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

Gary Church · Answer

Medicare will reimburse for medical services in a foreign hospital. You pay, and when you turn to the US, submit your claim to Medicare for reimbursement for medically necessary services. There is a lifetime Max $50,000. I would recommend purchasing Traveler's health insurance.

Answered by Gary Church on July 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

The only situation in which Medicare will pay for services outside of the United States is when you are NEAR the border of the United States; otherwise, you're out of luck. I ALWAYS suggest that my clients purchase a "Travel Medical" plan when they are outside the US. Its relatively cheap and VERY comprehensive

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Generally, if you are in a U.S. Border Country and the nearest hospital is closer than the nearest one in the States, then they MAY cover that expense. But it will only be paid as to the costs Medicare would pay while in the states, so you may have out-of-pocket costs associated with the treatment and stay as well. 
If you are keeping Original Medicare, some supplement plans will cover up to $50,000 of reimbursable expenses, up to 80% of the actual costs. Some MA plans will give emergency coverage only while in a foreign country. It is always best to take travel insurance when you are going abroad.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

By foreign I take it to mean out of the country hospital.  Medicare doesn’t cover anyone out of the country but certain supplement plans and Medicare advantage plans do.

Terri Reagin · Answer

Very rarely will Medicare pay for overseas treatment. Other countries have no concept of how American health insurance works and typically are not willing to wait for payment. The best option is travel medical insurance which will pay them up front or reimburse you when you get home.

Answered by Terri Reagin on November 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin 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

Voss Speros · Answer

Voss Speros here, Greek god of Medicare, talking about Medicare. So a client asked if they're covered for Medicare when they're traveling overseas. Yes and no. Medicare will cover some reimbursement for that. If you go to the hospital or emergency room type stuff, there is some coverage built in for reimbursement on the Medicare Advantage plans. There is international coverage built in up to a certain dollar amount.

Basically, depending on your plan, if you're traveling out of the country and something happens, you have to go to the emergency room there. There's most likely some money built in for reimbursement, but you're going to have to pay at that time and then get the bill and reimburse it to your plan. You can call your plan and let them know you're traveling, just so they have a heads up if something comes up. It's in their book.

So it's always good when you're traveling to call your insurance company and let them know where you're going to be. That way, if something happens, they can help you out. Hope you have a good day, and let us know if you have any questions.

Pamela Masters · Answer

With original Medicare they don’t pay for services provided outside the US except in some cases close to the border. If you have a Medicare advantage plan, your plan may pay for emergencies outside the US. You would need to look at your plans evidence of coverage document to see if and how it works.

Answered by Pamela Masters on November 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

Medicare does not but a supplement will cover a foreign hospital medical. So a medigap policy or supplemental insurance or medicare advantage plans may offer extra travel emergency coverage beyond original medicare.

Answered by Jacqueline Proffit on September 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AR, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Jacqueline Proffit 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

Cody Biggs · Answer

Medicare generally does not cover treatment in a foreign hospital, but there are a few exceptions. It may pay 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, if you’re traveling through Canada between Alaska and another state without unreasonable delay and the Canadian hospital is closer, or if you live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital able to treat your condition. Even then, Medicare only pays for Medicare-covered services, not routine care received outside the U.S.

Answered by Cody Biggs on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, AZ & 24 other states

Answered by Cody Biggs Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Wooten · Answer

Usually, you’ll cover all costs upfront and then submit an itemized bill to Medicare for reimbursement. Since Medicare offers limited travel medical coverage outside the U.S., you might want to consider getting a travel insurance policy for extra protection.

Answered by Edward Wooten on April 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL & MO

Answered by Edward Wooten Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Meyers · Answer

Original Medicare will only pay for your medical services in a foreign hospital under a few very obscure situations: 

*You’re in the U.S. when you have a medical emergency, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you. 
• You’re traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you. Medicare determines on a case-by-case basis what situation qualifies as “without unreasonable delay.” 
• You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you, regardless of whether you have a medical emergency.

A medicare supplement plan will provide emergency coverage of up to $50k at 80%.

But the majority of any situation you find yourself in while on foreign soil, medicare will not help you until you return home. Where you will then work to get reimbursed.

Wagdy Saadalla · Answer

emergency only and when you bring the bill, it has to be itemized.
That would be the only situation and that will be covered if you have Medicare supplement or Medicaid advantage
Medicare itself will not cover outside the US

Marie Terhune · Answer

Medicare does not cover you while you are out of the country, except for limited coverage near the U.S. Border. It is recommended they you obtain travel medical insurance to cover you if you plan to travel outside the country.

Answered by Marie Terhune on June 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in NH

Answered by Marie Terhune Medicare Insurance Agent

Donna Lueders · Answer

It depends on the plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency visits. It's important to get with an agent who can explain your options. If you have a Medicare supplement plan a/k/a Medigap plan, you most likely will have coverage in Canada and Mexico, but again it depends on the carrier.

Answered by Donna Lueders on January 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, LA, NC & SC

Answered by Donna Lueders 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

Laura Shipman · Answer

Typically if a beneficiary goes outside of the United States there isn't any coverage. Some plans may pay a fixed amount for Emergency medical care outside of the U.S. A few plans may cover a fixed amount for any medically necessary coverage outside of the U.S. It is best to speak to a knowledgeable agent who can speak about plans that may provide this coverage. Also a licensed agent may be able to offer advice on how to provide coverage outside of the U.S.

Answered by Laura Shipman on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in KS

Answered by Laura Shipman 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

C. Faye Ricketts · Answer

In most instances, Meeicare doesn’t cover foreign care. However if it is an emergency, it may be covered if the beneficiary is near a US border. I highly recommend that a beneficiary picks up foreign travel coverage when traveling abroad. Policies are very reasonable and a financial lifesaver should an emergency arise during the travel.

Answered by C. Faye Ricketts on April 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in VA, AL, CO & 16 other states

Answered by C. Faye Ricketts Medicare Insurance Agent

Tracy Briley · Answer

Your supplemental will pay for these services, but only to a certain amount. Most supplemental plans cover $250.00 for out of country coverage. Even then you have to pay out of pocket and then submit the paperwork when you get back and wait to be reimbursed. Medicare Advantage plans do not cover out of country coverage

Answered by Tracy Briley on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, CA, FL & IA

Answered by Tracy Briley Medicare Insurance Agent

Savannah Rose · Answer

Every plan is different. A supplement has the most coverage in a foreign hospital. A supplement typically pays 80% for emergency medical care abroad.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

If you signed up for a Medigap, if the admittance to a foreign hospital was within 60 days of your trip, you would have to prepay the bill, save it and upon return, make a copy of the “paid” receipt and mail the claim form with your policy number to the claims department of your Med Supp. You will pay 20% plus a $250.00 copay. The rest of the bill should be mailed to you in 3 weeks.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

If you need to go to the hospital in another country, you'll likely need to pay for medical expenses upfront, even if you have insurance. Your U.S. health insurance may not cover medical costs abroad, and Medicare and Medicaid certainly do not. You'll need to make arrangements for payment, translation (if needed), and potentially medical evacuation if needed. Based on these results, my recommendation would be to purchase short term international health insurance which is very inexpensive.

Answered by Timothy Brown on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

Very few. Medicare will reimburse costs for a visit the an emergency room near us borders.
Better to purchase travel medi al insurance through a local agent.

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Original Medicare almost never pays for care outside the U.S.
But — there are a few rare exceptions where it will help cover hospital services abroad.
Medicare usually stops at the border — except if you’re near it, passing through Canada, or within 6 hours of a U.S. port. For anything else, you’ll want a plan that adds foreign travel coverage
🧭 Options for Travelers

If you want peace of mind while abroad:

Some Medigap (Supplement) plans — specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N — offer foreign travel emergency coverage up to $50,000 lifetime (after a small deductible).

Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include limited emergency or urgent care coverage worldwide.

Or, buy travel medical insurance for any gaps.

Frank Carta · Answer

Many plans cover emergency services. If you want to discuss plans, I am open to that. Do
you currently have a Special Enrollment Period?

Steven A James, MBA · Answer

You can search the Medicare website as well.

Medicare alone is only accepted anywhere in the US and its territories.  There are generally 3 situations in which coverage is available for reimbursement.

1) In the US, with an emergency situation, but the nearest hospital happens to be across the border, generally Canada or even Mexico.
2) Also, in the US, but not an emergency if the nearest hospital happens to be across the border.
3) Traveling through Canada to and from Alaska, but considered to be a direct travel route.

However, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you'd have coverage worldwide for Urgent Care & Emergency for a nominal copay.

With a Medicare Supplement, the plan may pay up to $50K and then a scaled cost share thereafter.

I happen to travel internationally frequently and also advise folks to consider travel insurance while traveling abroad.

Steven A James, MBA
Contact me.

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

Jason Vallejos · Answer

Medicare typically does not have foreign hospital coverage.  However, a Medicare Advantage Plan or some Medicare Supplement plans do provide such coverage for Emergency Cases.

Armand Smith · Answer

https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11037-medicare-coverage-outside-the-united-states.pdf


See the link above this is directly from Medicare. It is best that you read the 3 pages of this link which is from Medicare.gov 
It explains nicely what is covered if in a foreign hosptial.

Robert Loyd · Answer

Medicare covers foreign hospital only when that hospital is closer than any other U.S. option. Typically this will be for "emergency" level services only. Urgent care and walk in clinic services will not be reimbursed. Lastly, foreign hospital is covered in Canada when a medical emergency happens when travelling on a direct route though Canada when headed to Alaska.

Answered by Robert Loyd on October 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Robert Loyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Medicare typically doesn't cover medical services in a foreign hospital, except in specific limited circumstances. These include medical emergencies in the U.S. where a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the condition, or if you're in Canada traveling without unreasonable delay between Alaska and another U.S. state. Additionally, if you live in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital, Medicare may cover certain services.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Medicare may pay for foreign hospital services if the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your condition, or in the case of an emergency while traveling.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on October 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Only for emergency with a lifetime limit of $50,000 covered at 80% of the cost 
If you're going to travel you should get travel medical insurance 
Allianz is the company I have used personally?

Andrew Kramer · Answer

Medicare generally does not cover foreign Medical services. But some Medicare supplements will partially cover that, as well as Advantage plans will cover up to $25K. But they will not directly pay the bills of a foreign hospital, you will. But upon your return, you can submit the bills (in English) and with their medical codes highly itemized to get partially reimbursed by either your Supplement or Advantage plan.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on July 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

Medicare does not normally pay for care outside the United States except for limited care in Canada and on a Cruise ship. If you have a Medicare Supplement or "Gap Plan" they will pay 80% up to $50,000.00 lifetime with a $250.00 deductible.

Answered by Karen Ansell on November 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH

Answered by Karen Ansell Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Thompson · Answer

Generally Medicare will not cover hospitalization in a foreign country. Some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement policies have limited coverage. Generally you have to pay and be reimbursed. Some policies do have access to a network in other countries. I always recommend a travel policy when traveling outside the US.

Answered by Julie Thompson on October 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, KY, NV & TN

Answered by Julie Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Murphy · Answer

Medicare doesn't pay anything towards foreign hospitals.  Certain Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage Plans will cover overseas in emergency or urgently needed situations.
With Medigap Plan G or Plan N you would have a $250 deductible and they'll cover 80% up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 for foreign travel.
With Medicare Advantage plans you are covered anywhere in the world in an emergency or urgently needed situation.  There could be lifetime limits, depending on the plan.
There is a catch.  Foreign doctors and hospitals don't accept US insurance so you'll have to pay cash or credit for the bill while you're there and get reimbursed up to your copay or coinsurance when you get back.
My suggestion, when traveling, is to buy travel health insurance for your trip.  The cost is very reasonable and it will cover you anywhere in the world and help you find doctors and hospitals in other countries.  You can get unlimited coverage for about $100/person for the week you are away.  
The company is GeoBlue.  You can buy it online or through an agent that works with them.

Claudia Englert · Answer

It depends on what plan you have.  All plans generally only pay in foreign counties if it's a medical emergency, and they have limitations as to how much they will pay outside the United States.

Mark Walker · Answer

Medicare will not pay for medical services in a foreign hospital. However, there are a few situations where Medicare will pay for emergency services. You need to have a Medicare supplement to cover foreign travel up to a $50,000 maximum lifetime benefit.

Answered by Mark Walker on September 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Mark Walker 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.

Donald Baker · Answer

Original Medicare is a US medical plan. Therefore if your concerned about foreign coverage you would need to verify your coverage with your individual Medicare Insurance plan covers foreign medical needs.

Answered by Donald Baker on June 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN

Answered by Donald Baker Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Wetsel · Answer

Medicare does not pay for foreign medical care. However, some supplemental and MA plans do offer limited coverage in an emergency.
Read you plans Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage to see what your specific plan covers.

Larry Plyler · Answer

There are (2) situations where Medicare will pay.
1)  In an emergency
2) A foreign hospital is closer to your residence than the nearest U.S. hospital ,even if it is not an emergency

Alisa Mathis · Answer

Original Medicare doesn’t cover medical services out of the United States in any circumstances. Some Medicare Advantage plans will cover emergency services out of the country up to a certain amount. However, you may have to pay out of pocket first, then file a reimbursement claim. If you are a person who likes to travel out of the country, I recommend getting travel insurance.

Answered by Alisa Mathis on November 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, IA, ME & 5 other states

Answered by Alisa Mathis Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Pevnick · Answer

Medicare will only pay for urgent treatments, limited to stablize the recipient in order to transfer to a facility in the United States.

Jason Meadows · Answer

Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S., but there are a few limited situations where it will pay for services in a foreign hospital. For example, if you’re in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you in an emergency, Medicare may provide coverage.

It may also cover care if you’re traveling through Canada between Alaska and another state and have a medical emergency, or if you live in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than a U.S. facility. Outside of these specific situations, Medicare typically does not pay for care abroad.

Gary Coleshill · Answer

If you're in the U.S. and face a medical emergency near the Mexican or Canadian border, Medicare might cover care at the closest foreign hospital. 

Similarly, if you're traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state and experience an emergency, Medicare could cover a Canadian hospital if it's closer than a U.S. one. 

For those living near a foreign hospital, Medicare may also cover treatment there if it's the nearest option, even without an emergency. 

When traveling abroad, consider getting travel health insurance to avoid unexpected expenses.