Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover International Travel? Possibly..
Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans for International Travel
When planning for international travel, it's crucial to understand how your Medicare Advantage Plan can provide coverage. Unlike Original Medicare, which has limited coverage outside the United States, Medicare Advantage plans may offer a travel benefit that includes coverage for emergencies.
Before you travel outside the U.S., it's essential to check with your insurance plan to see what cover international travel options are available. This will help ensure you have the right Medicare coverage while traveling abroad.
What Does Original Medicare Cover?
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) generally does not cover international travel. If you need medical care in a foreign country, you'll likely have to pay out of pocket. However, there are a few exceptions where Original Medicare may cover emergency services within the first 60 days of your trip.
For comprehensive coverage while traveling, you might consider a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan that specifically offers travel benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plans and International Travel
A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, also known as Medigap, can offer additional coverage while traveling. Medigap plans typically cover 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of a trip outside the U.S.
This type of plan can be an excellent option if you frequently travel abroad and want peace of mind knowing you have medical coverage for a foreign hospital or foreign doctor. However, it's important to verify the specific benefits of your Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
Medicare Advantage Plans and International Travel Coverage
Many Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) offer some form of travel insurance for international travel. These plans may cover emergency services and urgent care in a foreign country. It's essential to review your plan's details to understand the extent of the coverage.
Some plans cover international travel comprehensively, while others may have limitations. Be sure to contact your Medicare Advantage provider to get specifics on what your plan covers when you travel outside the U.S. It is best to not assume your plans cover foreign travel.
How to Get Coverage for International Travel
If you're planning to travel abroad, you have several options to ensure you have adequate medical coverage:
Check with your Medicare Advantage Plan to understand its international travel benefits.
Consider purchasing additional travel health insurance or travel insurance policies that cover medical emergencies.
Look into Medicare Supplement Insurance plans that offer coverage for foreign travel emergency care.
Why Choose Senior Health OTG for Your Medicare Needs?
At Senior Health OTG, located in Punta Gorda, FL, we specialize in helping you find the right Medicare coverage for all your needs, including international travel. Our experienced insurance agent team can assist you in understanding your options and ensuring you have the right Medicare plan to cover your travels.
Contact us today at (941) 269-2269 to speak with our knowledgeable staff about your Medicare Advantage Plan and how it can provide coverage while you travel outside the U.S.
