Medicare has limited coverage outside the United States, and the rules depend on where you are and what kind of care you need.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers emergency care in a few specific situations abroad, but it will not pay for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, or planned procedures outside U.S. borders. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and prescription drug plans (Part D) almost never cover care outside the country. If you travel internationally or move abroad, you will need to plan ahead — either by purchasing travel insurance, using a Medicare Advantage plan that covers some foreign care, or paying out of pocket.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare covers emergency care only in Canada, Mexico, and certain situations on ships or planes, and only if the emergency occurred while you were traveling to or from the United States.
  • Medicare Advantage plans vary widely; some offer limited coverage in Mexico and Canada, while others cover nothing abroad — you must check your plan documents.
  • Medicare prescription drug plans do not cover medications filled outside the United States, even in Canada where drugs are often cheaper.
  • Travel insurance and international health insurance are separate from Medicare and must be purchased before you leave the country.
  • If you move abroad permanently, you may lose Medicare coverage entirely unless you return to the U.S. for at least part of each year.

What Original Medicare Covers Abroad

Original Medicare will pay for emergency hospital care in Canada or Mexico if the emergency happens while you are traveling directly to or from the United States. The care must be emergency-level — meaning a sudden, serious medical condition that requires when ready treatment. Routine checkups, dental work, vision care, and non-urgent procedures do not may have access to.

Original Medicare also covers emergency care on a cruise ship if the ship is within six hours of a U.S. port, or on an airplane if the plane is headed to the United States. Once you land in a foreign country, coverage stops unless the emergency occurred during travel to or from the U.S.

You will pay the same copayments and deductibles as you would in the United States, and Medicare will reimburse the provider at Medicare rates — which may be lower than what the provider charges. You are responsible for any difference. Always carry your Medicare card and a copy of your policy details when traveling.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Foreign Coverage

Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies, and each plan sets its own rules about coverage abroad. Some plans offer limited coverage in Mexico and Canada; others cover nothing outside the U.S. You must read your specific plan's coverage document — called the "Evidence of Coverage" — to know what applies to you.

A few Medicare Advantage plans marketed to snowbirds or frequent travelers do offer broader coverage in Mexico and Canada, but these are the exception. Most plans cover emergency care only, and some cover nothing at all. If you travel regularly or plan to spend months abroad, ask your plan directly whether they cover care in the countries you visit, and get the answer in writing.

If you switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), you can choose a plan with better foreign coverage. However, you cannot switch plans mid-year unless you have a may have access to life event, such as moving out of your plan's service area.

Prescription Drug Coverage Abroad

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans do not cover medications filled at pharmacies outside the United States. This applies even to Canada, where many drugs cost significantly less than in the U.S. If you need regular medications while traveling or living abroad, you will need to pay out of pocket or arrange to have prescriptions filled before you leave.

Some people traveling for a few weeks ask their doctor for a larger supply before departure. For longer trips or moves abroad, you may need to research how to obtain medications legally in that country — rules vary widely. Some countries allow you to bring a personal supply from the U.S.; others do not.

Travel Insurance and International Health Plans

Travel insurance is a separate product from Medicare and is designed to cover medical emergencies while you are outside your home country. These policies typically cover emergency hospital care, emergency dental care, and medical evacuation. They do not cover routine care or pre-existing conditions unless you purchase a plan that specifically includes that coverage.

Travel insurance is usually affordable for short trips — often $5 to $15 per day — but becomes expensive for stays longer than a few months. If you are traveling for more than a few weeks, you may want to compare the cost of travel insurance against the cost of purchasing an international health plan in the country where you will be staying.

Some travel insurance policies exclude people over a certain age or those with pre-existing conditions. Read the policy details carefully before you buy, and purchase the insurance before you leave the United States — you cannot buy it after you have already traveled abroad.

Moving Abroad Permanently

If you move outside the United States and stay there for more than a few months, you may lose your Medicare coverage. Medicare is designed for U.S. residents, and if you are no longer living in the country, you may no longer be may have access to to benefits.

The rules depend on your citizenship and immigration status. U.S. citizens who move abroad can keep Medicare, but they will have no coverage outside the U.S. unless they purchase separate travel or international insurance. Permanent residents (green card holders) who move abroad typically lose Medicare may be able to access.

If you think you might move abroad, talk to Medicare before you go. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your specific situation. Some people maintain U.S. residency by returning for part of each year, which allows them to keep Medicare while spending most of the year abroad.

Planning Your Trip or Move

Before you travel internationally, take these steps: first, call 1-800-MEDICARE or log into your Medicare account at Medicare.gov to confirm what your plan covers in the countries you will visit. Second, get a letter from your doctor listing your current medications and any medical conditions — this helps if you need care abroad and cannot communicate easily. Third, research whether you need travel insurance for the length and destination of your trip.

If you are moving abroad, contact Medicare at least two months before you leave to understand how your coverage will change. Ask whether you need to take any action to maintain coverage, such as returning to the U.S. periodically. If you are a permanent resident considering a move, speak with an immigration attorney about how it affects your Medicare may be able to access.

Keep copies of your Medicare card, your plan documents, and any travel insurance policy in both digital and paper form. Store them separately so you have access if one copy is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Medicare at a hospital in Canada or Mexico for a routine checkup?

No. Medicare only covers emergency care in Canada and Mexico, and only if the emergency happened while you were traveling to or from the United States. Routine checkups, dental visits, and planned procedures are not covered, even in border towns. You will need to pay out of pocket or purchase travel insurance that includes routine care.

What if I get sick while on a cruise ship?

Original Medicare covers emergency care on a cruise ship if the ship is within six hours of a U.S. port. Once the ship docks in a foreign country and you leave the ship, Medicare coverage stops unless you are still in the process of traveling to or from the U.S. Check your cruise line's medical services and consider travel insurance for longer voyages.

Can I fill my prescriptions in Canada and bring them back to the U.S.?

You can bring a personal supply of medication into the U.S. for your own use, but Medicare will not reimburse you for prescriptions filled abroad. The medication must be legal in the U.S., and you should carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. Check U.S. Customs rules before you travel, as some medications are restricted.

Do I lose Medicare if I spend six months abroad?

It depends on your citizenship and residency status. U.S. citizens can keep Medicare even if they live abroad, but they have no coverage outside the U.S. Permanent residents who move abroad typically lose may be able to access. Contact Medicare before you leave to understand your specific situation and whether you need to take any action to maintain coverage.

Is there a Medicare Advantage plan that covers care in Europe?

Standard Medicare Advantage plans do not cover care in Europe. A few plans offer limited coverage in Mexico and Canada, but European coverage is not available through Medicare. If you plan to spend time in Europe, you will need to purchase separate travel insurance or an international health plan in the country where you will be staying.