What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?

Question

Duaine Owings · Accepted Answer

Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) C, D, F, G, M, and N may offer coverage for services outside of the U.S. with up to $50,000 of lifetime coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also provide some coverage, and travelers should check with their specific plan for details. Additionally, international travel plans can provide emergency medical evacuation, return of mortal remains, support for lost passports or luggage, trip cancellation protection, and even kidnap and ransom coverage for high-risk destinations.

Answered by Duaine Owings on February 11, 2025

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

Answered by Duaine Owings Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Most Medicare supplemental/Medigap plans F, G, N, and a couple of others will cover 80% if Medicare is accepted. International travel medical insurance coverage plans can help cover the cost of emergency medical treatments, including broken bones, heart attacks, strokes, emergency dental procedures, and medical evacuations. Our special policies can be written for these types of events.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

With Medicare Advantage plans you have worldwide emergency coverage. That is strictly emergency only. 
With most Medigap plans you have $50,000 of foreign travel money to use. Basically, it is enough money to get stabilized if something were to happen and get you back to the United States for your Medicare coverage.

James Carlson · Answer

Emergency care in a hospital will normally be covered. There is no major hospital coverage with Medicare.  Therefore it is advisable to purchase a policy for traveling outside of the USA.

Bill Filer · Answer

For the most part, Medicare does not cover you outside the U.S. It is probably not sufficient to rely on if you travel for extended periods of time. 

Most of the coverage for international travel consists of emergency care only. Medigap supplement plans, like "G" or "N", usually provide some coverage, but the accident or illness needs to occur within the first 60 days of your travel. You have to satisfy your deductible and there is a lifetime cap on the amount that is covered as well. 

You may consider purchasing a stand-alone travel insurance policy that will help cover expenses incurred due to illness or injury. Be careful to make certain the policy is a medical plan and not a trip cancellation plan. You can purchase these through a licensed insurance agent if you want some help navigating your options.

Travel safe!

Gregg Matheny · Answer

For international travelers I strongly recommend looking in to some measure of travelers insurance. While most plans will cover an ER visit worldwide, it may be wise to have a travelers insurance plan specific to your scenario.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Some options in Medicare include overseas travel. For instance, with a Medicare Supplement (a.k.a., Medigap), the 1st 60 days of any trip is covered with any health ailment affected by a natural cause or by a serious accident.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on March 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Depending on which plan you decide on, there may be up to $50,000 in lifetime travel reimbursement for any International coverage. But surprisingly enough to some folks, the plans they take wouldn't even cover them out of their local county!!! This is why you should speak to an Agent who specializes in Medicare in your state and locality. Hope this helped!

Answered by Norman Smith on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

Some Plans offer Foreign travel. You have a $250 Deductible and then it pays 80 percent until the maximum of $50,000

Gretchen Morris · Answer

GeoBlue is a great Blue Cross travel insurance that I recommend to anyone stepping outside of the american border.

Comfort Olude · Answer

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover worldwide emergency and urgent services, which are subject to a $50,000 maximum plan coverage with a $140 co-pay, on average. The co-pay is not waived if admitted to the hospital for worldwide needed services.

Answered by Comfort Olude on April 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, FL, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Comfort Olude Medicare Insurance Agent

Martin Cahill · Answer

Emergency coverage ... travel insurance.  None of our plans cover travel insurance. Just emergency, tell people to save their receipts

Brenda Trejos · Answer

Depending on your additional coverage (i.e. your Advantage Plan or Medigap) on top of having Medicare, you might have coverage during your international travels.  It is important to ask your Agent/Broker for details or calling your Insurance Company Customer Service #.
There is also an option to purchase additional coverage know as Travel Insurance or International Medical Insurance that could be good additional options and to cover scenarios not covered by your Medicare Plans.

Aisha Saleem · Answer

Medigap plans may cover emergency medical care for international travelers. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer travel benefits. These options typically occur when you are traveling and in need of medical attention during a medical emergency.

Answered by Aisha Saleem on March 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MD & FL

Answered by Aisha Saleem Medicare Insurance Agent

Nicole Creamer · Answer

Medicare offers limited coverage when traveling abroad, usually around $50,000 maximum benefit, leaving members to pay the claim in advance and obtain a reimbursement when they come home. I have a carrier that provides international medical travel coverage, taking the worry away when traveling abroad. With up to 1 million in benefits, a service team to handle communication barriers, and the ability to pay the claim for members strengthens peace of mind when traveling. Travel medical coverage is trip-specific, taking into consideration the member and the time they are traveling, making it an affordable option.

Answered by Nicole Creamer on March 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & 5 other states

Answered by Nicole Creamer Medicare Insurance Agent

What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?

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What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?

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