Does Medicare cover health care services on a cruise ship?

Question

Norman Smith · Accepted Answer

Once you cross into International waters, your Medicare will not cover you. There are very specialized situations while traveling abroad where it does. Always take the travel insurance.
However, adding a proper supplemental plan to your original Medicare can provide a $50,000 lifetime reimbursement benefit to augment your billing.

Larry Dalton · Answer

You are covered as long as traditional Medicare is received and you have a Medicare supplemental/Medigap. Medicare Advantage plans may vary based on your plan type, as the advantage plans are geared toward PPO and HMO networks.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

Many plans come with 50,000 in medical travel insurance.  If you have that then yes. 
I have some clients buy extra coverage depending on the type of travel

Ray McCauley · Answer

a medicare supplement will but a medicare advantage plan would only help with emergency care and you would need to pay for that care up front then seek reimbursement from your health insurance provider

Answered by Ray McCauley on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN

Answered by Ray McCauley Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Boudreaux · Answer

It’s best to take out insurance when you’re on vacation and some instances, Medicare does pay a percentage depending on which route you go.

Sherah Beasley · Answer

This is a great question! Traditional Medicare and Medicare Supplements should be accepted anywhere in the U.S. that takes Medicare, but if the cruise ship is in international waters, coverage might not be afforded. 

Additionally, some other parts of Medicare might extend to the emergency services or travel home from an emergency, like a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Just keep in mind, if you do have a MA plan (specifically), it probably has a network you must stay within, so there’s not as much flexibility with your healthcare, when you’re on one of these types of plans. 

So if you travel frequently or have questions about an upcoming trip, make sure you call our office so we can help you walk through your specific plans and needs.

Christie LeBoeuf · Answer

Yes, Medicare may cover medical expenses on a cruise ship, but there are some specifics to review. Call me today at 504-332-5410 and I will be happy to explain in details.

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Good question! Yes and no. More than likely your cruise ship will not accept your Medicare plan card, or your original Medicare ID card. You will have to pay up front and then submit the bill to your plan for reimbursement once you are home. This will more than likely fall under an “urgently needed services” category.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

Yes. Just like being on land or any where else. But it might be better to have a Medicare Supplement Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Julie Joyce · Answer

Medicare works in the United States.  If it is an emergency, they will treat you but we do suggest travel insurance if you will be outside of the US border.

Lea Ayres · Answer

Medicare generally provides coverage for medically necessary care received on a cruise ship if the ship is in a U.S. port or within six hours of arrival or departure from a U.S. port, and the healthcare provider is authorized to provide medical services on the cruise.

Answered by Lea Ayres on March 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, MD & 8 other states

Answered by Lea Ayres Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Medicare generally doesn't cover healthcare services received on a cruise ship if it's more than six hours away from a U.S. port. However, if the ship is within U.S. territorial waters (i.e., within a U.S. port or within six hours of arrival/departure), Medicare may cover medically necessary services. The doctor also needs to be authorized to provide medical services on the ship. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Within U.S. Territorial Waters:
If the cruise ship is within U.S. territorial waters (in a U.S. port or within six hours of arrival/departure), Medicare may cover medically necessary services. 
Outside U.S. Territorial Waters:
Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services when the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port. 
Doctor's Authorization:
The doctor providing the services on the cruise ship needs to be legally authorized to do so. 
Claim Submission:
If you receive medical services on a cruise ship and the doctor's office is in the U.S., they will submit the claim to Medicare. If the doctor's office is not in the U.S., you'll need to complete a CMS-1490S form and submit it to Medicare with the necessary documentation. 
Medicare Advantage Plans:
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for international travel, including on cruise ships, so it's important to check with your plan provider.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans have worldwide emergency coverage. Cruise ships out in the ocean have their own medical team. I believe you have to purchase medical coverage when on a cruise ship.

Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Duaine Owings · Answer

Medicare may cover medically necessary health care services on a cruise ship if (1) the doctor is allowed under certain laws to provide Medicare services, (2) the ship is in a U.S. port or no more than six hours away from a U.S. port when services are provided. However, Medicare does not cover health care services when the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Answered by Duaine Owings on February 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, FL, KS, NC & TX

Answered by Duaine Owings Medicare Insurance Agent

Does Medicare cover health care services on a cruise ship?

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