Does Medicare Cover International Travel?

Did you know older travelers are twice as likely to have plans for international adventures as they are for domestic trips?  

According to a recent AARP survey of senior travelers, nearly 70% of adults 60–69 have a travel bucket list with international destinations that range from Italy and France to Latin America and the Caribbean. That brings us to the question: Does Medicare cover international travel emergencies?  

Medicare coverage applies to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the five permanent U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While there are certain situations in which Medicare will cover international travel emergencies, older travelers must consider the importance of supplemental travel insurance when vacationing abroad.  

Understanding Medicare Coverage Abroad

Before we can dive into the limitations of Medicare international travel coverage, it’s helpful to break down the different parts of Medicare that cover specific services for American seniors: Parts A, B, C, and D.  

●     Medicare Part A is Hospital Insurance. It covers inpatient hospital stays, treatment in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

●     Medicare Part B is Medical Insurance. It covers certain doctors’ services, medical supplies, and outpatient care.

●     Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage. It’s an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private insurance companies, like Humana or Aetna, with additional medical coverage.

●     Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage. It partially or fully covers the cost of prescription medications as well as shots and vaccines.  

Medicare Part A and Part B will cover international treatment if a medical emergency occurs in the U.S. or one of its territories, but the nearest hospital is across the border in Canada or Mexico. In specific instances, Medicare Part A and Part B will also cover inpatient hospitalization and emergency ambulance service abroad with the same deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance as services in the U.S.  

However, Medicare Part A and Part B coverage is limited: Medicare will not pay for ambulance or medical services in a foreign country after the initial covered hospital stay ends. So, if you require a second hospital visit, it will be paid out-of-pocket. Medicare Part C can offer additional coverage internationally (more on this below); however, Part D typically does not cover drugs purchased abroad.  

Situations Where Medicare Provides Limited Coverage

Does Medicare cover international travel? It depends. There are specific scenarios where coverage might be available. For example, Medicare will pay for medical costs for seniors on a cruise ship within territorial waters of the U.S. or six hours of a U.S. port. The same is true for travelers exploring Alaska. If a Canadian hospital is closest to the location of an emergency, Medicare will cover the costs of Canadian healthcare.  

So, how does Medicare Advantage handle international travel coverage? Private companies offer limited Part C Medicare Advantage travel coverage plans, which apply to international emergency care but vary by plan. Private supplemental policies, like MedigapPlans C, D, F, G, M, and N, can also cover up to 80% of the billed charges for international medical emergencies, with a lifetime limit of $50,000.  

Importance of Supplemental Travel Insurance

Given the limitations of Medicare international travel coverage, supplemental travel insurance becomes essential for those traveling abroad, particularly seniors. However, not just any travel insurance for seniors will do. Travel insurance with medical coverage is vital for receiving the proper care while abroad, from doctor visits and hospital stays to emergency medical evacuations.    

For protection against significant out-of-pocket expenses, you’ll require these supplemental coverages.  

Protection for International Medical Emergencies

Standard travel insurance policies are designed to protect prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses, such as transportation and accommodation costs. Travel insurance with medical coverage kicks these protections up several notches, providing supplemental protection for emergencies abroad. Protection for international emergencies shields travelers from out-of-pocket medical expenses from an illness or injury.  

Coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuations Abroad

There is a chance that travelers — especially senior travelers adventuring abroad — can become severely injured to the point of hospitalization. If the injury or illness is so severe that the traveler requires a flight to the nearest hospital, emergency medical evacuation insurance will cover the costs of transport. Without this type of supplemental travel insurance, travelers can find themselves facing tens of thousands in medical debt.  

Peace of Mind for Non-Medical Emergencies

Beyond international health insurance coverage, supplemental travel insurance can also protect senior travelers from other financial losses. For instance, in the event a trip is interrupted or canceled, travel insurance can help seniors recoup up to 100% of their prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Supplemental coverage like baggage insurance can also reimburse travelers whose belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged.  

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Plan

So, what should seniors consider when buying travel insurance? Seniors should be seeking comprehensive travel insurance plans that offer medical coverage for travelers, among other benefits, including:  

●     Emergency medical coverage that applies to overseas emergencies, such as sudden injuries or illness.

●     Emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover the costs of transporting a traveler to the nearest medical facility.

●     Trip delay and interruption coverage that protects a traveler’s prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses in the event of an emergency.

●     Trip cancellation coverage that reimburses up to 100% of trip costs should a traveler decide to cancel for a covered reason.

●     Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, including cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and joint issues that could interrupt an international trip.

●     24/7 assistance services, also known as concierge travel assistance, which can be crucial when managing emergencies abroad.  

Aegis Travel Insurance Plans for International Travelers

Does Medicare cover international travel? Not enough to truly protect your health — or your finances. Because Medicare overseas is limited, it’s vital for seniors and other groups desiring to travel out of the country to invest in comprehensive travel insurance plans. Here at Aegis, our travel insurance plans have been designed with senior travelers in mind, offering superior protection while abroad.  

If you plan to join the millions of seniors traveling internationally, learn more about Aegis travel insurance plans today.