Will my Medicare plan work when traveling to Europe?

Question

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Accepted Answer

Question about whether your Medicare plan will work if you're traveling to Europe. Well, there's a rider you can get if you have a Medigap or a supplement plan, a foreign travel rider. It's really not that good. There's a $250 deductible, the plan pays a $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit, and you're on the hook for 20% of the bill. So, for that reason, if you have a Medigap or a supplement plan, I would strongly recommend getting extra travel insurance. If you're going to Europe for a week or two, it's really not that expensive. It depends on where you live, how old you are, your resident zip code, and how much coverage you want, but you could get a pretty good foreign travel plan for your supplement. I mean, it depends on where you're going and that kind of thing, but generally, you're looking at about a $200 maximum premium for very good coverage.

Now, if you have Medicare Advantage, most Medicare Advantage plans have better coverage than the foreign travel rider you can get with a Medigap plan. Still, with an Advantage plan, typically there’s no deductible. Your plan will usually, not all plans, but most will pay 100% of your emergency care. Now, if you're admitted to the hospital following an emergency room visit, then everything changes. So, work with your agent. Consider getting a separate foreign travel plan. Even if you have Medicare Advantage, where the coverage is generally better than the Medicare supplement plans with the rider, work with your agent. A good, qualified, experienced, independent agent would be the way to go. I can think of at least one person who can help you with this.

Gary Church · Answer

Generally not! In some cases, Medicare may cover a lifetime claim of $50,000. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check with your health plan to see if there's coverage. I recommend purchasing international health insurance when traveling outside the US.

Answered by Gary Church on November 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Your Medicare plan will only work NEAR the US border, and only in some circumstances. I always advise people that are traveling outside of the US to purchase a Travel Medical plan. They are fairly inexpensive and very robust in their coverage. They don't cover travel to some countries where there is unrest.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

Medicare does not cover you outside of the USA.
Some Part C plans cover you for a limited amount for emergency and some Medigap plans will pay up to 50,000 for urgent and emergency care.
If you travel outside the USA, you should consider International Medical for the duration of your trip

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Original Medicare does not pay for care when overseas. Some Medicare Supplements will help with emergency care. They will pay up 80% of emergency costs up to $50,000 after a deductible is met. This is only for emergency care within the first 60 days of an overseas trip. Be sure to keep all receipts for reimbursement.

Some Advantage plans may offer limited international emergency care. This is included by the carrier and is not part of Medicare. Be sure to check with your plan to see if they offer coverage.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Medicare will not cover out of the USA.  However,  Medicare Advantage plans cover you internationally for emergency situations.

Norman Smith · Answer

Original Medicare with a Supplement provides up to $50,000 in lifetime reimbursements, covering up to 80% of your International medical costs. Note that your Medicare will work in the territories of the US. Such places as the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam. There are a few places between the USA Northern border and Alaska that would also have coverage under Medicare. Europe is not a covered location. I would recommend taking Travel Insurance.

Answered by Norman Smith on April 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Traditional Medicare with Parts A and B and a Medigap plan F or G, could cover up to 80% where Medicare is accepted. Medicare Advantage plans would need prior approval from the insurance company that is carrying the plan.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Yes , it will cover you as long as you go through the Emergency room only.
So go enjoy and be healthy!

Pamela Masters · Answer

It depends on the plan. If your plan has world wide coverage then look at the evidence of coverage to see what your plan covers. Most plans that cover you world wide usually only cover you in an emergency.

Answered by Pamela Masters on October 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Lovell · Answer

Original medicare will not medical care in any other country other than united states and its territories.

Justin Doherty · Answer

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, you might have a limited foreign travel benefit. For people on Medicare Advantage plans, you will have emergency coverage while traveling abroad. However, you may not have coverage beyond the emergency. Regardless of your Medicare coverage, I always recommend a Travel Insurance policy. This option provides a limited period of coverage that will make sure you're protected while traveling outside the U.S.

Answered by Justin Doherty on September 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CO, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Justin Doherty Medicare Insurance Agent

Luke Rhoads · Answer

Original medicare, medicare advantage, and medigap plans generally will not provide coverage outside of the US. There are some exceptions. Certain Emergencies and situations where the closest hospital is in a bordering country. Traveling through Canada from Alaska, and on a cruise ship.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on June 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Don Hudson · Answer

Most medical insurance policies will only cover emergency coverage outside the US and its territories. When traveling outside the US, it's always safe option to buy a Travel Policy.

Andrew Firmin · Answer

Will your Medicare plan work when you're traveling in Europe? Great question. If you only have a regional Medicare Parts A and B, you will not have coverage outside of the country. Now, if you marry a regional Medicare with a Medicare supplement plan, some supplement plans do provide coverage outside of the United States. There may be certain maximum amounts that are covered, so that's something to be on the lookout for and to review in your plan.

Now, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, many of those have coverage for outside of the United States. Now, whether it's through a supplemental plan or your Advantage plan, while you may have coverage, the international doctor or hospital may not have a relationship with your United States-based insurance company. The international doctor or hospital may require you to pay them upfront. Then you come back to the United States with the receipt and provide that to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Now, there are a couple of things that you can do. There are some international health insurance plans that not only cover routine care and emergency care while you're outside of the country, but they may also provide a benefit for emergency travel back to the United States. Now, that would be a separate international health insurance plan that you would purchase for the country that you're traveling to and for the dates you're traveling. I hope that helps. Safe travels! And until next time, be healthy and be well.

Eddie Tune · Answer

I don't know what Medicare plan you have or where you are located? there are plans available that cover emergency services all over the world.... Not all plans are alike.

Wagdy Saadalla · Answer

it depends on your plan. Some plants has travel advantage some they don’t you have to look at your plan.

Allen McGirl · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover you outside of the United States. Some Medicare Supplement and Advantage plans may cover Emergencies, but you should consider purchasing a travel policy from my website.

Answered by Allen McGirl on May 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 34 other states

Answered by Allen McGirl Medicare Insurance Agent

Jon Kelderman · Answer

Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans—specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N—offer limited coverage for emergency medical care outside the U.S. My recommendation to my clients is to purchase a good travel health plan. They are relatively inexpensive and offer added protection.

Answered by Jon Kelderman on June 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in IA, AZ & TX

Answered by Jon Kelderman Medicare Insurance Agent

Justin Call · Answer

It depends on your plan.  Many Medicare Advantage plans do cover you on a reimbursement level for emergencies if you are out of the country.

Michele Vina · Answer

Generally speaking, Medicare coverage is only in the US. However, your Medicare supplement or Advantage plan will provide emergency medical coverage overseas if necessary.

Mike Cooper · Answer

Certain Medicare plans do offer international travel benefits... though I don't recommend you put your eggs in that basket. Travel insurance is reasonably priced... and the coverage is often more comprehensive.

Answered by Mike Cooper on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, AK, AL & 27 other states

Answered by Mike Cooper Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim Kirsch · Answer

Some Medicare Advantage plans, specifically PPOs will provide coverage outside of the US. There are limits though, like some are 80/20 plans, so check with the specific plan you are considering before making your choice.

Answered by Kim Kirsch on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Kim Kirsch Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Cooper · Answer

Medicare supplement with the international care benefit. You should consult a broker to see about additional travel insurance.

David Moore · Answer

Any on whose plan you choose it can cover you so that you are in a position to return to the US a and be taken care of.

Dain Martindale · Answer

This is a two-fold question. 

Original Medicare + Medigap works abroad with a $50,000 lifetime maximum on covered expenses. Examples of a Medigap plan include Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. 

Medicare Advantage plans MAY cover you internationally, but this varies on a plan-by-plan basis. Just because your friends' plan covers it does not mean that yours will. In order to find out if it does, you will want to reference your specific plan's summary of benefits (SOB) document. 

I always recommend purchasing some level of inexpensive medical travel insurance when travelling abroad.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Medicare Supplement rules state that if you have a health need while overseas, as long as your affliction took place in the first 60 days, you will have no pre- pay. But upon your return, make a copy of the paid receipt and send it to the claims department who will reimburse you within 3 weeks.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

No. Medicare doesn't cover outside the U.S. except for limited coverage near the U.S. border.

Andrew J. Zurbuch, MBA
Licensed Broker
Integrated Financial

Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare to get information on all of your options.

Diana Garner · Answer

Medicare usually does not cover any health services, supplies, or prescriptions you receive outside the US.

Some Medicare Supplement plans may offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage, typically with a deductible, copay, and lifetime limit. 

Medicare Advantage plans are not required to provide coverage for international travel. Some plans may offer benefit coverage for emergency or urgent care while traveling abroad. 

Beneficiaries should review their specific plan's terms and conditions before traveling to understand the extent of coverage they may have.

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Original Medicare probably not. Medicare Advantage provides some coverage, Medi-gap plans usually for emergencies only, best to purchase a travel medical policy, which is very affordable, contact me directly.

Answered by Leslie Kaz on August 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

It might, depending on the plan you’ve chosen. Medicare Supplement Plan G will provide up to $50,000 of emergency benefits outside of the US. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide Worldwide emergency coverage. But the keyword is ‘emergency’. What if it’s not an emergency but you need to receive care? Are you willing to pay out-of-pocket or interrupt your trip and return to the US? Can you pay upfront and wait until you get home to submit your claim for reimbursement? If you can afford to travel outside of the US and you have Medicare, I STRONGLY recommend buying an International Health Plan for your trip. Hopefully, you will never need to use it. If you do need to use it, an International Health Plan will provide benefits to help you with translation, to help you find and get to a western trained facility, to pay upfront for the care that you need, and to help get you home in the event that you need a special flight for repatriation.

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

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

Medicare does not cover you outside the United States, but if you’re a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan, most of them will cover you for emergencies and urgent care anywhere in the world subject to a copayment

Answered by Walt Smith on February 16, 2026

Agent Licensed in NJ, NY, PA & VA

Answered by Walt Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven A James, MBA · Answer

Medicare is only valid in the US and its territories.  If traveling abroad, or even venturing into Canada or Mexico, Medicare is not valid.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), the plan will provide coverage worldwide for Urgent Care & Emergency.  If concerned, I advise folks to purchase travel insurance, either annually for frequent travelers or per trip.

If you purchase a Medicare Supplement, such as Plan G, the plan may pay the first $50K and then an 80%/20% cost share thereafter.  Confirm with your plan benefits.

Steven A. James, MBA
Contact me.

Chad Watkins · Answer

Well, Medicare covers medical expenses outside of the United States. Typically, original Medicare is not gonna be much help except in rare circumstances. If you do have a Medicare Advantage plan, those plans typically will give you some emergency coverage outside of the United States, but that coverage will vary from plan to plan. So, you would need to check your plan details to see exactly what your coverage is.

There are also Medicare supplement plans that will give you some coverage in an emergency outside the United States, referred to as foreign travel. And that will cover up to 80% up to $50,000. You pay the first $200 and 20% of the first $50,000, and then anything over $50,000. So, you do have some coverage with those Medicare supplement plans.

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

Medicare does NOT typically cover Healthcare and Prescription drug coverage. May cover limited Emergency care. Do not travel abroad without Worldwide Travel Insurance. This is inexpensive and could be invaluable.

Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, FL & PA

Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman Medicare Insurance Agent

Lea Vollmer · Answer

No, as a general rule, except for emergencies. If your Medicare Advantage plan has worldwide coverage, it will cover an emergency up to the plan's amount. OM No, unless you have a supplement plan that covers foreign travel.

Answered by Lea Vollmer on October 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Lea Vollmer Medicare Insurance Agent

Constance Phillips · Answer

While some Medicare Supplement (Medicap plans) cover medical care overseas and some Medicare Advantage plans may cover 80% of medically necessary care, it is advised to obtain travel insurance particularly if you have a chronic illness or need prescriptions filled.

Answered by Constance Phillips on September 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by Constance Phillips Medicare Insurance Agent

Françoise Mueller · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover routine care outside the United States, so it won’t work for doctor visits or hospital care while you’re traveling in Europe. But depending on the type of Medicare plan you have, there are ways to stay protected. You’d need travel medical insurance or a Medigap plan with foreign travel benefits.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C):
Coverage varies by plan.

Some MA plans offer limited worldwide emergency coverage, but not routine care.

You’ll want to check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage to see what they pay for overseas.

I will typically go over that with you so that You’re not stuck, you just need the right kind of coverage before you go. I can look at your exact plan and tell you in minutes whether you’re protected in Europe or if you need a simple add‑on like travel medical insurance.

Becki Jennings · Answer

That depends. If you have original Medicare with a supplement and are traveling outside the country, your coverage is very limited. Most likely, you will not be covered. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will pay. However, you may have to settle the bill with the provider, then submit to the insurance company for reimbursement. I always suggest the purchase a medical travel plan beyond your trip protection plan.

Answered by Becki Jennings on June 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO

Answered by Becki Jennings Medicare Insurance Agent

David Treadway · Answer

There are hundreds of "Medicare plans" so not sure anyone can answer your question as posed but hopefully the following will help you find your specific coverage details. 

I'd start by checking with your insurance broker. Assuming you don't have one, you would next call member services on the back of your card. You could also check the plan documents  for your specific plan (Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage). 

For original Medicare, see here https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-outside-the-u.s. 

Medicare also has a publication on this topic, you can find here: https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11037-medicare-coverage-outside-the-united-states.pdf

If you have an advantage plan, please call the first number on the back of your card (generally called Customer Service or Member Services). 

Hope you enjoy your European excursion.

Dave

Lowana Richardson · Answer

Only for emergency rooms. I recommend picking up a separate travel insurance. Because if you get seen at the ER which may be covered if it is a true emergency and if they admit you into the hospital, that is not covered under Medicare.

Answered by Lowana Richardson on May 19, 2026

Agent Licensed in HI, AZ & CA

Answered by Lowana Richardson Medicare Insurance Agent

Nikolaya Krasteva · Answer

Not really. Only for emergency. Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. There are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. 

Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services you get in a foreign country in these rare cases:

You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.
You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another U.S state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency.
You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether an emergency exists.
Medicare Advantage plans do not typically cover medical treatment needed when traveling internationally. However, some plans include international travel emergency coverage.

Noel DeAngelis · Answer

Your Medicare plan when traveling to Europe will cover In very limited circumstances, also, specific plans have different guidelines. It is recommended to purchase a separate insurance plan

Fred Manas · Answer

No, Original Medicare generally does not cover health care services you receive while traveling in Europe or any other location outside the United States and its territories. 
However, there are limited exceptions where Medicare may provide some coverage for services in a foreign hospital, such as for certain emergencies if a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. hospital, or for non-emergency care in a foreign hospital closer to your home in the U.S.. 
Important Considerations for Europe Travel:
You will likely be responsible for all healthcare costs.
Medicare Part D does not cover prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S.
Purchasing travel insurance with health coverage is recommended. 
Medigap and Medicare Advantage:
Certain Medigap plans may offer coverage for foreign travel emergencies under specific conditions and with limitations.
Coverage for international travel varies among Medicare Advantage plans; check with your provider. 
Before your trip, it is crucial to:
Contact your Medicare plan provider about international coverage.
Consider purchasing travel health insurance.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 29, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

Original Medicare usually does not cover care outside the U.S., but many Medigap plans cover emergency services for a limited time (often up to 80% of costs), while Medicare Advantage plans rarely cover international emergencies.

Answered by Mary Brown on March 30, 2026

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

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

Some Plans offer worldwide coverage while
Traveling abroad. Depending on your plan, there may be a deductible to pay (ie- $100-500) but you can get $50,000 or more in coverage.

Mark Boone · Answer

It’s not a straight yes or no answer. It depends if it’s original Medicare or a Medicare supplement or a Medicare advantage plan. You would need to check with your plan and see what coverage you have when traveling and in what countries. Most of the time if traveling in Mexico or Canada they will work with you and your coverage but some overseas countries will not and you will have to pay for services and then see if you can get reimbursed from your provider.

Answered by Mark Boone on July 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

Medicare itself will not pay outside of the United States.
However Medicare Supplements C, D, F, G, M, and N provide the most  coverage for foreign travel emergencies, paying 80% of billed charges after a $250 deductible, with a lifetime limit of $50,000. 
Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer international emergency coverage, which varies by plan

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

Medicare and all MAPD ,MA  plans do not work in Europe. They have limited coverage near Mexico and Canada.

Charles Borg · Answer

It generally does not cover international travel to Europe. In some emergency cases there may be exceptions.

Gary Haft · Answer

Your Medicare Supplement will work anywhere in the world, but it us usually for an emergency situation. If you are just not feeling well and it is not life threatening, you are likely not going to get the claim paid. Remember that you have a $250 deductible to meet before your Supplement would pay, therefore if you are not feeling well and you go see a doctor, and your cost is less than $250, then it is all out of your pocket. It is always recommended that when traveling outside the USA - to consider taking out international insurance that covers your health and medical expenses. Just be aware that these plans do have limitations and restrictions.

Answered by Gary Haft on May 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, DC & 9 other states

Answered by Gary Haft Medicare Insurance Agent

John Motsinger · Answer

It depends on if you have a medicare supplement or medicare advantage. Medicare supplement can possibly cover up to 80% of your medically necessary medical needs outside the USA. Medicare Advantage does not typically cover people outside the united states except limited coverage near the US border. I always advise my clients when they go out of the country to get travel insurance.

Answered by John Motsinger on August 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY, CO, FL & 9 other states

Answered by John Motsinger Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Alterman · Answer

This is directly from Medicare 
“Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. There are some exceptions, including some cases where Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) may pay for services that you get on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. 

Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services you get in a foreign country in these rare cases:

You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.
You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another U.S state when a medical emergency occurs, and the Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency.
You live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition, regardless of whether an emergency exists.
Medicare may cover medically necessary ambulance transportation to a foreign hospital only with admission for medically necessary covered inpatient hospital services.”

Jami Mead · Answer

This can all depend on the type of Medicare plan that you have. Most Medicare supplement plans cover 80% of travel to other countries. Some cover 50% and a few do not cover any at all. You can always contact customer service and find out or reach out to me and I will help you explore your options.

Answered by Jami Mead on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

Abigail Turner · Answer

This is going to vary and be dependent on what plan you have. Original Medicare is not an international health insurance program so the coverage available internationally will be based on your Medicare plan. 

Several Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans (specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N) offer 80% "foreign travel emergency" coverage, subject to plan limits. 

Many Medicare Advantage plan companies also offer some international coverage. In general, Emergency Room and Urgent Care is covered by some companies and may or may not have a copay associated. At least one other company also covers ground ambulance transportation internationally for a copay. 

Checking with your broker/agent or going through your plan's full Explanation of Benefits documentation will give you the coverage available with your specific plan.

Nora Alishahi · Answer

Only certain Medicare Advantage plans during Emergencies. Would be better to have a supplemental coverage for the everyday consultations

Tristan Gibbs · Answer

You may have coverage for Emergency Care when traveling outside of the United States. That is dependent on which plan you chose.

Tony Merwin · Answer

If foreign travel is included in your plan, yes, but for emergency only. You can get excellent Medical coverage for international travel at a pretty low cost though and is generally what I would advocate when travelling out of the US.

Answered by Tony Merwin on June 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 29 other states

Answered by Tony Merwin Medicare Insurance Agent

Peggy Elliott · Answer

Medicare corners up to $50,000 overseas. Different Medicare plans works differently overseas, so you’ll have to get direct answers from the carrier you’re with .

Jamie Blake · Answer

No, Medicare plans do not generally work outside of the United States; however, Original Medicare covers emergency services only in specific situations like traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state via Canada, or if a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. hospital. 

Some Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental plans may offer limited coverage for foreign travel emergencies, but you must check your specific plan details with your provider, as this is not a standard benefit.

Frankie Cochran · Answer

you are only allowed access to Life Saving healthcare in certain hospitals near the us border. When travelling abroad you need to invest in travel health insurance to make sure that you have coverage in the specific area that your are travelling

Answered by Frankie Cochran on April 14, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA

Answered by Frankie Cochran Medicare Insurance Agent

Donald Baker · Answer

GThst will depend upon what Medicare insurance plan you have. 
Some plans offer coverage with cost shares.

Humara Riaz · Answer

Original Medicare may pay for foreign care only in very limited cases:
	1.	If you’re in the U.S. but a foreign hospital is closer (e.g. near the Canadian or Mexican border).
	2.	If you’re traveling through Canada to Alaska, and a Canadian hospital is closer.
	3.	On a cruise ship, if you’re within 6 hours of a U.S. port and the doctor is licensed under U.S. law.

Philip Santucci · Answer

Medicare plans are mainly US service based however there are plans that will have some international coverage. Most of the plans with coverage are Medicare supplements.

Daniel Matar · Answer

No, it will not. Medicare is a Is based insurance program. If you’re planning on traveling, considering buying travel health insurance.

Luis Mendoza · Answer

Certain plans (C, D, F, G, M, N) will pay up to 80% of emergency care abroad after a $250 deductible, with a $50,000 lifetime cap.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans cover emergency worldwide.

Important: it’s emergency coverage only, not routine doctor visits.

Ken Correa · Answer

Generally the answer is NO! But if you have a Medicare Supplement( Medi Gap) or Medicare Advantage plan you may be covered for emergency care and hospitalization. This, of course, depends on the plans.

Contact your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan provider to understand your coverage limits before leaving. It would be best to get travel insurance to make sure you have coverage while traveling.

Robert Vitale · Answer

Original Medicare offers very limited coverage for healthcare services received while traveling in Europe. To ensure adequate protection, consider Medigap policies with foreign travel benefits, check your Medicare Advantage plan's coverage, and consider purchasing travel insurance.

Answered by Robert Vitale on May 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & OH

Answered by Robert Vitale Medicare Insurance Agent

Juan Carlos Quevedo Lussón · Answer

In most cases, Medicare does not cover medical care outside the United States — including Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s smart to buy a travel medical insurance policy to ensure you’re protected in case of an emergency.

Answered by Juan Carlos Quevedo Lussón on October 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Juan Carlos Quevedo Lussón Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Guiness, CSA · Answer

ORIGINAL MEDICARE DOES NOT WORK IN EUROPE. YOU ADVANTAGE PLAN POSSIBLE WILL WORK, DEPENDS ON YOUR PLAN, AND MOST MEDIGAP PLANS WILL COVER YOU  FOR UP TO $50,000.

Michele Wagoner · Answer

It really depends on your MA or MAPD plan.  It will tell you if it has overseas coverage in the Scope of Benefits page of your plan.

Vernon Pate · Answer

Except for certain circumstances, Original Medicare does not cover you while you are outside the US and its territories. Please review your statement of benefits for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to determine what is covered when traveling outside the US. I always recommend health travel insurance when traveling abroad. GeoBlue or HTH.

Answered by Vernon Pate on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, MO & OK

Answered by Vernon Pate Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Klie · Answer

Original Medicare (Part A & Part B): has limited coverage for healthcare outside the US including Europe. If you have an emergency in Europe, you may have to pay out of pocket and Medicare will not reimburse you for those costs.

Medicare Advantage (Part C): varies by plan. Some Medicare Advantage (MA) may offer coverage for emergency or urgent care needs while traveling abroad, but it varies by plan. It is essential to ask your agent for the details of coverage. 

Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Some Medigap plans (specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N) offer limited coverage for emergency care received outside the US. This typically includes 80% of the billed charges for medically necessary emergency care, after a deductible, up to a lifetime of $50,000. It is important to note that Medigap plans may require you to pay the provider upfront and then you would file a claim to your provider for reimbursement.

Consider travel insurance: If you plan to travel abroad, it may be wise to purchase travel insurance that includes health coverage. This can provide additional peace of mind and financial protection in case of medical emergencies while you are abroad.

Loretta Simmons · Answer

You will have to call the member service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card. Because they are all different. But usually they do cover emergencies. But before you do you need to call member services.

Mark Shipman · Answer

a medicare supplement plan has a foriegn travel rider available. This will cover expenses while traveling abroad.

Caretta Carrington · Answer

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover services provided outside the US. Since Europe is outside the US, you will be required to pay for 100% of your care.