Sarah Pardi - August 5, 2025
Home > Travel Safety & Health > Does Medicare Cover Foreign Emergencies? Know Before You Go
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As more Americans travel abroad, understanding health insurance coverage overseas is essential. One common question is whether or not Medicare offers coverage for medical emergencies outside the US.
In this guide, we’ll dive into Medicare’s foreign emergency coverage policies, what’s included, what’s not, and alternative options to keep you protected when you need it most.
In general, Medicare does not cover Americans while overseas. However, there are a few specific exceptions.
Even still, coverage for these exceptions isn't guaranteed, and there may be additional exclusions or criteria. You should always refer to the terms and conditions of your policy, especially before traveling abroad.
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If you have Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), your policy may offer coverage for specific situations outside of the US.
Medigap plans (lettered C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N) may provide emergency medical coverage with a lifetime limit of $50,000. Additionally:
This information is from medicare.gov. Always review the terms and conditions of your policy before traveling.
No, Medicare does not cover prescription drugs in foreign countries.
Travel insurance can fill gaps in coverage, offering benefits like emergency medical coverage including evacuation and hospitalization. Policies can be purchased as annual or single-trip plans depending on travel frequency.
It's important to understand that travel medical insurance is not the same thing as health care. Travel medical insurance only covers emergency medical costs, and won't cover routine treatments, appointments, or preventative care.
There are many options for Medicare beneficiaries seeking supplemental foreign coverage. Insurte offers a variety of policies providing emergency medical coverage. Some include COVID-19, as well as support for additional scenarios like legal assistance or lost luggage.
Always read the terms and conditions of each policy before you make your purchasing decision.
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