How Does Medicare Travel with You?
Travel beckons with the promise of adventure! But before you hit the road, understand how your Medicare coverage stacks up for travel.
Understanding Your Medicare Plan:
The key to navigating travel coverage lies in knowing your Medicare plan type:
- Original Medicare: Traditional Medicare coverage provided by the government.
- Medicare Advantage Plan: Private insurance plans approved by Medicare.
Original Medicare Coverage While Traveling:
Within the U.S. (including territories), Original Medicare offers some peace of mind:
- Emergency Care: Covered wherever you are.
- Non-emergency Care: Ensure the doctor accepts Medicare.
- Durable Medical Equipment: Only use approved suppliers (find them at www.Medicare.gov/supplier).
Important Limitations:
- Outside the U.S.: Coverage is very limited.
- Prescription Drugs: Cannot be covered if purchased outside the U.S.
- Dialysis: Only covered as part of an emergency hospitalization.
- Hospital Claims: Foreign hospitals may not automatically submit claims to Medicare.
Original Medicare with Medigap Supplement:
Medigap plans offer additional coverage on top of Original Medicare. However, they come at a cost:
- Medigap Plan F: Most comprehensive for worldwide coverage (copays, deductibles, extra hospital days, foreign emergencies).
- Plans C, D, G, M, and N: Also offer some foreign travel emergency coverage.
- Rare Travel?: Consider travel insurance for specific trips instead of a monthly Medigap supplement.
Travel with Medigap:
- Within the U.S.: Any Medigap plan can be helpful for emergencies.
- Benefits Nationwide: All Medigap plans are valid across the U.S. Carry both Medicare and Medigap cards.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Travel:
- Coverage: Varies significantly between plans. Always check your plan documents or call directly for details.
- Emergency Services: May be covered, but network participation matters. Out-of-network care might incur costs.
- Contacting Your Plan: Crucial; inform them within 24-48 hours of an emergency room visit.
- Using Your Medicare Advantage Card: Show this card to providers, not your regular Medicare card, for proper billing.
Checking Coverage Outside the U.S.:
For details on international coverage:
- Download “Medicare Coverage Outside the United States” from the CMS website.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Additional Resources:
- Medicare Advantage plan documents or call your plan directly.
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department (for Medigap information): 1-877-881-6388
Remember: Planning for travel with Medicare ensures a smooth and worry-free adventure. This guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate travel coverage and make informed decisions.
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva
