What happens when you are traveling in another country, and you suddenly need emergency medical care? Original Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services outside of the US, and if you do not have additional coverage, you could have to pay for your foreign medical emergency out of your own pocket.

With that said, some Medicare Supplement (or “Medigap”) plans include foreign travel emergency coverage and can cover your unexpected medical expenses while you are in another country. Below, this Supplemental insurance agency in Wanatah, Indiana is going to explain how this coverage works so you know exactly what to expect if you ever need medical help in another country.

Which Medigap plans include emergency coverage abroad?

Not every Medigap plan includes emergency medical coverage outside the US. However, Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N do include this benefit and can help cover your medical bills if you have an emergency while traveling. These plans generally cover 80% of approved emergency medical costs after you first pay a $250 deductible, although the coverage applies only to medical expenses that happen within the first 60 days of your trip.

Something you should remember is that this benefit has a lifetime limit of $50,000. Once you reach this limit, your Medigap plan will no longer cover foreign travel emergencies, and you will have to pay for any future medical costs on your own. It is for this reason that you should review your policy details before traveling and consult an experienced Supplemental insurance agency in Wanatah, Indiana to check out your other options.

What is not covered by Medigap’s travel emergency insurance?

Medigap’s foreign travel emergency coverage is specifically meant to cover unexpected medical emergencies that happen when you are traveling abroad. It does not cover every type of medical expense. For example, routine doctor visits, elective surgeries, and long-term medical care in another country are generally not included. So, if you need regular medical treatments or check-ups while traveling, you will probably have to pay for those costs yourself.

The foreign travel emergency benefit itself only lasts for the first 60 days of your trip. If you are still traveling after those 60 days, your plan will not cover any new medical emergencies, even if they would have been covered earlier.

In short, if you plan to stay abroad for a long period, you may want to talk to an experienced Supplemental insurance agency in Wanatah, Indiana about your additional travel insurance options to ensure continuous coverage.

How can you prepare for medical emergencies before you leave the US?

Before you leave the US, you are going to want to be as prepared as possible by reviewing your health insurance coverage and making sure you have the protection you need.

First, check your Medigap policy to confirm if it includes foreign travel emergency coverage and understand the limits of your plan, like the 60-day rule and the $50,000 lifetime cap. Knowing the facts in advance will help you avoid unwanted surprises if you need medical care when traveling abroad.

Next, you should contact your insurance company to learn about how claims are processed when you are outside the country. Understanding the steps to take in case of a foreign medical emergency (for example, what kind of receipts and paperwork you need for reimbursement) can make the process much easier if you ever have to use your coverage.

Because Medigap’s foreign travel emergency coverage has limits, you might also want to consider supplemental travel insurance. Some travel insurance plans offer more comprehensive coverage, including benefits like medical evacuation and coverage for longer stays. Planning ahead can help protect you from unexpected medical costs and give you peace of mind while you travel the world.

Looking for a Supplemental Insurance Agency in Wanatah, Indiana?

Are you looking for an experienced Supplemental insurance agency in Wanatah, Indiana that can help you understand your Medigap options? If so, look no further than our agents at Senior Care Insurance Services. We are here to help you understand your options and find the best coverage for your healthcare needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our agents.