Medicare and Travel Coverage

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover international health care you receive outside the United States.

However, health care is covered in some U.S. territories — including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands — if doctors or health care providers in these areas accept Original Medicare.

If you travel outside these territories, the 50 states or the District of Columbia, you are usually responsible for 100 percent of any health care costs.

However, there are a few exceptions to the rule.

It’s important to note that even under these rare exceptions, you are still responsible for a 20 percent coinsurance payment for any services you receive. Your Medicare Part B deductible also applies.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover the same limited foreign emergency care expenses as Original Medicare.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage as well. Certain rules and restrictions may apply.

For example, your Medicare Advantage plan may require you to pay your expenses upfront and get reimbursed by the insurance company later. Other plans might cap overseas travel benefits.

It’s important to check the details of your specific plan for more information. Make sure to contact your plan provider to ask about costs and coverage rules.

Because Medicare’s international coverage is so limited, you may want to consider buying a travel insurance policy if you frequently visit other countries.

Travel medical insurance can be used in conjunction with any Medicare plan or Medigap policy.

Travel insurance doesn’t always include health coverage, so make sure to carefully review conditions and restrictions.

If you are a frequent international traveler, purchasing a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policy can help absorb some overseas health care costs.

Medigap plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M and N pay 80 percent of the billed charges for emergency care outside the U.S.

It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement plans are only used with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage enrollees can’t sign up for a Medigap plan.

Make sure to check with your Medigap provider to learn more about health care coverage while traveling.

Original Medicare only covers international health care costs under a few uncommon circumstances.

However, if you receive Medicare-covered services under these exceptions, you will need to fill out some paperwork.

Because foreign hospitals are not required to file Medicare claims, you may be required to submit an itemized bill to Medicare for any foreign health care services you receive.

If you receive Medicare-covered services on a cruise ship, the doctor will file a claim on your behalf.

For more information on where to send a foreign claim, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and print the Patient’s Request for Medical Payment form (CMS 1490S).

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).