Medicare Advantage plans typically do not cover medical care outside the United States, with rare exceptions for emergency situations in border areas or on cruise ships near U.S. ports.
Most Medicare Advantage plans work only within the United States. If you need a doctor, hospital, or prescription filled while traveling internationally, you will pay out of pocket — and medical costs abroad can be very high. A few plans offer limited emergency coverage for sudden, life-threatening situations, but this is not the same as routine care coverage, and the coverage area is usually small.
Before you book international travel, you need to know exactly what your plan covers and what it does not. The answer depends on your specific plan, where you are going, and what kind of care you need. This guide explains how Medicare Advantage travel coverage works and what to do if you are planning to leave the country.
Key Takeaways
- Most Medicare Advantage plans cover medical care only within the United States, and you will pay the full cost of any care received abroad.
- A small number of plans offer emergency-only coverage for sudden, life-threatening situations in specific border areas or on certain cruise ships.
- You must contact your plan directly before traveling to learn what coverage, if any, applies to your destination.
- Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies abroad is widely available and often costs less than a single emergency room visit in another country.
- If you are considering moving abroad permanently, you may need to switch to Original Medicare, because Medicare Advantage plans require U.S. residency.
How Medicare Advantage Coverage Works Across Borders
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all the same services that Original Medicare covers, but only within the United States. The plan's network of doctors and hospitals is built for the U.S. market. When you travel abroad, you are outside that network entirely, and your plan has no obligation to pay.
Some plans do offer limited emergency coverage for situations where you cannot safely return to the United States for treatment. This might cover a heart attack, serious injury, or sudden severe illness that requires when ready hospital care. Even then, the coverage is usually capped at a low dollar amount — often $250 to $500 for the entire trip — and only applies in specific geographic areas.
The key word is emergency. Routine care, prescription refills, dental work, vision care, and planned procedures are not covered abroad, even if your plan covers them at home. If you need a medication refilled while traveling, you will need to pay a pharmacy directly or arrange for your U.S. pharmacy to mail it to you.
Which Plans Offer Any International Coverage
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer international coverage, and those that do usually limit it sharply. Plans that do offer it typically cover emergency care only in one or more of these situations:
- Emergency hospital care in Mexico or Canada when you are traveling within a certain distance of the U.S. border.
- Emergency care on a cruise ship or in a port when the ship is traveling from a U.S. port.
- Emergency care in a handful of other countries, depending on the plan.
Even when a plan offers this coverage, the amount is small — often $250 to $500 total per trip — and you usually have to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement after you return home. You cannot call ahead and have the plan arrange care the way you would in the United States.
To find out whether your plan covers anything abroad, call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card. Ask specifically: "Does my plan cover emergency medical care outside the United States, and if so, in which countries or areas?" Write down the answer and ask for it in writing if the plan offers that option.
Travel Insurance as an Alternative
Because Medicare Advantage plans do not reliably cover international medical care, many travelers purchase travel insurance that includes medical emergency coverage. This is a separate policy from your Medicare plan and covers medical costs abroad for the length of your trip.
Travel insurance with medical coverage is available from many companies — some specialize in travel, others are divisions of major insurers. A policy for a two-week trip typically costs $50 to $200, depending on your age and the coverage limits you choose. This is often far less than a single emergency room visit in another country, which can easily cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
When you buy travel insurance, read the fine print carefully. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions, some have age limits, and some do not cover certain countries. Make sure the policy covers the specific countries you plan to visit and the types of care you might need. Keep a copy of your policy and the emergency contact number with you while traveling.
What to Do Before You Travel
If you are planning an international trip, take these steps before you leave:
- Call your Medicare Advantage plan and ask what coverage, if any, applies to your destination. Get the answer in writing if possible.
- Ask for a list of any partner hospitals or clinics in the countries you are visiting. Some plans have relationships with providers abroad, even if coverage is limited.
- Request a summary of benefits document that covers international travel. This is the official plan document that spells out what is and is not covered.
- Get copies of your prescriptions from your doctor before you leave, including the generic drug names. This helps you refill medications abroad if needed.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Compare a few options and choose one that covers your destination and your needs.
- Make a list of your medications, allergies, and medical conditions and carry it with you. If you need emergency care, this information helps doctors treat you quickly.
Medicare Advantage and Permanent Relocation Abroad
If you are thinking about moving abroad permanently rather than taking a short trip, Medicare Advantage plans are not an option. Medicare Advantage plans require you to live in the United States, and your plan will end if you move abroad for more than a certain period — usually 12 months or longer, depending on the plan.
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living abroad, you can keep Original Medicare, but it generally does not cover care outside the United States either. Some people who move abroad choose to disenroll from Medicare entirely and purchase private health insurance in their new country. Others maintain Original Medicare for trips back to the United States and buy local insurance where they live.
If you are considering a permanent move abroad, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your options. The rules are complex and depend on your citizenship status, how long you plan to be away, and where you are moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover an emergency in Mexico or Canada?
Some plans offer limited emergency coverage in Mexico and Canada, usually within a certain distance of the U.S. border. You must contact your plan before traveling to find out whether yours does. If it does, the coverage is typically capped at $250 to $500 and requires you to pay upfront and file a claim later.
What happens if I need a prescription refilled while traveling abroad?
Your Medicare Advantage plan will not cover a prescription filled at a pharmacy outside the United States. You can try to have your U.S. pharmacy mail the medication to you, contact your doctor for a new prescription to fill locally, or purchase the medication at a local pharmacy and pay out of pocket. Before you travel, ask your doctor for a written prescription you can carry with you.
Can I use my Medicare card at a hospital in another country?
No. Your Medicare card is not recognized outside the United States. If you need emergency care abroad, you will pay the hospital directly and then file a claim with your Medicare Advantage plan after you return home — if your plan covers that situation at all. This is why travel insurance is important.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Some travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, while others cover them if you purchase the policy within a certain number of days of your first trip payment. Read the policy details carefully before you buy. If you have chronic conditions, look for a policy that specifically covers pre-existing conditions or has a short waiting period.
What should I do if I get sick while traveling and my plan does not cover it?
Pay for the care out of pocket and keep all receipts and medical records. When you return to the United States, you can file a claim with your Medicare Advantage plan and see whether they will reimburse you. Even if your plan does not normally cover international care, some plans will consider reimbursement for true emergencies. Having travel insurance protects you from this uncertainty.