Medicare Advantage for Travelers: Which Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Foreign Travel? (2024)

FAQs

Does Medicare Advantage plans cover international travel? ›

Key Takeaways. In four situations, Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will pay for Medicare-covered services internationally. Most Medicare Supplement Insurance plans provide coverage for emergency medical care while you're traveling abroad.

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.

What Medigap plans are available for emergency healthcare while traveling? Medigap plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N provide emergency healthcare coverage for people while traveling. Of those, the six standard Medigap policies with foreign-travel emergency healthcare coverage are C, D, F, G, M, and N.

If you are a Humana Medicare Advantage plan member, you can get international coverage for emergency medical care. This coverage is available for up to 90 days per trip, and it covers medically necessary services and supplies that are provided by a doctor or other health care provider.

If you have original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll be covered for emergency care while traveling anywhere in the U.S. Keep in mind that if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may not be covered for routine health care beyond your plan's service area. Outside the U.S., Medicare coverage is limited.

Healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered. Medicare may cover inpatient hospital costs, ambulance services or dialysis for the following circ*mstances: You are in the U.S. when emergency treatment is needed and the closest hospital is in a foreign country (e.g., Canada or Mexico).

Travel with less worry with SafeTrip from UnitedHealthcare Global. With SafeTrip travel protection plans from UnitedHealthcare Global, you can set off on your next adventure prepared and ready for what comes your way — whether that's medical, emergency or trip cancellation surprises.

In general, United States health insurance plans don't carry over to other countries. Once you leave the United States, you'll need additional protection so you can get medical care if needed while you're abroad. The best way to do that is to get a travel health insurance plan.

Plan G is also one of the Medigap plans that include foreign travel. With so many people on the move these days, this benefit is a priority for those who travel for work or leisure. Foreign travel emergency care is covered if it begins during the first 60 days of the excursion.

While there are no AARP travel insurance products or discounts available for seniors, members can use the AARP website for trips and tricks on how to plan for international travel and information regarding how to choose the right insurance plan for older travelers.

Why are Medicare Advantage plans bad? ›

Restrictive networks

Medicare Advantage plans, however, have provider networks. In some cases, you'll have a higher share of costs when you see an out-of-network doctor. In other cases, you're not covered at all if you go out of network.

The biggest difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is that with a Medigap plan, you have the freedom to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, whereas with Medicare Advantage, you must get care within the plan's network of doctors and hospitals unless it's an urgent or emergency situation.

The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S. Anywhere else is considered outside the U.S. Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.

Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas. Enroll with the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment ProgramExternal Link (STEP).

Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.

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).