Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to ensure that you have the necessary healthcare coverage, especially when you rely on Medicare. Many individuals are unsure about their Medicare coverage when they travel outside the United States. Fortunately, Medicare Sharks, your premier independent Medicare agent located in South Florida, can help! We will explore the key factors to consider so that you can determine if you're covered outside the U.S. Learn more below or contact us for personalized assistance!
How To Know If You're Covered Outside The U.S. When You Travel
Understanding Original Medicare Coverage
Original Medicare typically does not provide coverage for healthcare services received outside the United States. This means that if you have only Original Medicare, you may have limited or no coverage while traveling internationally. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as receiving emergency medical care under certain circumstances.
Exploring Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, offer an alternative option to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and often provide additional benefits, including coverage for medical services received outside the United States. It's essential to review the specific details of your Medicare Advantage plan to determine if it offers coverage for international travel.
Plans generally do not offer coverage for medical care outside of the United States. However, there are some plans that may provide a supplemental benefit for emergency and urgently needed services during international travel.
Considering Medigap Policies
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement, policies are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. While they typically offer additional benefits within the United States, Medigap covers 80% of Medicare's out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary emergency care received in a foreign country, up to a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000. There is a $250 deductible per calendar year.
Researching Travel Insurance
To ensure sufficient coverage when traveling abroad, it's advisable to consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Travel insurance plans can help cover medical expenses incurred outside the United States, including emergency medical care, hospital stays, and evacuation services. Be sure to review the policy details, including coverage limits and exclusions, before making a purchase.
When traveling internationally, it's important to understand your Medicare coverage and any applicable limitations. As a licensed Medicare broker, Medicare Sharks can help you with these challenges by providing valuable insight into the complexities of your Medicare coverage. Because we are Medicare specialists, we can also help you find the right plan or additional coverage options that suit your specific needs. Contact us to learn more!
