Medicare and Foreign Travel

Q. Does Medicare plan cover foreign travel?

A. For retirees with Medicare plan and travel overseas, it should be noted that the Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans do not cover if you are outside the US.

If you want coverage, you need to consider a Medigap policy.  It's a supplemental insurance plan that's designed to cover gaps in coverage left by Medicare.  Unlike Medicare, Medigap is not a government-sponsored insurance program.  It’s sold through private insurance companies and you're responsible for purchasing the policy on your own.

What Medigap generally covers outside the US?
If you have Medigap Plan C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, or N, your plan:

• Covers foreign travel emergency care as long as it begins during the first 60 days of your trip and only if Medicare doesn't cover the care
• Pays 80% of the billed charges for certain medically necessary emergency care outside the US after you meet a $250 deductible for the year
• Limits lifetime foreign travel emergency coverage to $50,000

 For more information, visit the Medigap website.

6 questions to ask your health insurance company about foreign travel:

1. Are emergency expenses abroad covered?
2. Does coverage include returning to the United States for treatment if seriously ill?
3. Are pre-existing conditions covered?
4. Are pre-authorizations or second opinions required before emergency treatment can begin?
5. Does the company pay foreign hospitals and foreign doctors directly?
6. Does the company provide a 24-hour physician-backed support center?