In what situations will Medicare pay for medical services in a foreign hospital?

Question

Duaine Owings · Accepted Answer

Medicare covers services in a foreign hospital in three situations. First, if you have a medical emergency in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you. Second, if you are traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay between Alaska and another state and a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than a U.S. hospital. Third, if 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 condition, regardless of whether it is an emergency.

Answered by Duaine Owings on February 11, 2025

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

Answered by Duaine Owings Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

This is a great question—and one many folks don’t think about when enrolling in Medicare—since Medicare is a U.S.-based benefit and doesn’t typically cover medical services abroad, though there are a few narrow exceptions worth knowing. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will pay for a foreign hospital only if you’re traveling through Canada between Alaska and another state and the nearest hospital is Canadian during an emergency, if you live in the U.S. and the closest hospital for an emergency is foreign (like near the Mexican border), or if you’re on a U.S.-based cruise ship within six hours of a U.S. port when an emergency hits—verified exceptions straight from Medicare’s rules. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited international emergency coverage—often up to $50,000 per trip, depending on the plan—but Medigap plans like G or N can cover 80% of emergency care costs abroad (up to a $50,000 lifetime limit) during the first 60 days of travel after a $250 deductible. From my experience, I always tell seniors heading overseas to grab a standalone travel health insurance package—it’s affordable, usually $50-$150 for a two-week trip—and it’s the safest way to avoid big bills Medicare won’t touch.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Some Medicare Supplements have a Foreign Emergency Travel provision which has an 80% coverage after a $250 deductible and a lifetime coverage of up to $50,000 for emergency care if the illness/injury occurred within the first 60 days outside of the USA.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on March 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Phillip Lovelady · Answer

This answer depends on what kind of plan you have. If you have a Medigap plan, you have hospital coverage for foreign travel up to $50,000. If you have a Medicare Advantage, it depends on the plan that you are enrolled in. Many Medicare Advantage Plans do cover medical emergencies while in a foreign country. Keep in mind that with a Medicare Advantage there are co pays.

Answered by Phillip Lovelady on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Phillip Lovelady Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

In most situations generally Original Medicare does not cover medical care in a foreign hospital (Outside of the US).  

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement may cover some Emergency Care.

DO not travel without Medical Travel Insurance.  It is not expensive and could be lifesaving.

Contact me for quotes on Worldwide travel insurance.

Aaron Solomon · Answer

Most plans will cover Emergency and Urgent care world wide. There are co-pays . There are  limitations on coverage depending on your plan

Brian Krantz · Answer

Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the U.S., but there are a few exceptions — like if you’re in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer, or you’re traveling between Alaska and another state through Canada. Otherwise, you’ll need separate travel coverage.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Jill Belvin · Answer

Medicare generally does not provide coverage when you are out of the country. It may extend some coverage in an emergency situation but it is always best to carry international coverage plans while travelling outside the country.

Answered by Jill Belvin on March 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AZ, FL, MI & NJ

Answered by Jill Belvin Medicare Insurance Agent

Sean MacBean · Answer

Most Medicare Supplements and Advantage Plans cover these foreign hospital costs when you travel inside of 30 days. 

For travel more than 30 days, we recommend adding additional travel and health coverage.

In what situations will Medicare pay for medical services in a foreign hospital?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

In what situations will Medicare pay for medical services in a foreign hospital?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website