Medicare and Travel Insurance: Why You Need Travel Medical Coverage When Going Abroad.

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary planning an international trip, you might assume your healthcare coverage travels with you—but that’s not always the case. Original Medicare typically does not cover medical expenses outside the U.S., leaving travelers vulnerable to high healthcare costs in foreign countries. That’s where Travel Medicare Coverage comes in.

For Medicare beneficiaries planning international travel or relocation, it’s vital to understand what Medicare does—and doesn’t—cover, so you can avoid getting stuck with surprise medical bills, or being stuck in an emergency with no financial support. This guide walks you through important things you need to know.

1. Medicare’s Limited Coverage Abroad

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does not cover medical care received outside the U.S. (including most of Europe, Latin America, Asia, etc.). Coverage only applies in rare emergency circumstances:

• You’re inside the U.S., and a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. hospital during a medical emergency.
• You’re traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state via Canada, following a direct route, and a Canadian hospital is the nearest.
• A foreign hospital is closest to your U.S. residence in a non-emergency situation.
• You’re on a cruise ship within six hours of a U.S. port or in U.S. territorial waters .

Medicare Advantage plans must at least align with Original Medicare, but their coverage abroad is similarly limited, usually only providing emergency care—and often only in those same rare circumstances

2. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) May Offer Some Coverage

• Certain Medigap plans—specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N—offer foreign travel emergency coverage, paying 80% of medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S., after a $250 annual deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
• This can be useful for short-term travel, but it does not cover routine or long-term healthcare while abroad.
• This benefit is accessed through a reimbursement model, where you’ll need to submit receipts and documentation to Medicare for reimbursement.

3. Why Travel Medical Insurance or Expat Health Insurance Matters

Travel medical insurance is designed for short stays and emergencies—like sudden illness or injury. It often includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation, which Medicare typically doesn’t cover.

Expatriate or international medical insurance, ideal for long-term relocations, offers:

• Routine doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription coverage
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Optional dental, vision, mental wellness, and prescription benefits
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions in some cases

Popular providers offer globally portable plans—Cigna Global being one of the most frequently mentioned for retirees, allowing enrollment at any age with flexible, customizable coverage.

4. Overview: Medicare vs. International Coverage Options

Coverage Type	Abroad Coverage	Key Benefits	Typical Limits
Original Medicare (A & B)	Extremely limited	Part B/ambulance/hospital in rare emergency cases	Most international care is excluded
Medicare Advantage	Limited, some emergency benefits	Similar to Original Medicare + some extra perks	Restricted to plan areas; rarely global
Medigap (C, D, F, G, M, N)	Emergency only	80% of costs after $250 deductible; $50K limit	No routine or long-term care
Travel Medical Insurance	Short-term trip emergencies	Emergency care + evacuation	No routine care; may exclude pre-existing conditions
Expat International Health Plan	Comprehensive global coverage	Full services, optional add-ons, evacuation	Cost varies; underwriting and exclusions apply

5. Tips for Planning Medicare and Global Coverage

• Enroll in Medicare (Part A & B) when first eligible, unless you qualify for an SEP—this helps avoid penalties if you return to the U.S.
• Maintain Part D or equivalent prescription coverage to avoid drug plan penalties.
• Buy the right international health insurance—depending on trip duration:
  • Short visits: Travel medical insurance for emergencies.
  • Long-term stays or relocation: Expatriate plans with comprehensive regional or global coverage.
• Look for plans offering evacuation/repatriation, pre-existing condition coverage, access to care in your home country if needed, and portable membership.
• Consult with expert brokers or agents familiar with both Medicare and international insurance to tailor your plan.

Don’t let unexpected medical expenses ruin your dream vacation. Thoughtful planning now can help you avoid insurance surprises later—giving you the freedom to explore the world with peace of mind. Learn how to safeguard your health and finances while traveling abroad!