If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you know that it covers limited healthcare services outside the United States. And while Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, can provide additional benefits, not all plans include coverage for international travel.
Why Do You Need Coverage for International Travel?
When traveling abroad, you may experience a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Without proper insurance coverage, you could be spending thousands of dollars out of pocket for medical bills, hospitalization, or even medical evacuation.
Which Medicare Supplement Plans Cover International Travel?
Standard Medicare Supplement plans do not offer coverage for care received outside the U.S. However, some Medigap plans include foreign travel emergency coverage. Specifically, Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide up to 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of your trip.
It is important to note that the foreign travel emergency coverage has a lifetime limit of $50,000, with a $250 deductible. Additionally, you will need to pay the remaining 20% of the costs out of pocket.
Do You Need Additional Coverage?
While Medicare Supplement plans can provide coverage for emergency medical care, they do not cover other travel-related expenses, such as trip cancellations, lost baggage, or travel delays. To ensure full protection, you may want to consider purchasing additional travel insurance.
How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plans for International Coverage?
When comparing Medicare Supplement plans, it is important to consider your travel needs. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. frequently, it may be worth investing in a plan that includes foreign travel emergency coverage. Additionally, review the plan’s premiums, deductibles, and other benefits to ensure it is a good match for your health and budget needs.
Question | Answer |
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What is foreign travel emergency coverage? | Foreign travel emergency coverage is a benefit that provides coverage for emergency medical care received outside the U.S. It is only available with specific Medicare Supplement plans. |
Which Medicare Supplement plans offer foreign travel emergency coverage? | Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide coverage for foreign travel emergencies. |
What is the lifetime limit for foreign travel emergencies? | The lifetime limit for foreign travel emergencies is $50,000. |
Do I need additional travel insurance if I have foreign travel emergency coverage? | Yes, foreign travel emergency coverage only provides coverage for emergency medical care. You will need additional travel insurance to cover other travel-related expenses. |
How do I compare Medicare Supplement plans for international coverage? | When comparing plans, review the benefits, premiums, deductibles, and other costs to ensure the plan is a good fit for your travel and health needs. |