Does Medicare cover me when I travel?

Do you enjoy traveling to visit family and friends or to explore new places? We often speak with clients who want to know whether they will have coverage while traveling, especially in the case of an unforeseen emergency. It’s important to know what your Medicare plan covers just in case. If you’ve ever wondered, “does Medicare cover me when I travel?” our team is here to offer clarity.

Domestic Travel

The good news is that for those with Original Medicare, medical services and supplies are covered when traveling in the U.S., which includes:

• Puerto Rico
• The U.S. Virgin Islands
• Guam
• American Samoa
• The Northern Mariana Islands

Although Medicare plans vary, they cover emergency and urgent care in the same way. Whether you use a Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare as your primary insurance, you are entitled to urgent care or emergency care anywhere in the United States. This type of care will always be considered “in-network” for you.

If you require follow-up care to an emergency or urgent care visit while traveling, your options are based on your plan. If you’re out of your plan’s service area and your doctor certifies that you’re unable to travel, your plan may continue to cover your care. However, if you are not in your plan’s network, then you’re responsible for traveling back to your plan’s service area to receive care if your doctor confirms you’re physically able to travel.

International Travel

When it comes to travel outside of the U.S., in most cases, Medicare will not cover any health supplies or services you receive.

Some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans offer nationwide emergency coverage.

Before traveling, we recommend scheduling a call to review your Medicare plan so you know what it covers. Based on your situation, it might make sense for you to consider options for a travel policy.

Local Help with Medicare

If you’re a RetireMed client and have questions about your Medicare coverage as it relates to travel, schedule a call with a client advisor.

If you have questions about Medicare or individual health insurance plans, we offer local help at no cost to you. Schedule a call with an advisor to get started!