Navigating Travel with Medicare

Finally retired and looking forward to some wonderful travel opportunities? Let’s talk about how to navigate Medicare while traveling domestically and abroad!

Navigating Medicare while traveling is impacted by whether you have Original Medicare alone, Medicare plus Medigap or Medicare Advantage. So we are going to discuss all of those options. Also, remember if you take prescriptions, it is best to get a 90 day supply when possible if traveling to avoid any hiccups. 

Original Medicare

Original Medicare is Part A and Part B. Part A is your inpatient or hospital insurance and Part B is for basically any time you see a doctor. 

Domestic Travel

A wonderful thing about Medicare is that there are no networks. And somewhere around 98% of doctors accept Medicare. There is also no need for PCP or referrals to see a specialist. So, it is very easy to travel domestically with Original Medicare.

International Travel

Traveling abroad is an entirely different story! Medicare really does not cover outside of the United States. So what are your options?

First, check with your credit card company. Some may offer limited emergency benefits when you are abroad. But don’t just take that they offer “travel insurance” for granted. Make sure you understand the details of exactly what is covered.

If you are travelling abroad, you have the choice between short term and long term travel insurance.

Your insurance needs depend upon the length of your travels.  Short term travel insurance is for your average vacationer. This type of insurance is really only going to cover medical emergencies.  For example:

Emergency Medical Expenses i.e. a broken bone needing X-rays

Emergency Dental i.e. a chipped tooth 

Medical Evacuation i.e. airlifting after a major event

Accidental death or dismemberment

You can choose between comprehensive travel insurance or a travel medical plan. You can even get multi-trip coverage.  

If you’re going to be away from home long term, you’ll need a different type of plan.  Obviously, you’ll need coverage for more than just medical emergencies.  These types of plans are known as travel major medical plans and are intended for people who will be traveling for more than six months.  

These types of plans are much more similar to traditional health insurance plans.  Because these are like traditional plans, they’ll be a little more expensive and offer more coverage.  You’ll need to be aware of things like:

Deductible & Premiums

Geographic Coverage

Benefits & Exclusions

Medicare Supplement Plans

For more coverage domestically and abroad, you can also supplement your Medicare coverage with a Medicare Supplement Plan. 

Medicare Supplement Plans fill in the financial gaps of Original Medicare. With Original Medicare you have separate deductibles for Part A and Part B. There is also coinsurance or copays when you use your coverage. And there is no out of pocket maximum. 

Medigap plans will fill in those financial gaps. There are 10 different types of plans with carrying levels of coverage.

Now the good thing is that for domestic travel, even though Medigap is offered by private carriers, there are still no networks. So, if your doctor accepts Original Medicare, they accept your Medicare Supplement Plan. Additional rules of Medicare apply (no PCP, no referrals).

So, these plans will still allow you the ultimate flexibility when traveling and domestically and they offer international travel benefits as well. 

Medicare Advantage

Another option with Medicare is to forego Original Medicare and replace it with Medicare Advantage. 

Now the issue with Medicare Advantage plans is that they function like insurance that you’ve had in the past. If you have an HMO, your domestic travel options may be a little limited. Your plan may only cover you in a certain area (except of course in the case of a true medical emergency). 

A PPO will offer you much more flexibility to travel domestically. 

As far as international travel, that’s really up in the air. Some plans may offer international travel benefits, some may not. So make sure to check the terms of your plan carefully.