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.

Lance Stanley · Answer

Medicare has limited coverage for international travel, you can explore additional options like Medicare supplement plans and travel insurance policies. Medicare supplement plans can provide some coverage for emergency care outside the U.S., while travel insurance offers broader coverage for medical expenses and other travel-related needs. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage for international travel.

Answered by Lance Stanley on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA, MS & TX

Answered by Lance Stanley Medicare Insurance Agent

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!

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

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

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

Michael Yost · Answer

There are individual travel plans that we can help with. There are some Medicare plans that also cover international travel.

Gretchen Morris · Answer

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

Becki Jennings · Answer

For folks on Medicare who travel outside the country, a travel plan specific to international travel is definitely recommended. These plans cover only outside the US. Benefits and premiums can vary. The coverage cost can also be affected by length of time outside the US, age of client, etc. A travel medical plan is not the same as travel insurance to cover your trip in case of a cancelation.

Answered by Becki Jennings on June 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO

Answered by Becki Jennings Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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.

Martin Cahill · Answer

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

Fred Manas · Answer

International travel medical insurance, often purchased as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or as a standalone policy, provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling abroad. This can include emergency medical, dental, and evacuation services, as well as trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage coverage. 
Here's a more detailed look at the additional coverage options:
Medical Coverage:
Emergency Medical Expenses:
.
Covers costs for doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, and prescription medication for new illnesses or injuries that occur while traveling. 
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation:
.
Covers the cost of transporting you to a medical facility or back to your home country in case of a serious medical emergency. 
Pre-existing Condition Coverage:
.
Some plans offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions, although it's important to check policy details. 
Trip Protection:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Reimburses prepaid travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to a covered reason (e.g., illness, family emergency). 
Baggage Coverage: Reimburses you for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage. 
Trip Delays and Missed Connections: Provides compensation for costs incurred due to delays or missed flights. 
Cancel for Any Reason: Some plans offer the option to cancel your trip for any reason and still receive reimbursement for pre-paid expenses. 
Other Considerations:
Foreign Travel Emergency Health Care:
If you have a Medigap policy, it may cover emergency care outside the U.S., though with limits. 
Schengen Visa Insurance:
If you're traveling to countries in the Schengen area, you may need specific insurance that meets visa requirements. 
U.S. Visitor Insurance:
If you're a foreign traveler visiting the U.S., you may need visitor insurance.

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

Todd Bostic · Answer

There are some Medicare Advantage plans that offer international coverage in case of emergency. I would double check with your agent to make sure you have the plan you are needing to get the coverage you are wanting.

Answered by Todd Bostic on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Andre Cabral · Answer

Emergency medical services only. Neither original Medicare or Supplement/Advantage plans cover other than emergency medical needs.

Shannon Mayfield · Answer

There are world wide travel plans that offer coverage outside of the country.  These plans are relatively inexpensive and offer peace of mind while vacationing.

Jami Mead · Answer

GEO BLUE is a fantastic plan available for International travelers. Its affordability is comparable, and you can start and stop based on your travel.

Mark Mabaquiao · Answer

First of all, it's important to understand that Medicare Parts A & B (A&B), by themselves, generally do not cover you outside of the United States (US). There are some rare exceptions, like if you're on a cruise ship that's within 6 hours of a US port, but I would just accept the fact that in probably 99% of cases, A&B will not cover your medical and prescription expenses outside of the US.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have expanded coverage outside the US for emergencies and urgent care only. Also, you might have to pay for your care first, then when you return to the US, submit the paid invoices to your MA carrier, and if approved, be reimbursed.

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, like Plan C, D, F, G, M, or N, you also have coverage outside the US for emergencies only. After a $250 deductible, your plan would cover the next 80% up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.

The final option, which I recommend you consider, is getting travel insurance from a quality carrier who gives you access to a network of international doctors and hospitals. With travel insurance, you will have coverage for medical and prescription drugs, and you won't be limited to only being covered for emergencies or urgent care.

Julia Alves · Answer

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover you outside the U.S., but the good news is, you do have options! Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, like Plan G or Plan N, include limited foreign travel emergency coverage. That can help with emergency care while abroad, up to a lifetime limit. Also (this varies by plan but) some Medicare Advantage Plans MAY also cover some limited foreign travel emergency coverage. Another route is to look into travel insurance specifically designed for medical coverage. Especially if it's a longer trip or if you travel frequently, it can give you peace of mind.

Answered by Julia Alves on June 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, GA & 5 other states

Answered by Julia Alves 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 & 6 other states

Answered by Nicole Creamer Medicare Insurance Agent

What additional coverage options are available for international travelers?

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