Which Medigap plans cover foreign travel emergencies, and how much do they pay?

Question

Mike Alexander · Accepted Answer

All medigap plans cover up to 50,000 for foreign emergency visits
I would however recommend getting an international medical plan when you travel outside usa as the medigap plans require you to pay 1st and then wait for reimbursement, on the international medical they will file claim for you

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Most plans will pay a fixed amount when you are out of the United States of America and it's territories. Most pay a fixed amount to stabilize you and Air Flight home. Most cover 50,000 one time event.

Answered by Daniel Brechin on April 20, 2026

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

Answered by Daniel Brechin Medicare Insurance Agent

John Becker · Answer

You did say a MEDIGAP plan, so i am taking that into consideration and not addressing a Medicare Advantage plan.

Dependent on what state you live in ....Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N are the currently available or common plans that provide coverage for foreign travel emergencies.(WI AND MN WE DO NOT HAVE ALL THESE PLAN OPTIONS.) These plans typically pay 80% of billed charges for medically necessary emergency care after you meet a $250 annual deductible. There is a $50,000 lifetime limit on this benefit. 

KEY DETAILS OF FOREIGN TRAVEL COVERAGE
* Eligibility Period: Coverage applies only if the emergency care begins during the first 60 days of your trip.
* Conditions: The care must be considered medically necessary and must not be otherwise covered by Original Medicare.
* What is Not Covered: Medigap plans do not cover medical evacuation or repatriation.
* Availability Note: While Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries (those who became eligible for Part B on or after January 1, 2020), individuals who already have them may retain their coverage.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
* Because Medigap plans have a lifetime limit and do not cover medical evacuation, many travelers choose to purchase separate travel insurance for more comprehensive protection. Always confirm the specific benefits with your insurance company before traveling outside the U.S.

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

Most Medigap plans offer a specific benefit for emergency medical care while traveling outside the United States. Since Original Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services outside the U.S. and its territories, this is a key feature for travelers.

Which Plans Cover It?
Foreign travel emergency coverage is included in Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N.

Note: Plans F and C are only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

How Much Do They Pay?
The coverage follows a specific 80/20 rule with a lifetime limit:

The Benefit: The plan pays 80% of the billed charges for "medically necessary" emergency care.

Your Share: You pay the first $250 deductible for the year, plus the remaining 20% of the costs.

The Limit: There is a $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit. Once you have reached $50,000 in total foreign travel claims across your lifetime, the benefit is exhausted.

Key Requirements
Timing: The emergency must begin during the first 60 days of your trip.

Medicare Gap: The care must be for something that Medicare would have covered if it had happened inside the U.S.

Pro Tip: Because of the $50,000 lifetime limit and the 60-day rule, many frequent travelers still choose to purchase inexpensive third-party travel insurance for additional peace of mind and medical evacuation coverage.

Wagdy Saadalla · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/which-medigap-plans-cover-foreign-travel-emergencies#wagdy-saadalla

Kristen Skinner · Answer

Typically 80%. You are in charge of the 20%. Up to plan limits . So I would check with the Company and the plan itself. This would be the Plan N and G cover foreign travel. 
I would still recommend traveler's insurance.

Nicholas Ryckert · Answer

Medigap plans C/D, F/G, M, and N cover foreign travel emergencies. These plans typically reimburse 80% of emergency medical costs incurred outside the U.S., with a $250 annual deductible and a $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit.

Answered by Nicholas Ryckert on April 21, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 16 other states

Answered by Nicholas Ryckert Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover foreign travel emergencies. They pay 80% of costs after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit, usually for emergencies within the first 60 days abroad.

Answered by Mary Brown on April 20, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeffrey Sodikoff · Answer

MEDIGAP PLANS C,D,F,G,M WILL COVER OUT OF COUNTRY EMERGENCY CARE UP TO 5OK LIFETIME LIMIT. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU ALWAYS BUY ADDITIONAL INSURANCE WHEN OUT OF THE COUNTRY. I WOULD GOOGLE TRAVEL INSURANCE AND I WOULD ALWAYS GET THE 1 MILLION DOLLAR POLICY WITH AT LEAST $ 500K OF EMERGENCY EVACUATION.

Answered by Jeffrey Sodikoff on April 20, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Jeffrey Sodikoff Medicare Insurance Agent

Cindy Dedini · Answer

Most Medigap plans cover up to $50,000 lifetime travel where the beneficiary pays a $250 copay and 20% and amounts over $50,000.  Medicare does not cover foreign travel.

Which Medigap plans cover foreign travel emergencies, and how much do they pay?

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