06/27/2024
As your advisors in navigating the intricacies of Medicare, we want to ensure you're always well-informed about your coverage, especially if you're considering traveling outside of the U.S.
With a few exceptions, Medicare generally does not cover health care services when traveling outside of the U.S.
These exceptions include emergency services onboard a ship within U.S. territorial waters when the ship is within six hours of a U.S. port, and the doctor is legally allowed to provide medical services on a cruise ship.
And, under certain circumstances, medically necessary services in a foreign country are covered:
**If a medical emergency occurs in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital.
**If a medical emergency occurs while you are traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay between Alaska and another U.S. state, but a Canadian hospital is closer.
**If ambulance transportation is used to go to a foreign hospital, but only if it results in admission for covered inpatient hospital services.
In these rare instances, you would pay the same deductibles,
copayments, and coinsurance as you would within the U.S. Otherwise, you’re responsible for 100% of the costs. Keep in mind that foreign hospitals may not file Medicare claims, so you would need to submit an itemized bill to Medicare for covered services.
Here are some extra details to keep in mind:
U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and others are considered part of the U.S. for Medicare purposes.
Medicare drug plans do not cover medications purchased abroad.
Some Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) policies cover travel emergency care outside of the U.S.
Travel insurance can offer further coverage and should be considered, as it is separate from health insurance.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (903) 581-6885. We are here to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable summer travel experience.
