Traveling With Medicare: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a vacation is exciting, but if you’re on Medicare, it’s important to understand how your coverage works once you leave home. Whether you’re traveling across the U.S. or exploring another country, knowing what’s covered — and what’s not — can help you avoid unexpected medical bills.
Emergency Coverage While Traveling
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you’re covered for emergency and urgent care anywhere in the United States and its territories, including:
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- American Samoa
- Northern Mariana Islands
However, Original Medicare offers very limited coverage outside the U.S. — typically only in rare situations, such as when a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. one during an emergency.
Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference When Traveling?
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Many Medigap plans offer foreign travel emergency coverage up to plan limits. This usually includes:
- Emergency care during your first 60 days out of the country
- 80% coverage after a small deductible
This is a strong option if you travel internationally and want predictable protection.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans must cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the U.S., even outside your plan’s network.
However, coverage outside the U.S. varies by plan. Some offer international emergency coverage, while others do not. It’s important to review your plan’s travel benefits before your trip.
Should You Consider Travel Insurance?
Even if your Medicare plan offers some emergency coverage, a dedicated travel insurance policy may be a smart addition — especially for international trips. Travel medical insurance can cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation or air transport
- Hospital stays abroad
- Unexpected medical costs not covered by Medicare
These plans are often affordable and can give you peace of mind during your travels.
Before You Travel: A Quick Checklist
- Confirm emergency coverage with your Medicare advisor
- Check whether your plan includes international benefits
- Review any deductibles or copays you may be responsible for
- Consider purchasing travel medical insurance
- Pack your Medicare card and plan ID card
Need Help Reviewing Your Travel Coverage?
Whether you’re planning a cross‑country road trip or an overseas getaway, I can help you review your Medicare benefits and make sure you’re protected wherever you go.
Medicare Solutions of Kansas City
202 SE 2nd Street
Lee's Summit, MO
(816) 520-2546
Introduction to National Senior Fraud Awareness Day
May 15 marks National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, a moment to focus on protecting our elderly loved ones from the ever-evolving landscape of scams. Whether you are concerned about fraud impacting a senior family member or are simply a vigilant advocate, staying informed is a powerful defense against these deceptive activities.Common Scams Targeting Seniors
The tactics employed by scammers are continuously changing, and seniors are often a primary target due to factors like isolation and a trusting nature. Understanding the most common scams can help you safeguard those dear to you.Government Impersonation Scams
In these scams, fraudsters pose as government officials and use threats of legal action to coerce personal information from unsuspecting victims. This tactic often leaves seniors feeling vulnerable and panicked, responding quickly out of fear.Tech Support Scams
Fraudsters impersonate tech company representatives, claiming that there is a problem with the victim's computer or device. They may request remote access, leading to compromised personal information and financial losses.Grandparent Scams
These scams exploit a grandparent's love and concern, with fraudsters posing as a grandchild in distress, urgently requesting money. The sense of immediacy often overpowers a victim's judgment, leading to hasty financial decisions.Romance Scams
In this emotionally manipulative tactic, criminals build trust through online relationships and eventually request financial assistance, exploiting the victim’s loneliness and desire for companionship.Medicare Scams
Scammers pose as Medicare representatives offering fake services to gather personal health information. It's essential to remember that legitimate Medicare representatives will not ask for sensitive details over the phone or online.Sweepstakes Scams
Victims are notified that they have won a prize but must pay a fee to claim it. This is a red flag that the winnings are not legitimate, as authentic sweepstakes will not require upfront payments.Encourage Awareness and Reporting
Being informed is the best armor against fraud. Share this information with your loved ones, and instill a practice of verifying any suspicious communication. Encourage them to report fraudulent attempts to government websites or hotlines dedicated to combating fraud. Awareness and vigilance are the first steps in preventing these costly and emotionally damaging scams.
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National Senior Fraud Awareness Day: Protect Your Loved Ones
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