Understanding What Medicare Covers When Traveling
- Posted on: Jun 11 2025
As a Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering what kind of coverage you have when traveling, whether it’s across the country or overseas. Medicare is an essential part of many people’s health coverage, but it doesn’t always follow you wherever you go. Understanding what is and isn’t covered while traveling can help you avoid unexpected medical bills and ensure that you’re prepared for the unexpected when you’re on the road.
In this article, we’ll break down the key details about what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t when you’re traveling, both domestically and abroad.
Medicare Coverage When Traveling in the United States
If you’re traveling within the United States (including U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands), Medicare generally provides the same coverage that you would receive at home. Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered:
1. Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
Hospital Stays (Part A): If you require inpatient care while traveling, Medicare Part A generally covers your hospital stay as long as the hospital accepts Medicare. However, keep in mind that you will still be responsible for your deductibles and coinsurance.
Doctor Visits (Part B): If you need to see a doctor while traveling, Medicare Part B will cover medically necessary services, as long as the doctor accepts Medicare. This could include things like emergency care or outpatient services.
Ambulance Services: Medicare covers ambulance services if they are medically necessary. However, it may only cover the cost if the ambulance is considered the most appropriate form of transportation to a medical facility.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, your coverage may differ. Many Medicare Advantage plans include additional benefits, such as coverage for emergency services while traveling out-of-network.
Emergency Services: Most Medicare Advantage plans will cover emergency services anywhere in the U.S., even if the provider is out of network. However, coverage might not extend to routine or elective care.
Urgent Care: Some Medicare Advantage plans will cover urgent care outside your plan’s network, even if you’re traveling.
Travel Benefits: Some plans may offer travel benefits, including coverage for overseas medical care. Be sure to check with your plan for specific details.
What Medicare Doesn’t Cover When Traveling in the U.S.
While Medicare does provide significant coverage when traveling domestically, there are some things it doesn’t cover:
Non-Emergency Services: Medicare won’t cover non-emergency services or elective procedures outside your home area unless you have a Medicare Advantage plan with out-of-network coverage.
Prescription Drugs (Part D): Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs when traveling. If you have a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, your coverage will be limited to pharmacies that participate in the plan’s network. If you’re traveling, it may be worth looking into whether your plan offers coverage at out-of-network pharmacies.
Routine Services: Medicare doesn’t cover routine health services like preventive care (such as annual check-ups) while you’re traveling out of state.
Out-of-Network Providers: If you are traveling with Original Medicare and you see a provider who does not accept Medicare, you will likely have to pay the full cost of care out of pocket.
Medicare Coverage When Traveling Abroad
When you travel outside the United States, Original Medicare provides very limited coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Limited Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage
Original Medicare covers emergency care outside the U.S., but only under specific circumstances. The emergency must be life-threatening, and it must occur while you are traveling in a foreign country.
Eligibility: You must be traveling to a foreign country that is not U.S. territory.
Coverage: Medicare will cover the emergency medical services (hospitalization, ambulance services, etc.) in the foreign country, but only if:
You’re within 6 hours of the U.S. border.
No other medical care is available within a reasonable distance.
You are traveling through Canada to get to or from Alaska.
However, this coverage is limited to certain conditions, and you must pay a 20% coinsurance after meeting the deductible.
2. No Routine Care Abroad
Medicare does not cover routine care, such as preventive exams, regular doctor visits, or elective surgeries, when traveling abroad. If you need to seek out routine or non-emergency care while overseas, you will need to pay the full cost out of pocket.
3. Supplemental Coverage for International Travel
Because Medicare coverage is limited overseas, many beneficiaries purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap) or a travel insurance plan that provides additional coverage when traveling abroad. Here’s a quick look at both options:
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: Some Medigap plans, such as Plan C or Plan F, may cover foreign emergency health care. Medigap’s foreign travel emergency benefit typically covers 80% of medically necessary emergency care after a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
Travel Insurance: For international trips, travel insurance can be a great option to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for emergency health care abroad, including repatriation costs (the cost of returning you to the U.S. for further treatment).
How to Prepare for Travel and Medicare
To ensure that you’re fully covered when traveling, whether within the U.S. or internationally, there are a few things you can do:
Check with Your Medicare Plan: Contact Medicare or your private insurer to understand your specific coverage when traveling. This will help you avoid surprises and make sure you’re properly covered for any health emergencies.
Consider Travel Insurance: If you’re planning to travel internationally, consider purchasing travel insurance with health coverage. This can help cover gaps in Medicare’s foreign travel coverage.
Bring Your Medicare Card: Always carry your Medicare card when traveling, as well as any necessary identification or insurance cards. You’ll need them in case of an emergency.
Know Where to Seek Care: Familiarize yourself with local hospitals and healthcare providers at your travel destination, especially if you’re traveling abroad. Understanding your options in advance can save time in an emergency.
Conclusion
While Medicare provides essential coverage for emergencies and medical needs while traveling within the U.S., its benefits are more limited when you travel abroad. Always do your research and make sure you’re prepared for unexpected medical events by understanding what Medicare covers and what you may need to supplement with additional insurance or travel health coverage.
By being proactive and informed, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of a medical emergency, whether at home or abroad.
—–
If you would like to get regular checkups, or questions about primary medical care in San Pedro or your health in general, feel free to speak with our doctors at Prime Medical, the best primary care clinic in San Pedro with your most frequently needed services all on-site. Call (310) 548-0201.
Tagged with: health coverage, medicare
Posted in: Health, Men's Health, Senior Living, Womens Health