Medicare Coverage When Traveling or Moving

One of the things many people look forward to in retirement is the opportunity to travel. Visiting new places, seeing new things. However, no one wants to think about needing medical care while traveling. It’s important to review your Medicare plan’s travel rules long before you ever need help. Understanding Medicare’s travel rules can save your dream vacation from becoming a nightmare.

Different plans = different rules

Every Medicare plan has its own rules. You will want to review your own coverage restrictions before planning a trip, especially if planning an international trip. Rules can change depending on where you travel so read carefully.

Traveling within the United States

When traveling within the United States, you will have Medicare coverage throughout the nation. But what counts as the U.S. is a little different than just the 50 states you’re used to thinking about. United States Medicare coverage includes all 50 states plus territories and U.S. waters. That means that your Medicare coverage will count in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands as part of the U.S.

Traveling with Original Medicare

If you have Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, you can travel anywhere within the U.S. and have Medicare coverage anywhere that accepts Medicare. Outside the U.S., your coverage is limited. There are a few exceptions:

• Emergency services in Canada: If you’re going between Alaska and another state, your travel route is direct and without unreasonable delay, and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Canada, you may have coverage for those services.
• Medical care on a cruise ship: If the ship is in U.S. territorial waters when you receive care or within 6 hours of your departure or arrival from port, then your Medicare will cover those services. Beyond that, coverage gets murky.
• Nonemergency inpatient services (under Part A): If the foreign hospital is closer to your home residence than the nearest U.S. hospital, then coverage may occur.

Traveling with Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Part D Prescription Drug Plan coverage depends on where you are intending to travel. Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S. Within the U.S., your coverage will be limited based on whether you have a carrier network. If you have a network, you will need to find a pharmacy that is in your network. Most insurance carriers have an online tool to help you search for an in-network pharmacy within a ZIP code.

Traveling with Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage coverage while traveling depends on your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover medical emergencies outside the U.S. If you have or are considering a Medicare Advantage plan and are planning to travel outside the country, please verify with your carrier that they cover emergency care.

Within the U.S., plan networks might be an issue as well; although it is worth noting that, regardless of your plan, all plans are legally required to cover emergency care if it occurs within the U.S.

International plans? Get traveler’s insurance

Many Medicare users can benefit from purchasing traveler’s insurance when traveling outside the country, especially if you’re taking a longer trip. This will guarantee health coverage if/when you need it and give you peace of mind. For those who have scheduled with a travel agency, they will often have suggestions of good traveler’s insurance plans for the country you’re visiting. If not, we would be happy to help you find an option that fits your travel plans.

Long-term travel and moving

Long-term travel

If you are traveling outside the U.S. for more than 6 months, you will automatically be disenrolled from your current Medicare Advantage plan and given a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new coverage plan.

Moving

Whether you are moving inside or outside the U.S., you should contact a licensed insurance agent to verify your coverage. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans are location-based and you may need to change plans before you move.

Conclusion

Traveling can be a lot of fun. Your insurance should not be a reason to avoid or delay your travel plans. But just like you make sure your passport is up to date, you should check in on your Medicare coverage long before you need it.

If you are traveling and have Medicare questions or are planning on moving, call to set up a free consultation with one of our licensed insurance agents. We are happy to answer your questions to help you get ready for your big trip.

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