TRAVELING WITH MEDICARE
- Ben Murray
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 19
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip? Whether you’re heading across state lines or overseas, it’s important to know how your Medicare coverage works when you’re away from home. Medicare plans have different rules when it comes to out-of-network care and international travel, so understanding your coverage ahead of time can help you avoid unexpected medical bills.
Let’s break down how Medicare works when traveling—and what steps you should take to stay covered.
Medicare and Domestic Travel: Staying Covered on the Road
If you're traveling within the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territories (such as the Virgin Islands or Guam), your coverage depends on the type of Medicare plan you have:
Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)
Doctors & Hospitals: You can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare—no network restrictions!
Specialists & Emergency Care: You don’t need referrals, and emergency services are covered just like they would be at home.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Network Rules Apply: Most Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO, PPO) have provider networks, meaning you may have to pay more (or all) of the cost if you go out of network.
Emergency & Urgent Care: All Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergency care anywhere in the U.S. at in-network rates, even if you're outside your plan’s service area.
Check with Your Plan: Some plans offer nationwide networks, but others may require you to return home for routine care.
International Travel: What Medicare Covers and What It Doesn’t
Original Medicare
Medicare generally does NOT cover medical care outside the U.S.
There are a few limited exceptions, such as if you need emergency care in Canada while traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state.
If you plan to travel abroad frequently, consider purchasing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan that includes foreign travel emergency coverage (Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N offer limited coverage).
Travel Insurance & Medical Coverage - Since Original Medicare’s international coverage is very limited, travel medical insurance can help fill the gaps. These plans provide coverage for medical emergencies, hospital stays, and even medical evacuation back to the U.S.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Some Medicare Advantage plans do offer worldwide emergency coverage—but not all.
If your plan includes foreign travel benefits, make sure to check how reimbursement works. You may need to pay for care upfront and file a claim for reimbursement later.
Handling Prescriptions When Traveling Within the U.S.
Medicare Part D & Medicare Advantage drug plans usually have preferred pharmacy networks. If you use a different pharmacy while traveling, you may pay a higher cost.
Some plans offer nationwide pharmacy networks—check with your insurer before leaving.
Handling Prescriptions Traveling Internationally
Medicare does not cover prescriptions outside the U.S.
Always bring enough medication for your entire trip—plus extra, in case of delays.
Some countries have strict drug importation laws—check before bringing medications across borders.
Travel Checklist: What to Pack
Before heading out on your trip, make sure you have:
✅ Medicare card and any insurance cards (Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap)
✅ List of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor (especially for controlled substances)
✅ Extra prescription medications & vitamins in case of delays
✅ Travel insurance information (if purchased)
✅ Your doctor’s contact information
✅ Emergency contact numbers
Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared & Informed
Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, and having the right Medicare plan can give you peace of mind while you’re on the road. Whether you’re taking a road trip across the country or flying overseas, knowing how your Medicare coverage works—and having a backup plan—ensures you’ll be able to get the care you need wherever you go.
Before your next trip, review your Medicare coverage, call your plan provider for details, and consider additional travel insurance if needed. Safe travels!
If you’d like me to help you or someone you care about figure out the best Medicare route, please reach out to me TODAY! -> CONTACT BEN <-
