Does Medicare Cover You Abroad?
Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) offers very limited coverage outside the U.S. and its territories. Unless you meet very specific conditions, you will be responsible for the full cost of international care. Learn more about Medicare basics before you travel.
Medicare does cover care in U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Beyond these areas, coverage is rare and limited.
When Will Medicare Pay Overseas?
Medicare may cover you only in a few emergency situations, such as:
- When you’re in the U.S. but a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital.
- When traveling through Canada between Alaska and another state, if a Canadian hospital is the nearest available care.
- When you are on a ship within U.S. territorial waters (within 6 hours of a U.S. port) and need medically necessary care.
Even in these cases, Medicare pays only its share of approved costs. You are still responsible for coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles, and foreign hospitals are not required to file Medicare claims.
Medicare Advantage and Travel
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must offer at least the same international coverage as Original Medicare. Some plans may include additional benefits abroad, but this varies by insurer. Check your plan’s details before you travel.
Which Medigap Plans Cover Foreign Travel?
Six Medigap plans include a foreign travel emergency benefit:
Older plans no longer sold (E, H, I, J) also include this benefit if you are still enrolled.
How the Medigap Travel Benefit Works
- Covers emergency care if it begins within the first 60 days of your trip.
- You pay a $250 annual deductible, then the plan pays 80% of approved costs.
- You are responsible for the remaining 20%.
- There is a $50,000 lifetime maximum for foreign emergency coverage.
Compare Medigap Plans with Travel Coverage
Benefits offered by each Medigap plan
Compare the benefits of each lettered plan to help you find one that meets your needs now and in the future. You might not be able to switch Medigap policies later.
✔ = Plan covers 100% ✘ = Plan doesn’t cover % = Amount the plan covers
| Benefits | A | B | C | D | F | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part B copays/coinsurance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A hospice | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skilled nursing facility | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A deductible | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✔ |
| Part B deductible | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Part B excess charges | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✘ | ✘ | 80% | 80% | 80% | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | 80% | 80% |
| $7,220 | $3,610 | |||||||||
Next Steps
If you travel often, Medigap coverage for foreign emergencies can provide peace of mind. Explore your options on Compare Plans or check Compare Rates in your area. For personalized help, contact us to speak with a licensed agent about plans that include foreign travel emergency care.