What should I look for in a Medicare plan if I travel frequently both domestically and internationally?
Answered by 62 licensed agents
If you travel internationally - Travel insurance is available based on your dates of travel.
Review with a local Medicare Broker, contact me for specific questions.
Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman on March 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in NJ, FL & PA
Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
But if you have certain Supplemental plans with your Original Medicare, for example a “G” plan, that has an 80% reimbursement for your overseas medical costs, with a maximum $50,000 lifetime repayment. Look into what plans your State has for you.
Answered by Norman Smith on May 13, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA
Traveling with Medicare Advantage. These plans are not the traditional Medicare, and insurance carriers underwrite them entirely. Therefore, signing up under these carriers is not straightforward due to their network, which may not be available outside your state or within their standard geographic areas. Some Medicare Advantage plans have state-to-state and nationwide pharmacy coverage within their extensive networks. However, other Medicare Advantage plans may not cover outside their defined service area or impose higher cost-sharing or prior-authorization rules for out-of-network care. When traveling, remember that if your Medicare Advantage plan requires a primary care provider (PCP) referral for specialist visits, you must do your homework; otherwise, you may have trouble finding a specialist when needed.
However, rest assured that original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the United States without additional restrictions or out-of-pocket costs.
Answered by Larry Dalton on May 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
Voss Speros here, Greek god of Medicare.
So the question is, I travel a lot. What plan would work best for me? Traveling both nationally and internationally.
A good Medicare supplement is good anywhere in the country, right? And Medicare does cover a little bit of out-of-the-country stuff on a limited basis. So that's good. Medicare Advantage plans have emergency coverage built in, so you have the country covered in case of an emergency. Most of those plans have a dollar amount, so it goes up to $50,000, $90,000, whatever it is, for out-of-country coverage.
Original Medicare has, I think, about $20,000 built in. So really, if you're traveling a lot, I would say go with Original Medicare supplements. That way, you know you have coverage anywhere in the country if you need to see a doctor. You can make an appointment to see a specialist anywhere in the country because anywhere that takes Medicare can get you an appointment without a referral.
And then out of the country, if they have an office there, that's good. They can go that way. But you do have emergency coverage outside of the country. So honestly, this would probably be the best for you if you're traveling. But you can always get an Advantage plan for that low or no monthly premium and then co-payments at the time of service. If you're really healthy, that would be good too because then you just use it for emergency coverage as you go.
But there's a lot of variables in that. Once you actually sit down and look at everything, where you're traveling through, what's going on, then you can find a plan that works best for your situation. Hope that makes sense. If not, give us a call. Happy to help you out. Have a good day!
Answered by Voss Speros on February 23, 2026
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 19 other states
Answered by Bill Wheeler on May 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY & IN
Answered by Christy Jones on September 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states
Answered by Jacqueline Proffit on September 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AR, CA & 15 other states
Answered by Richard Moreno on May 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, CA, FL, LA, NM & OH
Internationally: some Medicare plans cover international coverage. If it is important to you make certain it is included before you enroll. It is always a good idea to by traveler's insurance when traveling internationally.
Answered by Cheri Rogers on February 22, 2026
Broker Licensed in NM & TX
Answered by Adam Ashby on June 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, GA, IL & 6 other states
Answered by Nicholas Depke on March 29, 2026
Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, FL & 15 other states
Answered by Tyler Haskell on July 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT
Answered by Wagdy Saadalla on October 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in NJ, AZ, CA & 7 other states
Answered by Jake Purvis - CMIP on February 9, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, GA & TX
Answered by Ruben Trejo on October 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 44 other states
Regarding International travel - Medicare does not cover you while out of the country, except for limited coverage near the US border. It is best to obtain travel insurance for care outside the country.
Answered by Marie Terhune on June 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in NH
Answered by Joshua Cooper on May 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, AL, FL & 10 other states
Answered by Jackson Stodgel on December 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, CA, IL & 12 other states
Answered by Jim Neil on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in MI, AL, AR & 31 other states
Answered by Amie Randall on May 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, CA & 13 other states
Answered by Amy Pulver on August 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in KS, AZ, CA & 6 other states
Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Timothy Brown on April 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states
For international travel get with a local agent and sign up for international travel health insurance.
Answered by Ron Cronwell on November 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN
Answered by James Stang on September 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in OH
For more flexibility of traveling domestically you can look into a Medicare Supplement policy. A MedSupp plan will cover the 20% that OM (original Medicare) does not cover. With a MedSupp you do not have the restriction of using "in-network" providers, referrals, pre-authorizations or pre-certifications.
Most MAPD and MedSupp plans will cover you for international travel. For the best protection I would recommend working with an independent agent who offers International Medical Travel Insurance so you would have better coverage when traveling outside of the US.
Answered by Terry Salak on December 3, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 11 other states
For domestic travel nationwide, the flexibility of a Medicare Supplement is superior to almost every Medicare Advantage plan's network. With a Medicare Supplement, your only requirement to see any provider is that they take Medicare itself. Medicare pays first, the med supp picks up the tab for the parts it covers (for example, in a Plan G thats the Part B deductible).
A Medicare Advantage PPO is another viable option, but PPO's are subject to networks just like every other PPO plan out there. If you go to a provider who is out of network for your plan, they do not have to agree to treat you. There are also out-of-network coinsurance and deductibles that are much higher than in-network costs.
Sit down with your calculator and consider the costs of each - how much is the premium on the Medicare Supplement? How much do you actually go to doctors while traveling? What is the Maximum Out of Pocket cap on the Medicare Advantage plan? Do you even have a PPO option available in your residential service area?
A good broker who writes *both types* of Medicare coverage and knows their facts and figures can help you truly align your goals with your plan choices. Make sure they know what you need and want, so they can tailor a fit for you.
Answered by Erlynne (Elle) Massie on August 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, AK, AL & 48 other states
If you want to get an advantage plan, you'd want to select a company that has a large national network, and perhaps offers out-of-network coverage. If you go to an area frequently, you'd want to look at urgent care and hospitals there, to make sure they are in-network.
For international coverage, I'd use just pick up a travel policy for each trip. They don't cost very much at all and offer great coverage.
Answered by David Ryerson on November 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in AR, KS, MO & OK
Answered by Becki Jennings on June 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in MO
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
These plans typically use provider networks. If you travel outside your plan’s service area, routine care may not be covered—only emergencies are guaranteed. Some plans offer limited international emergency coverage, but benefits vary. If you’re considering this option, look for a PPO plan and confirm how coverage works out of state and abroad.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
Medigap plans offer more flexibility for travelers. You can see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare—no network restrictions. Many plans also include emergency coverage for foreign travel (with certain limits), making them a strong choice for frequent travelers.
Bottom line:
If you travel occasionally, a Medicare Advantage plan may work. But if you travel often or want peace of mind wherever you go, a Medicare Supplement plan typically provides greater freedom and predictable coverage.
Answered by Lavina Woart on April 23, 2026
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DE & FL, IA, NJ & PA
Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 13, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states
As far as traveling goes, Medicare advantage and medigap plans cover you domestically
Medigap plans will cover you up to $50,000 and 80% of the cost
You should get a travel plan because the biggest expensive travel in the event you becomes seriously ill is transportation back to the United States from outside the country. There are many companies that provide medical coverage in addition to all the other traditional things like lost luggage, delayed flights, etc
Answered by Gary Henderson on May 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Answered by Carol Thompson on December 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI
Most Medicare Advantage plans have domestic travel coverage as well. Medicare Supplement plans allow you to see any doctor nationwide as long as the accept Medicare.
Answered by Marcie Barnes on September 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on August 31, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Todd Bostic on July 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states
Answered by Andrew Kelly on April 8, 2025
Agent Licensed in WA & OR
you can also get a travel medical insurance.
If you do the Medicare Advantage, you should pick a PPO plan.
Answered by Rodolfo Rojas on July 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in NV, AL, AR & 36 other states
Answered by Toni Cormier on October 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, CA & OK
Answered by Blaine Shipe on December 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & VA
Answered by Nora Alishahi on September 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & 9 other states
Answered by Raid Alemam on October 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, CA, CO & 7 other states
Answered by William Wheatley on November 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in MD
Answered by Donald Baker on June 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN
Answered by Theodore Carpenter on August 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in IA, AZ, IL & TN
Answered by Velvet Ohlen on November 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL
Answered by Kevin Johnson on October 17, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, NM, OH & SC
Important questions to ask include:
What emergency or routine health care services are covered if I vacation in the U.S. or out of the country?
Do I have to seek services with specific providers?
How long can I be away from home and receive coverage?
Will this plan cover both domestic and international travel?
Answered by Maurice Ellis on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in MS, AL, AR & 17 other states
Answered by Amal Sahyoun on December 11, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA
Choose a plan that allows you to get care anywhere in the U.S.
Original Medicare (Part A & B):
You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare—nationwide.
Great for domestic travel.
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Many plans have networks (HMOs or PPOs).
Look for:
PPO plans (more flexibility to see out-of-network providers)
Plans with nationwide networks or travel benefits
Confirm how coverage works outside your home area.
2. International Travel Coverage
Original Medicare typically does NOT cover care outside the U.S., except in very limited situations. To get global coverage:
Option 1: Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
Plans F, G, and N offer some foreign travel emergency coverage:
Covers 80% of emergency care abroad (up to plan limits)
Limited to the first 60 days of a trip
$250 annual deductible; $50,000 lifetime limit
Answered by Calvin Fritz on June 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, AL, AR & 22 other states
• Nationwide network coverage (like Original Medicare or a PPO Medicare Advantage) for domestic travel.
• International travel coverage or emergency care benefits abroad.
• Prescription drug coverage with mail-order options for refills on the go.
This keeps you covered wherever you are.
Answered by Nicolas Cain on July 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in SC
As a Medicare specialist, I can help you understand the different parts of Medicare and how they work. I can also help you compare different Medicare plans and find one that fits your needs and budget. Additionally, I can help you enroll in Medicare and answer any questions you may have about the process.
Answered by Adriana De la Cruz on May 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & NM
Certain Medicare Advantage plans also provide state-to-state coverage, but some limit coverage to a defined service area.
Your Medicare coverage may be very limited while you're traveling to a foreign place, even in an emergency.
Answered by Kelli Callihan Ostrander on July 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in VA, FL, NC & WV
Answered by Michelle Brown on September 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 16 other states
Answered by Bobbi Lincoln on May 25, 2026
Broker Licensed in NY, AR, MI & OH
Answered by Debra Hartman on April 22, 2025
Agent Licensed in WI & MN
Answered by Debra Weber on May 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 5 other states
Answered by Cynthia Haworth on February 3, 2026
Agent Licensed in TX
All Medicare advantage plans will cover you for emergencies internationally although limited.
Answered by Elisa Forte on October 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, FL & OH
Answered by Joseph Smith on May 22, 2025
Agent Licensed in SC, MD & NC
Answered by Raquel Weir on April 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX & LA
Tags: Advice for Seniors New To Medicare
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