap Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage

This is where Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans become incredibly valuable for travelers.

Most Medigap plans -- specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N -- include a foreign travel emergency benefit. Here's how it works:

• $250 deductible per year (you pay the first $250)
• 20% coinsurance (you pay 20%, the plan pays 80% after the deductible)
• $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit
• Coverage applies during the first 60 days of a trip
• Covers medically necessary emergency care only

This isn't comprehensive international health insurance, but it's a meaningful safety net. If you slip on a cobblestone street in Lisbon and break your wrist, the ER bill won't wipe out your savings.

Note: Medigap Plans A, B, K, and L do not include foreign travel emergency coverage.

Medicare Advantage and International Travel

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited international coverage as an extra benefit, but it varies widely. A few plans cover emergency care abroad, while most don't extend past U.S. borders at all. If you have an MA plan and travel internationally, read the fine print -- or better yet, call your plan directly and ask.

Smart Travel Tips for Seniors on Medicare

Whether you're heading to Tucson or Tuscany, here are some practical tips:

Before You Go

• Buy travel health insurance. For international trips, this is essential. Policies are often surprisingly affordable -- sometimes $30-$80 for a week-long trip -- and they cover emergency medical care, evacuation, and trip interruption.
• Pack more medication than you think you need. Bring at least a week's extra supply in case of delays. Keep meds in their original labeled bottles.
• Carry your insurance cards. Bring your Medicare card, Medigap card (if applicable), and any travel insurance documentation. Keep copies in your phone and in your luggage.

While You're Away

• Know the local emergency number. It's 911 in the U.S., but 112 in most of Europe, 000 in Australia, and so on.
• Keep a written list of your medications, allergies, and doctor's contact info. If you can't communicate clearly in an emergency, this list speaks for you.
• Don't skip doses. Traveling disrupts routines. Set phone alarms to stay on schedule with your medications.

When You Get Back

• Save all receipts and medical records from any care you received abroad. You'll need them for travel insurance claims, and in rare cases, Medicare may cover a portion if specific criteria are met.

The Bottom Line

Medicare is excellent coverage -- within the United States. Once you cross the border, you're mostly on your own unless you have a Medigap plan with foreign travel emergency coverage or separate travel health insurance.

The fix is simple: know your coverage before you go, and fill in the gaps. A little preparation means you can relax and actually enjoy the trip instead of worrying about what-ifs.

Need help? At Insuras Health, we help seniors find Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans that fit their lifestyle -- including travel coverage. Contact us today and we'll help you find the right plan before your next adventure.