Updated March, 2025
Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand how Medicare works when you’re traveling—both within the U.S. and internationally. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Medicare Coverage When Traveling in the U.S.
- Medicare Coverage When Traveling Internationally
- Should You Get Travel Medical Insurance?
- Medicare and Prescription Drugs While Traveling
Medicare Coverage When Traveling in the U.S.
If you have Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you’re covered in all 50 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Any doctor who accepts Medicare can provide care.
However, if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, coverage is different:
- Emergency care is always covered across the U.S. and its territories.
- Routine or non-emergency care depends on your plan’s provider network and may be limited to specific service areas.
- You may face out-of-pocket costs if you seek care outside your plan’s network.
Medicare Coverage When Traveling Internationally
Medicare may provide limited coverage outside the U.S. in these emergency situations:
- You have a medical emergency and need hospital care immediately.
- You’re in Canada on a direct route to Alaska and have a medical emergency.
- You’re on a cruise ship within six hours of a U.S. port when an emergency occurs.
In these cases, Medicare Part A will cover inpatient hospital care, and Part B will cover related services before you’re admitted, such as emergency room or ambulance.
Medicare does not cover routine doctor visits, prescription drugs, or non-emergency procedures outside the U.S. That means if you need a check-up, a minor procedure, or a prescription refill while traveling, you’ll pay out of pocket.
Should You Get Travel Medical Insurance?
Since Medicare has limited international coverage, travel insurance can help fill the gaps. Many travel medical insurance plans cover:
- Emergency hospital visits
- Doctor visits abroad
- Medical evacuation back to the U.S.
- Prescription drug coverage
Recommended Travel Insurance Providers
Here are some well-reviewed travel insurance providers that offer medical coverage for Medicare beneficiaries:
- Allianz Travel Insurance: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/medical/medical-travel-insurance-benefits.htm
- GeoBlue (Blue Cross Blue Shield): https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/product_overview.cfm
- Seven Corners Travel Medical Insurance: https://www.sevencorners.com/travel-medical-insurance/liaison-travel-medical#/quote
When comparing plans, focus on services NOT covered by Medicare, such as outpatient care and prescription drugs.
Medicare and Prescription Drugs While Traveling
One critical thing to remember: Medicare does NOT cover prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S.
For example, if you’re in France and forget your lisinopril (blood pressure medication), you’ll need to pay for it out of pocket. To avoid this, always:
- Bring enough medication to last your trip and, if possible, a little extra in case of unexpected delays.
- Check TSA and customs regulations for traveling with prescriptions.
- Ask your doctor about a backup plan in case of lost medication.
Understanding how Medicare works while traveling can help you avoid unexpected medical bills and ensure you’re prepared in case of an emergency. If you frequently travel internationally, investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy may be a wise choice.
By planning ahead, you can travel with confidence, knowing you have the right coverage wherever you go.
If you’re unsure about your specific Medicare plan’s travel coverage, consider contacting your provider or a Medicare specialist before your next trip.
