Does Medicare Cover Foreign Emergencies? What You Need to Know Before Traveling Abroad

As more Americans travel abroad, understanding health insurance coverage overseas is essential. One common question is whether 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.

Medicare coverage abroad: what it covers and what it doesn't

In general, Medicare does not cover Americans while overseas. However, there are a few specific exceptions.

Exceptions for Medicare coverage outside the US

• Proximity: Medicare may cover emergency services if an emergency occurs while you are on US soil and a foreign hospital is closer than a US hospital for the treatment you require.
• Living near a border: If you live in the United States and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than a US one, Medicare may provide coverage.
• Traveling to Alaska: If you are traveling to Alaska and have to pass through Canada (without unreasonable delay), and are taking the most direct route to get to Alaska, Medicare may provide coverage for medical emergencies that occur, providing a Canadian hospital is closer than a US one for your needs.
• Cruise Ships: If you board a cruise ship and a medical emergency occurs at a US port, or no more than 6 hours away from a US port, Medicare may cover medically necessary health care services.
• If you have Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) (see more below)

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.

Traveling abroad with Medicare and Medigap

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:

• Coverage kicks in after a $250 deductible and Medigap plans may pay 80% of the billed charges for specific emergency medical care outside of the US, per your policy.
• This coverage is limited to the first 60 days of your international trip and if Medicare doesn't cover the care.

This information is from medicare.gov. Always review the terms and conditions of your policy before traveling.

Does Medicare cover prescriptions overseas?

No, Medicare does not cover prescription drugs in foreign countries.

Alternative options: travel insurance for medical emergencies

Why get travel insurance?

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.

What to look for in travel insurance

• Emergency medical care: Covers costs related to the care of qualifying medical emergencies while abroad (such as hospitalization and emergency surgery).
• Medical evacuation: Covers the cost of transport back to the US if deemed medically necessary.
• Repatriation of remains: While unpleasant to consider, in the event of death, it covers the cost of returning remains to the US.

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.

Final Takeaways

• Medicare does not offer coverage overseas, except in a few rare cases that they specifically detail.
• Medigap may offer emergency medical coverage abroad, with limitations.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.