I'm planning a long trip overseas. What happens if I need medical care while I'm away from the US?

Question

Steve Houchens · Accepted Answer

No, in most cases, Medicare does not cover medical care received outside the United States However there are some exceptions and some Medicare Supplements may cover some emergency coverage for travel abroad. It’s important to know what your plan offers.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

Medicare and some Medicare plans cover emergency overseas care and are reimbursable. The lifetime coverage limit is $50,000. I highly recommend purchasing a standalone international health insurance plan. Check with your insurance broker or your travel agent.

Answered by Gary Church on September 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Emergency services are covered world wide for up to 50K. When you travel out of USA. You should purchase a travel policy that can be purchased for the length of time you will be out. This will be handled by travel companies.

Answered by Daniel Brechin on November 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN

Answered by Daniel Brechin Medicare Insurance Agent

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Medicare doesn’t cover anyone outside the US.  However Medicare advantage and some med sup plans do.  I know of people buying travel health insurance and that has worked.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

You should really add a travel policy from Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions.

Your Medicare doesn't cover you outside the borders of the US, with several exceptions for border nations. I wouldn't count on it though.

Charise Karjala · Answer

If you're traveling out of the country for a period of time, I'm sure you're concerned about what Medicare will and will not cover. Generally speaking, individuals need to have some kind of coverage up to the first $50,000 so that you can be stabilized and then brought home. How you get that coverage is in a variety of ways. For example, a few Medicare Advantage policies will include travel coverage. If you just call them up and say you're leaving from October 15th to January 1st, they'll send you back in the mail a copy of a travel policy, which is very cool.

If you went to GeoBlue, for example, at age 66 and wanted to buy a three-month travel policy, that might cost you three or four hundred dollars for $50,000. So, you know, that's pretty valuable. The other way that people will get coverage while they're away is through some of the Medigap policies. The G policies have international travel built into them, which is very cool. They typically pay for the first $50,000 until you get home, and you're obviously paying more for that policy because it has that nice little built-in benefit, unlike other G policies that don't have that. So, your G policy is going to be expensive.

The other thing that my clients do is they will buy before they turn 65 because of California accident policies. If they're in Hawaii and have a few too many Mai Tais and trip over something, they end up in urgent care or the ER. They have an accident policy that's very, very cheap. If they're admitted and stay overnight, they can just file a claim and get a check for two grand. Those policies are great, they're just pennies, and they work for the rest of your life.

So, if you're a smart cookie, before the age of 65, ask some questions of an agent like me who looks at it from the big picture. We will recommend an accident policy because they happen, they're inexpensive, and they pay you thousands of dollars, not just to the people that are billing on your behalf. They pay you cash, so it's a very cool thing. Check it out!

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

It depends on what plan you have. Some plans offer limited international coverage. You would still be required to pay it and then have the insurance company reimburse you. There is very limited coverage though. I think anyone traveling internationally, one should consider a standalone international healthcare plan. These are plans that cover international travel for a selected period of time for a one time premium.

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF on August 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, GA, IN, KY & TN

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF Medicare Insurance Agent

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

We always recommend purchasing travel health insurance for international trips. We have several different options available if you would like to reach out to us.

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

Medicare does cover some medical out of the country. I would highly suggest taking out additional travel insurance while you are on vacation.

Darlene Murphy · Answer

You will receive the care you need, pay US dollars, and then return to the states. When state side, we can then submit claim forms for some reimbursement through Medicare and secondary insurance.

Ezel McIntee · Answer

Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the U.S., except in a few rare cases near the border or on a cruise ship close to a U.S. port. Some Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans include limited emergency coverage abroad, so it’s wise to check your plan or consider travel insurance before your trip.

Answered by Ezel McIntee on November 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Ezel McIntee Medicare Insurance Agent

Susan O&#039;Kelley · Answer

Regardless of whether you are on an individual family plan, an employer plan, or Medicare, you should purchase a Travel Insurance policy - especially when traveling outside the US. A few health insurance plans might pay a very limited amount of emergency coverage but you will pay out of pocket then submit a claim for reimbursement. Assume the worst: No. Coverage. Foreign-travel.

Answered by Susan O'Kelley on October 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Susan O'Kelley Medicare Insurance Agent

Marie Terhune · Answer

Medicare does not cover you out of the country except for limited coverage near the U.S. border.  It is a good idea to get Travel Medical Insurance.

Jillian Bellinger-Laing · Answer

Medicare will not cover you outside of the US, but if you have a Medicare Supplement you will have a Foreign Travel Emergency benefit. You would be responsible for a $250 Deductible, then the plan will pay 80% of your bill up to $50k. The $50k is a lifetime benefit. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will want to call your provider to see if they will cover anything for you.

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing Medicare Insurance Agent

Lydia Perez · Answer

Medical coverage outside of the US is dependent on what type of Medicare insurance you have. Original Medicare does not usually cover outside of the US, except for a few exceptions. 

There are some Medicare Advantage Plans that do offer limited urgent or emergency coverage outside of the US, but most do not. It's very important to read your Evidence of Coverage prior to planning your travel. 

There are some Medicare Supplement plans do cover 80% of emergency medical expenses but there is a $250 deductible that you must pay first, and there is a lifetime cap of $50,000. 

If planning a trip outside of the US, I always advise my clients to purchase Short-term Travel Medical insurance because it covers hospitalization if needed, doctor visits and most important if you need to be evacuated back to the states, it's covered.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

One of the great benefits of a Medigap plan is that emergencies occurring in the first 60 days of your trip are covered, up to $50K lifetime. All you need to do is to pre-pay the bill, save a copy and send it to the claims department. Since my interpretation of the trip seems to be more than two months, taking out travel insurance is certainly indicated! What you may want to bring up is does this insurance cover a helicopter evacuation and is a Covid diagnosis also a benefit?

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

My recommendation is to purchase international insurance since US plans are limited when you’re out of the country.

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

I strongly recommend to my clients that if they are taking an extended trip overseas, they purchase an international medical insurance plan so that if there is a problem, they are fully covered. There are times when your Medicare or Medicare advantage plan will provide emergency care in another country, but I would not rely on that coverage for an extended period of time. I’ve seen a claim where one of my clients had a heart attack in Italy and spent three weeks there in different Italian hospitals before being airlifted home. Her claim was over $1 million and paid fully by the international medical insurance that they purchased. Her supplement would have limited coverage to $50,000.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on July 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Dana Dane · Answer

Contact your agent. Otherwise, I would get the best travel insurance you can find. Get the highest coverage available which includes medical benefits as well as emergency transportation back home to the US and other benefits. You can find this coverage online. Look at online reviews.

Answered by Dana Dane on April 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Baez · Answer

your insurance plan may cover emergency cases while out of the US. You should check with your insurance carrier or review your summary of benefits.

Diane Poythress · Answer

Generally, Medicare does not cover medical care outside the United States. There are very limited exceptions, such as if you are in a US territory or if you are traveling through Canada and need to be hospitalized.

Some Medigap plans may offer limited coverage for emergency care while traveling outside the US, typically with a lifetime limit and requiring you to pay a portion of the costs. 

 It's crucial to purchase comprehensive travel health insurance before your trip to cover potential medical expenses, emergency transportation, and other related costs.

Robert Barco · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover your medical needs outside the United States. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan may offer emergency care outside the United States. Each plan is different when it comes to this coverage. If you have a Medicare Supplement or Medigap plan, it will have international coverage for emergencies. You will pay the first $250 provided the emergency happens during the first 60 days outside the USA. I recommend purchasing separate travel medical insurance to cover the exact time away.

Answered by Robert Barco on May 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Robert Barco Medicare Insurance Agent

Lou Ann Pyatt · Answer

It depends whether you have a Medicare Sup plan that includes international travel and of course how long you will be gone. Emergency care would be covered with other coverage. Otherwise you should look into securing travel insurance.

Answered by Lou Ann Pyatt on December 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC

Answered by Lou Ann Pyatt Medicare Insurance Agent

Gigliola Manrique · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover emergencies outside the country. Many Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans DO cover overseas true emergencies, amounts varies from plan to plan and the emergency cost will be covered on a reimbursement basis.

Answered by Gigliola Manrique on November 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, FL & NJ

Answered by Gigliola Manrique Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Hood · Answer

That is a great question! Medicare Part A and Part B typically do not cover medical services outside of the US. Most Medicare Supplement plans include a foreign travel emergecy benefit that will cover 80% of the cost, until it has paid a lifetime benefit of $50,000. 

Since there is very limited benefits with Medicare and the Medicare Supplement insurance for foreign travel emergency, we recommend a separate travel insurance policy that is designed to cover you outside of the US. 

Hope that makes sense!

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

If you need medical care while traveling abroad, it's crucial to know that the U.S. government does not provide insurance coverage or pay for medical bills overseas. You are responsible for all costs. Before your trip, it's essential to purchase travel insurance and to know how to access healthcare abroad.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 10, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

I recommend you get travel insurance. Medicare plans will typically cover 80% of the cost up to $50,000 in your lifetime, but it doesn't cover things like medical transportation should you need to be returned to the United States and are unable to do it as a healthy passenger 
These are typically offered through the airlines directly or you can purchase them online 
Make sure you get at least $100,000 of medical transport insurance

Marcie Barnes · Answer

You have coverage for medical emergencies outside of the US.

Refer to your evidence of coverage for details.

I strongly recommend purchasing health insurance for travel

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

What Happens If You Need Medical Care While Traveling Overseas?

If you’re planning a long trip outside the United States, it’s important to understand how medical coverage works:

🧳 1. Original Medicare Does Not Cover Care Abroad
	•	Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor/ outpatient) generally do not pay for medical services you receive outside the U.S.
	•	There are very limited exceptions (for example, if you’re traveling through Canada and need emergency care that’s closer than care in the U.S.), but these situations are rare.

🏥 2. Medicare Advantage and Part D Rules Vary
	•	Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer emergency coverage while traveling, including internationally — but that depends on your specific plan.
	•	Prescription drug coverage (Part D) may not help when you fill prescriptions in another country unless the plan has specific international benefits.

👉 Always check with your plan before you leave to know exactly what is and isn’t covered.

🌍 3. Buy Travel or International Health Insurance

Because Original Medicare usually won’t pay for care abroad, most travelers buy one of these:
	•	Travel medical insurance: covers emergency care and unexpected illness overseas.
	•	International health insurance: more comprehensive if you’ll be away long-term.
	•	Trip protection plans: can sometimes include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Make sure the policy:
✔ covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and ambulance transports
✔ includes emergency evacuation back to the U.S. if needed
✔ fits the length and activities of your trip

🆘 4. Keep Documentation Handy

If you do end up needing care:
	•	Ask for clear medical records, bills, and receipts.
	•	Save everything for claims with your travel insurer and for your own records.

🔎 Summary

✔ Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the U.S.
✔ Your Medicare Advantage plan might — check first.
✔ Strongly consider travel health or international medical insurance before you g

Toni Cormier · Answer

Traditional Medicare and most Medigap and Advantage plans will cover emergencies. We typically recommend that you take care of all of your medical care prior to traveling and stock up on your prescriptions

Answered by Toni Cormier on October 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, CA & OK

Answered by Toni Cormier Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Ryan · Answer

If you only have Medicare A & B, you will not be covered. 

If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, you will want to take a form with you to have the doctor fill out in the event you need care, so that you can file a claim for reimbursement, but you will have to pay for the services out of pocket at the time. Depending on the Medicare Supplement plan you have will depend on rather or not and how much they will reimburse. 

If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan you do not have coverage outside of the US.

There are policies that can be purchased for travel specifically that would work like traditional health insurance world wide. Aside from that you would pay out of pocket at the time of services then file a claim upon return with your insurance carrier.

Jeremy Watson · Answer

Medicare does cover out of country emergencies with a lifetime benefit amount. In general, you will have to pay for the services at the time they are rendered. Once you get back home, you will need to submit them through Medicare. There are specific forms that would need to be filled out and you will also need to have copies of the bills from the provider.

Answered by Jeremy Watson on August 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY & MI, OH, SC & TN

Answered by Jeremy Watson Medicare Insurance Agent

Thermon Holliday · Answer

You are covered.  Depending on the Insurance carrier, you may have to do one of the following:
#1. Pay your bill.  Keep the receipt for reinbursement
#2. Determine if the Doctor or facility will accept the carrier payment
#3. Use Urgent and /or Hospital emergency services before private M.D.

When traveling it is recommended to add "Travel Insurance " coverage.  Although, Medicare is available to cover services, you don't want any delays due to misunderstandings or other situations.

Ross Landon · Answer

Original Medicare does not generally cover you outside the United States. However, both the advantage plans and Medicare supplement plans. Do  have benefits for foreign travel. 

The advantage plans usually will cover you for emergency and urgent care anywhere in the world. The Medicare supplement plans do too but have a limited benefit and usually you pay $250 co-pay and pay 20% coinsurance up to a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000.

Kevin Johnson · Answer

If you need medical care overseas, you are responsible for all costs, as the U.S. government does not pay for medical bills abroad. It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance to cover medical expenses and medical evacuation. In an emergency, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help finding local doctors and hospitals, and they can assist with other matters like transferring funds

Answered by Kevin Johnson on October 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, NM, OH & SC

Answered by Kevin Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Tanja Roulhac · Answer

Medical Care Overseas with Medicare
Planning a trip abroad is exciting, but it's smart to know how Medicare handles healthcare needs outside the U.S. Here's a concise overview based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines:

Original Medicare Coverage (Parts A and B): Generally, it does not cover medical care outside the United States. This includes routine care, hospitalizations, or emergencies in most foreign countries.


Limited Exceptions:

Emergency Care in Canada: If you're traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state, Medicare might cover inpatient hospital care in a Canadian hospital if it's the closest facility.

U.S.-Border Hospitals: For those near the Mexican border, Medicare could cover care in a Mexican hospital if it's the nearest one and you're in the U.S. at the time of the emergency.

No Coverage for Other Travel: Even for cruises or trips to Europe, Asia, etc., you're typically on your own for costs.


Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some plans offer limited international coverage (e.g., up to a certain number of days or dollar amount for emergencies). Check your specific plan details, as this varies widely.


What This Means for You:

You could face high out-of-pocket costs for medical care abroad, which might not be reimbursed. For example, hospital stays, doctor visits, or medications could add up quickly without travel insurance.

Always carry your Medicare card and other ID, but don't rely on it for international care.


Recommendations to Prepare:

Get Travel Insurance: This is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and other travel-related issues. Look for policies that include health coverage.

Plan Ahead: Before your trip, review your Medicare Summary Notice or contact your plan provider. Consider international health insurance options through private insurers.

Enroll in STEP: Register with the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travel alerts and emergency assis

Alisa Mathis · Answer

Original Medicare doesn’t cover any medical treatment outside of the country. Some Advantage Plans may cover up to a certain amount for any emergency treatment needed worldwide. You may have to pay the bill out of pocket and then submit a reimbursement request. However, I recommend that anyone going out of country should purchase a travel insurance policy.

Answered by Alisa Mathis on April 20, 2026

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

Answered by Alisa Mathis Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Pedersen · Answer

You will want to find out what your care options are with your plan. You might have virtual visits or you can get travel insurance. 
Many insurance providers include access to a 24-hour hotline that you can call for medical advice.
If you need to see a doctor while you’re traveling, you might be able to set up a virtual appointment with your primary care doctor.
Medicare doesn't cover outside of the US but there are a few plans that can cover this cost. You will want to talk to your Broker about those options.

Alexis Pepple · Answer

Depending on the additional Medicare plan you have you may have some coverage.  Medicare Advantage Plans will typically cover ER, Ambulance and Urgent care abroad, while certain Medicare Supplements also have limited coverage abroad.

I recommend to my client to explore Travel Insurance, you can set up an appointment with me to look at options on a trip by trip basis or even an annual basis if you have multiple trips planned.

Happy to help!

Steve Dunn · Answer

Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the US. However, some Medigap supplemental insurance (like plans G or N) cover 80% of emergency care abroad - up to $50,000 lifetime with a $250 deductible.

Answered by Steve Dunn on June 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Steve Dunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Joley Hanson · Answer

Talk with a licensed agent to go over specifics when planning travel. Your agent can answer if your plan has any travel benefits. Some agents even sell plans for travel.

Kristen Hankinson · Answer

This is a great question. The answer will depend on the type of plan that you have. If you want to provide that information, we can provide a more specific response. Otherwise, I recommend calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.

Answered by Kristen Hankinson on February 16, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, OH & WV

Answered by Kristen Hankinson Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Cunningham · Answer

Depending on your supplement plan letter, If on Medicare you do not require any additional coverage. Medicare Supplements cover foreign travel and you will have a 250.00 deductible

Jared Deutsch · Answer

Original Medicare doesn't cover you outside the United States, so if you're traveling internationally you'll want to check what you have. Medicare Advantage plans sometimes include emergency coverage abroad at a flat copay, and some Medicare Supplement plans cover 80% of emergency care after a deductible. Although it is possible to have a Supplement that offers comprehensive coverage while traveling outside the United States. Keep in mind that foreign hospitals don't bill U.S. insurance directly, you'll usually need to pay upfront and then submit claims for reimbursement when you return home.

Answered by Jared Deutsch on December 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN

Answered by Jared Deutsch Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm planning a long trip overseas. What happens if I need medical care while I'm away from the US?

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