If you are on Medicare and thinking about traveling outside the United States, what happens if you get sick or injured overseas? Below, this Supplemental insurance broker in Kouts, Indiana is going to explain some of the key things you should know before booking your flights.

What happens if you need medical care abroad with Original Medicare?

If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you should generally assume that it will not cover medical care when you are traveling outside the U.S. Medicare is set up for care inside the U.S. and its territories. So, when you use medical services outside the country, Medicare is not going to pay the bill.

There are only a few very rare exceptions to this rule. For example, Medicare can cover emergency care if you are traveling through Canada between Alaska and another U.S. state.

Another example is if you are near the border and the closest hospital that can treat your emergency happens to be in Canada or Mexico and it’s closer than the nearest U.S. hospital. But outside of these very specific situations, Medicare generally does not cover international care.

That is what makes Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage an important topic for travelers. Medigap plans fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. And depending on the Medigap plan you buy, you may get some limited coverage for emergencies while traveling outside the U.S.

Which Medigap plans include emergency coverage for foreign travel?

Foreign travel emergency coverage is included in Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M and N. If you are enrolled in one of these plans and if you have an emergency while you are outside the U.S., your Medigap plan can cover part of the cost.

But you should keep in mind that this benefit is somewhat limited. It usually only applies during the first 60 days of your trip. You may also have to pay a small deductible first (commonly around $250 per year) and then the plan generally pays 80% of eligible emergency expenses.

There is also a lifetime maximum benefit of around $50,000. All things considered, it’s good protection to have. But it is not the same thing as having full medical coverage anywhere in the world.

If you are not fully sure which Medigap plan you have or whether yours includes the foreign travel emergency benefit, you can always talk to an experienced supplemental insurance broker in Kouts, Indiana. They can confirm what plan you are currently enrolled in and what kind of foreign travel protection you have.

What will Medigap not cover when you are traveling outside the U.S.?

Even if your Medigap plan includes foreign travel emergency coverage, it is still limited to emergency care and only within that first 60-day window. You also have the deductible, your share of costs and that lifetime cap. So, depending on what happens, you could still have some hefty out-of-pocket costs to pay.

One of the biggest gaps is medical evacuation. If you needed an air ambulance or had to be flown back to the U.S. for treatment, that could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. And Medigap does not cover that cost in most cases.

That is why many Medicare travelers buy separate travel medical insurance even if they already have Medigap. A good travel insurance policy can include higher medical limits, evacuation and repatriation benefits, trip interruption coverage and more overall protection.

If you are planning a trip outside the U.S., it’s wise to speak with an experienced supplemental insurance broker in Kouts, Indiana first. They can help you decide if your Medigap plan matches the way you travel or if you should get separate travel medical coverage.

Looking for a Supplemental insurance broker in Kouts, Indiana?

Are you planning to travel outside the U.S? Want to discuss your situation with an experienced Supplemental insurance broker in Kouts, Indiana? If so, Senior Care Insurance Services (SCIS) is here to help. We can explain the benefits/limitations of your current plan and help you compare new plans if you are thinking about switching. Contact us today to get started.