What to Know About Medicare Coverage During Travel: A Senior’s Guide
For many seniors, retirement involves regular travel, whether it’s to explore new places or visit beloved family and friends. In fact, 65% of Americans over the age of 50 plan on traveling in 2024, according to AARP.
However, before you head off on your next globetrotting adventure, you’ll need to make sure you have your health insurance in order, especially if you have a Medicare plan.
You never know when you’re going to need emergency medical care, especially as you get older. If you’re away from home and get sick or injured, you’ll want to confirm you can get the care you need nearbyーwithout huge unexpected medical costs.
Both domestic and international travel will impact your Medicare coverage and access to healthcare, and things can get confusing. At Senior Insurance Agency, we want to help you prepare for traveling with Medicare and understand your coverage options.
Here’s what you need to know about Medicare travel insurance options and what to do if you need care on your next trip.
Domestic Travel
Medicare offers extensive coverage throughout the United States, so if you’re traveling domestically, you’ll likely be able to find covered healthcare services nearby. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 98% of US medical providers accept Medicare coverage. Of course, exact coverage options will depend on your specific plan.
Original Medicare and Medical Supplement Plans
If you have Original Medicare, you can visit any doctor or medical provider who accepts Medicare in any US state, as well as Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and other US territories. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are also accepted by all providers that accept Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans
If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), your coverage options will look slightly different. Medicare Advantage plans are administered by a private insurance company, which means you will only be able to visit in-network providers.
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all emergency room care, and many will cover out-of-network services at urgent care facilities, as well. Before your trip, check to see if there are any in-network providers in your destination city, but rest assured that you will have coverage for emergencies no matter where you go within the US.
Medicare Drug Plans
Medicare Part D plans cover prescription drugs. Like Part C plans, they are administered by private insurance companies, although they are regulated by the federal government.
Part D plans will cover prescription drugs at any in-network pharmacy throughout the United States. Review your plan and locate in-network pharmacies at your destination before leaving.
Secure Medicare Coverage for Travel
International Travel
In general, Medicare does not cover medical services outside of the United Statesーbut there are some notable exceptions to this rule. Here are a few instances in which Medicare may cover your healthcare costs while traveling in a foreign country:
- A medical emergency occurs when you’re in the United States, and a foreign hospital is closer to you than a US hospital. This could happen if you’re traveling near the Canada or Mexico border.
- You’re traveling from Alaska to the United States by land, passing through Canada, when a medical emergency happens. A Canadian hospital is closer to you than the nearest US hospital. You must be traveling “without unreasonable delay” for Medicare to cover these costs.
- You need a medical evacuation to a foreign hospital for medically necessary inpatient services. Medicare evaluates coverage for this situation on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatives for International Health Coverage
Since there is generally no Original Medicare coverage for travel outside the US, there are some other options to consider that can help you get healthcare coverage when you need it.
One option is to purchase travel insurance for seniors on Medicare. Travel health plans are offered by private insurance providers and provide coverage specifically for your international trip. Many people enjoy the flexibility that this option provides, although it can come with significant upfront costs.
Another option is to use a Medicare Advantage plan. Some of these plans offer limited coverage for health services abroad. In this case, coverage is usually limited to emergency care.
Most Medigap plans also offer emergency medical coverage while traveling outside the United States. You’ll get coverage with a lifetime limit of up to $50,000. This only applies to care that is medically necessary.
Often times, the benefits that you receive with your Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage plan aren’t enough to cover you in a true emergency, so it is important to review travel insurance policies that can coordinate with the coverage that you do have for more protection.
Explore Your Medicare Travel Options
Tips for Preparing for Your Next Trip
If you have a trip coming up, now is the perfect time to get prepared. Even if you are in good health, you never know when you may need to visit a doctor while traveling away from home.
Here are some tips to ensure you’re prepared while traveling with Medicare:
- Review your current Medicare coverage before your trip and locate emergency care providers and pharmacies in your destination before leaving, and review any additional travel insurance coverage that might help protect your out of pocket costs for travel abroad.
- If your Medicare plan doesn’t provide coverage in your destination, visit an insurance agent to explore other coverage options. Agents can help you review the travel insurance for seniors on Medicare, as well as Medigap and Medicare Advantage options that work well for international travel.
- Talk to your doctor about prescription options while traveling. Depending on the medication you are taking, your provider may recommend you take an emergency supply with you. This way, if you get stuck at your destination longer than expected, you’ll still have access to the medication you need.
- If you have a chronic illness, consult with your doctor while planning the trip. They can provide additional guidance about your diet, activity levels, and medical supplies while you are away to help you make the most of your travels.
- If you do need to seek medical care while traveling, document the experience thoroughly. Save medical bills, doctor’s notes, photos, and other evidence so you can submit an insurance claim easily when you arrive home.
Explore Your Medicare Options With Senior Insurance Agency
If you have a medical emergency while traveling, you should be focused on getting the care you need, rather than worrying about medical costs. Planning ahead will ensure you have reliable coverage, no matter where your travels take you.
We also recommend consulting with an insurance agent to better understand your Medicare travel insurance options, whether that’s a Medicare plan, private travel insurance, or a combination of both.
If you’re interested in Medicare in Reno or anywhere else in Nevada, Senior Insurance Agency provides the support and guidance you need to choose a Medicare plan or travel insurance plan. We’ll help you better understand your current coverage as you travel, as well as guide you through all available coverage options if you’d like to choose a new plan.Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.