Speak with an experienced Medigap advisor! The question comes up frequently of what coverage do I have when I am traveling with Medicare. The answer has a couple different parts to it.
Domestic Travel
Traveling domestically. If you are travelling domestically like I am doing right now as I write this, barreling down Interstate 90 through South Dakota. If you have original Medicare along with a Medicare Supplement and you become sick or have a fall you can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare, note they do not have to accept Medicare assignment. You would be responsible for the Part B excess charges if your Medigap plan didn’t cover them. Medicare considers domestic travel as all fifty states, USVI, Guam, Purerto Rico. They will also cover you in Canada if you are on your way to Alaska in the most direct route. Medicare will also cover a hospital in Canada if it is the closest hospital to you if your in the States when you need emergency care.
Can I use Medicare in another Country
Traveling internationally. Medicare stops at the 50 states, USVI, Purerto Rico, and Guam. If you are in a foreign country Medicare will not cover you, with the exception of those instances listed above. Saying that though, some Medigap plans do have foreign travel benefits. If you have one of these plans or want a plan that has this benefit, please give us a call. 352-508-4221 These plans typically offer travel benefits within the first 60 days of leaving the USA. There is a deductible and a maximum benefit that the carrier will pay.
Medigap and Travel
If you have Medigap Plan C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M or N, your plan:
Covers foreign travel emergency care if it begins during the first 60 days of your trip, and if Medicare doesn’t otherwise cover the care.
The plan pays 80% of the billed charges for certain medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S. after you meet a $250 deductible.
Emergency coverage while traveling in a foreign country with Medigap policies has a lifetime maximum limit of $50,000.
Does Medicare Cover Travel Expenses
Does Medicare Cover Travel Expenses? No Medicare doesn’t cover travel expenses.
Can you see a doctor in another state
Yes you can see a doctor in another state if you have original Medicare and a Medigap plan. This is especially great if you want to do any traveling, or if you want to be a snowbird. For all of our snowbird clients to have a Medigap plan versus a Medicare Advantage. Because with a Medigap plan you don’t have to stay within a network of doctors, but can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.
Travelers Medicare
We are asked frequently about Travelers Medicare. We usually determine that to be how does it work traveling with Medicare. As you read previously if you are traveling domestically with original Medicare and a Medigap, you are okay. But international travel might be tricky with just your Medicare coverage. We do recommend that those who are traveling with Medicare consult with us, to determine if it might be best to get a travel medical insurance policy on top of your Medigap coverage.
