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If you’re a Medicare beneficiary planning to travel abroad, it’s important to understand how your coverage works outside of the United States. While Medicare does not typically cover healthcare services received outside of the U.S., there are some exceptions and additional options available to help you prepare for your trip.
What Medicare Covers Abroad
Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover healthcare services received outside of the U.S. and its territories, with few exceptions. These exceptions include:
- Emergency care in Canada if you’re traveling a direct route, without unreasonable delay, between Alaska and another state, and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Canada
- Emergency care in a foreign country if you’re in the U.S. when the emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your condition
- Medically necessary services, such as dialysis, that you get in the U.S. and that are scheduled in advance of your trip if you’re on a cruise ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may offer additional coverage for healthcare services received outside of the U.S. Check with your plan to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket costs you may incur.
Additional Coverage Options
If you’re planning to travel abroad and want additional coverage for healthcare services, there are several options available:
- Travel insurance: Some travel insurance plans offer medical coverage, including emergency medical and dental care, as well as medical evacuation.
- Medical tourism insurance: This type of insurance is specifically designed for individuals traveling abroad for medical procedures. It can cover unexpected medical complications, as well as travel-related issues such as trip cancellation or interruption.
- Expatriate health insurance: This type of insurance is designed for individuals living abroad long-term, such as retirees or expats. It can provide comprehensive coverage for healthcare services received outside of the U.S.
Enrolling in Coverage
If you’re interested in additional coverage for healthcare services received abroad, it’s important to understand the enrollment process and any associated costs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Travel insurance: You can purchase travel insurance through a travel agent, online, or through an insurance company. Costs and coverage options vary depending on the plan.
- Medical tourism insurance: This type of insurance is typically offered by medical facilities or medical tourism companies. Costs and coverage options vary depending on the provider.
- Expatriate health insurance: You can purchase expatriate health insurance through an insurance company or broker. Costs and coverage options vary depending on the plan.
Conclusion
Understanding your Medicare coverage is important when planning to travel abroad. While Medicare does not typically cover healthcare services received outside of the U.S., there are exceptions and additional coverage options available to help you prepare for your trip. Be sure to research your options and enroll in coverage well in advance of your trip to ensure you have the protection you need.
| FAQ |
|---|
| Q: Does Medicare cover healthcare services received outside of the U.S.? |
| A: Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover healthcare services received outside of the U.S., with few exceptions. |
| Q: What are the exceptions to Medicare coverage for healthcare services received abroad? |
| A: Exceptions include emergency care in Canada if you’re traveling a direct route, emergency care in a foreign country if you’re in the U.S. when the emergency occurs, and medically necessary services received on a cruise ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S. |
| Q: What additional coverage options are available for healthcare services received abroad? |
| A: Additional coverage options include travel insurance, medical tourism insurance, and expatriate health insurance. |