Does Medicare Work While Traveling Abroad?
Many seniors travel internationally during retirement, but Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services received outside the United States.
Medicare coverage is limited to the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and certain U.S. territories. While there are rare exceptions, such as limited coverage in parts of Canada or Mexico based on proximity to a U.S. hospital, or medical care on a cruise ship within six hours of a U.S. port, these situations are uncommon.
In addition, most foreign hospitals do not file Medicare claims. Even if care qualifies under a rare exception, you may need to pay upfront and submit the claim yourself. Medicare also does not cover prescription drugs purchased abroad, dental emergencies, or prescription eyewear.
Some Medigap plans offer limited international coverage, but benefits vary and should be confirmed before you travel.
Because Medicare coverage overseas is very limited, seniors traveling abroad are strongly encouraged to consider a travel insurance plan designed for international medical care. These plans help cover expenses that domestic insurance typically does not.
Source: The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare
Find Coverage That Fits Your Plans
Whether you are traveling for a short stay or living abroad long-term, the right insurance helps protect your health and gives you access to care when you need it overseas.
Travel Medical Plans vs Medicare Overseas
Investing in a travel medical plan is the best way to ensure you are covered for the same medical expenses that Medicare would cover while you are at home.
Travel medical plans combine the benefits of trip cancellation insurance with additional health and medical coverage, making them an ideal international travel health insurance option.
Medical travel insurance is temporary and designed to cover you on shorter overseas vacations, typically ranging from 5 days to one year. In addition to trip cancellation coverage, travel health and medical insurance plans include:
- The ability to seek medical treatment from a hospital or doctor of your choice
- Maximum limits of $50,000 to $2 million
- 24/7 access to emergency assistance medical hotlines with medical experts
- Deductible options
- Universal Rx pharmacy discount savings
Recommended Travel Insurance Plans
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance covers you or a family member or travel companion should you suddenly become ill or accidentally injured and be unable to travel because of it.
Trip insurance will also cover you if your passport is stolen or a terrorist incident occurs in the area where you are located, and you need to evacuate.
Trip cancellation insurances protect you if you need to cancel your trip and want to get your costs back, including:
- Trip cancellation (up to $50,000)
- Travel delay (up to $1000)
- Lost baggage (up to $2000)
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Much more…
If you have invested in an expensive international trip and booked it far in advance, it makes sense to purchase an insurance policy that will cover you should you need to cancel.
Some plans even offer a “cancel for any reason” upgrade, which includes trip cancellation with medical coverage, protecting your vacation investment from medical expenses.
Safe Travels AnyReason
- Available to U.S. residents traveling within the United States and abroad
- 100% Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Coverage
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- 75% of Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is included within 7 days of trip deposit
Global Medical Insurance
If your retirement dream is to become a global nomad and you plan on living abroad for a year or more, you may want to invest in global (annual) medical insurance.
This high-quality health insurance plan will cover you should you need medical treatment while outside of your home country for an extended period.
Global medical plan benefits are similar to travel medical plans, but they also include emergency evacuation, repatriation, and the option to add dental and vision coverage.
International health insurance eligibility and cost are based on the policyholder’s age, medical history, and the area of coverage.
For example, some countries have more expensive medical care; therefore, your premium for coverage while traveling in those areas will be higher.
As with cost, all global medical health insurance plan providers will also discuss coverage exclusions, including acts of war or military actions.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Emergency travel medical evacuation plans cover you in areas that your standard international medical insurance plan may not. While most people will never use this plan, emergency evacuation coverage will cover you in the worst-case scenario, including:
- Emergency Travel Assistance Services
- Emergency Evacuation
- Emergency Reunion
- Return of Mortal Remains
An emergency medical evacuation plan can get you home during an emergency. Before investing in emergency evacuation insurance, ensure it is not already included in your travel medical plan. If it is not, determine how to add the coverage at a cost that suits you.
Adventure Travel Coverage
You may think you are well out of the age range for adventure travel, but insurance coverage for adventure sports is not just for bungee jumpers.
If you think you will partake in any of the following activities at any time while out of the country, then you may want to increase your travel medical insurance to include adventure sports coverage:
- Hot air ballooning
- Kayaking
- Horseback riding
- Golf
- Recreational downhill and cross-country skiing
International travelers of any age should be aware that their standard travel medical insurance plan typically does not cover activities they deem hazardous.
To ensure you are covered, consider an adventure sports plan that provides the coverage you need.
World Nomads Travel Insurance
- Coverage for 200+ adventure activities
- Generous benefits for lost and stolen bags and gear
- 100% Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Just because you are considered a senior citizen does not mean you require special insurance to travel abroad.
It simply means that you must be aware that Medicare overseas will not cover your medical expenses while traveling abroad, so it is crucial to educate yourself on quality travel insurance plans that will protect you during your travels.
Research, ask questions, and find the right insurance so you and your family back home can rest assured that you will be alright, even in a worst-case scenario.
Investing in the right travel medical insurance means you can enjoy your dream retirement lifestyle from anywhere in the world! So, what are you waiting for?
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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