Does medicare cover you when you are overseas

For many retirees, the allure of traveling or living abroad once they retire is a dream come true. However, aside from all the other logistics to consider, such as finances and location, healthcare coverage overseas can be a whole other headache and task to tackle, especially for those reliant on Medicare in the United States.

Understanding whether Medicare provides coverage outside the country is crucial when planning international adventures. Let’s get into the intricacies of Medicare coverage abroad, exploring what is covered, what is not covered, and how retirees can ensure they have adequate healthcare coverage while traveling or residing overseas. Additionally, you can find more information about this topic at https://boomerbenefits.com/foreign-travel-for-people-on-medicare/.

However, there are a few exceptions, such as if you are on a cruise ship in U.S. territorial waters or require emergency care on the way to the U.S., with the closest treatment facility ending up being in another country, like Canada.

Emergency care
As stated before, in certain limited circumstances, Medicare may cover emergency medical services received abroad.

An emergency is a sudden, unexpected medical condition requiring immediate medical attention to prevent death or severe harm to your health. If you experience a medical emergency while traveling abroad, Medicare may cover the costs of emergency room visits, ambulance services, and inpatient hospital stays, but the criteria to have Medicare cover this is small and limited.

Coverage limitations
While Medicare may cover emergency care received overseas in particular situations, it’s important to remember that coverage does extend to non-emergency medical services, routine care, or preventive services.

Medigap plans and international coverage
Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans offer international coverage for emergency care received abroad.

If you have a Medigap plan G, C, D, F, M, or N, your plan will pay up to 80% of your medical emergency costs after you meet a $250 deductible. This foreign travel coverage also comes with a lifetime benefit limit of $50,000, and it will only pay for an emergency during the first 60 days you are outside the country.

Medicare advantage plans with global coverage
In recent years, many Medicare Advantage plans have begun offering global coverage options for beneficiaries who travel frequently or reside abroad for extended periods. These plans may provide coverage for emergency medical services received outside the U.S., which can provide beneficiaries with greater flexibility and peace of mind when traveling.

Be sure to research your plan’s coverage details and any additional costs associated with international healthcare services, or contact the insurance carrier directly to verify what coverage you may have.

Another important thing to note is that since Advantage plans have network restrictions, meaning if you are outside of your plan’s service area for more than six months, there is a possibility that you will get dis-enrolled from your Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare part D
Part D prescription plans do not provide prescription medication coverage outside the United States. The prescription drugs purchased outside the country at an international pharmacy or provided by foreign healthcare providers will likely have to be paid 100% out of pocket, so just be prepared to deal with those costs. Travelers will also want to check their prescriptions and ensure they are fully stocked until they return.

Travel insurance
When traveling outside the country, many retirees purchase travel insurance to have added protections. Instead of relying on what limited or non-existent coverage they would have with their Medicare plan, beneficiaries opting for travel insurance policies will typically find a plan that offers coverage for a wide range of travel-related issues, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays.

Something else to remember is if you have Medigap foreign coverage and purchase a travel insurance policy, the travel insurance will likely pay as primary, but you will want to confirm how the two plans would coordinate before embarking on your trip.

When researching a travel insurance policy, carefully review the coverage terms, exclusions, and limitations to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences and coincides with your trip.

Conclusion
While Medicare coverage abroad is limited, there are steps you can take to ensure you have adequate healthcare protection while overseas. Retirees planning international travel or extended stays abroad should familiarize themselves with these restrictions in case of a medical emergency.

Remember to review your coverage options carefully before embarking on international adventures and be prepared to address any unexpected healthcare needs that may arise while abroad. Consult with a licensed insurance agent specializing in Medicare coverage for additional guidance and assistance.

You can explore supplemental insurance options such as travel insurance or weigh the risks of only having a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan with limited international health coverage. These proactive measures ensure you can travel with your mind at ease, knowing you have all the necessary healthcare protections in place.

The article Does medicare cover you when you are overseas first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.