Does Medicare Cover Me When Traveling Abroad? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use my Medicare in another country? ›

Medicare usually does not cover medical care you receive when traveling outside the U.S. and its territories.

Medicare generally does not cover health services outside the United States. If you move outside the United States: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), is available to you if you return.

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Purchasing health insurance for traveling abroad is a simple way to save money in an emergency, and anyone can benefit from the coverage. If you're traveling to a country in which your health insurance provider doesn't provide coverage, buying travel medical insurance is a must.

According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. While this may seem like a wide price range, it's important to understand that travel insurance is not a “one price fits all” purchase.

Medicare does not pay for medical services you receive outside the United States. Medigap policies C through J have a foreign travel benefit for medically necessary emergency care that would have been covered by Medicare in the United States. This benefit is for short-term travel outside the United States.

Your Compass Rose Medicare Advantage Plan covers care even when you're traveling outside the United States just as if you were in the United States. UnitedHealthcare will reimburse you for any covered services or prescriptions you may need while traveling minus any copays that may apply.

Find out where the nearest local hospital or medical clinic is; checking on Google or with a hotel concierge are likely the quickest ways. You could also contact your local embassy or local tourist board for advice as a last resort if you still can't find anything.

Should I carry my medicare card when traveling internationally? ›

Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information. Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad.

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.

In case of an injury or sickness in Europe, Americans on vacation can contact Medical Air Service for an air ambulance to get back home in the US.

If you require emergency treatment at a foreign hospital, make sure to bring your passport and your health insurance information with you. Otherwise, you might not be admitted. Make sure you read the fine print and understand what kind of an emergency would be included or excluded from your plan.

There is no time limit on how long a person can live outside the country and receive benefits. Foreign citizens with a U.S. work history may also qualify for Social Security benefits under certain agreements. Social Security payments can be deposited directly into a foreign bank account.

Original Medicare

Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.

To be eligible for any Medicare benefits, these individuals must 1) be lawful permanent residents (LPR, holding a green card) and 2) have five years of continuous residence in the United States immediately prior to Medicare enrollment.

The US government strongly recommends that all Americans carry private health care insurance when traveling or living overseas. They also warn that their national coverage will not protect them in other countries.