Using Medicare While Traveling: Domestic and International Coverage Explained

Travel is one of the greatest joys of retirement. Whether you're visiting grandkids in another state, setting off on a cross-country road trip, or embarking on a bucket-list cruise, Medicare beneficiaries should feel confident about accessing healthcare on the road. But navigating how Medicare works while you're away from home can be confusing—especially if your plans take you outside the country.

While Medicare offers excellent healthcare coverage, the rules change depending on where you go and which type of Medicare plan you have. In this article, we’ll explain how your coverage works both within the United States and internationally, so you can travel with peace of mind and avoid unpleasant surprises.

How Medicare Works Within the U.S.

For most people, travel within the United States is straightforward when it comes to Medicare. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you’re covered anywhere in the country as long as the provider accepts Medicare. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

You don’t need to notify Medicare that you’re traveling, and you won’t lose your coverage simply because you’re away from your primary residence. If you need medical care while visiting another state, you can receive it from any doctor, hospital, or facility that accepts Medicare, just as you would at home. Your Part A coverage will handle hospital care, and Part B will cover outpatient services.

However, it’s important to note that not every provider in the U.S. accepts Medicare. Before scheduling non-emergency care in a different state, check with the provider’s office to confirm that they accept Medicare assignment. This will help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage and Rules for Domestic Travel

The story changes a bit if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and typically have defined provider networks that are often localized to a specific geographic area. That means your current network of doctors and hospitals may not extend beyond your home region.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover emergency and urgent care anywhere in the U.S. So, if you break a bone in Arizona while vacationing but your plan is based in Florida, your emergency treatment will still be covered. However, if you want to schedule a routine check-up or specialist visit while traveling, it may not be covered unless you’re in-network or have a plan that allows out-of-network care.

Some Medicare Advantage plans—particularly PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations)—offer more flexibility for travelers. PPOs often cover out-of-network care at a higher cost, whereas HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) usually restrict non-emergency care to in-network providers only. A small number of plans offer nationwide networks or travel benefit programs, but these are the exception, not the rule.

Before taking an extended trip, it’s smart to call your Medicare Advantage plan to find out what’s covered and whether there are any in-network options at your destination. You might also ask about telehealth benefits, which can be a convenient way to access care while you're away.

Traveling with a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

If you rely on a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage, you’ll want to consider how your plan handles out-of-area pharmacy use. Like Medicare Advantage plans, Part D drug plans are often tied to regional networks of pharmacies. If you go to a pharmacy outside your plan’s preferred network, you could pay more or risk the claim being denied.

That said, many drug plans partner with national pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart. These chains typically offer consistent coverage across state lines, which makes them a convenient choice for travelers. Before you leave, check your plan’s pharmacy directory to find in-network options near your destination.

It’s also wise to plan ahead by refilling prescriptions before your trip. If you’re taking a long vacation, your plan may allow a "vacation override," which lets you fill a prescription early or get a larger supply. Contact your drug plan for specifics and allow time for any paperwork or approvals.

International Travel and Original Medicare

While Original Medicare offers reliable domestic coverage, it generally does not pay for healthcare services outside the United States and its territories. This can come as a surprise to many retirees who assume their benefits follow them wherever they go.

However, there are a few narrow exceptions. Medicare may cover care received outside the U.S. in these specific circumstances:

1. You’re on a cruise ship and need medical services while the ship is within six hours of a U.S. port.

2. You’re traveling through Canada on a direct route between Alaska and another U.S. state, and an emergency occurs that requires treatment in Canada.

3. You’re near a U.S. border, such as Mexico or Canada, and a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital in an emergency.

These exceptions are rare and usually apply only to emergency care. Routine medical services, scheduled surgeries, or non-urgent care abroad are not covered under Original Medicare. If you receive treatment overseas and it doesn’t fall into one of these exception categories, you’ll be responsible for 100% of the cost.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover International Travel?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage for emergency care received outside the United States. These benefits vary widely depending on the plan, and not all Advantage plans include them. Those that do typically reimburse you for emergency medical treatment up to a certain dollar limit, such as $25,000 or $50,000 per year.

Because Medicare Advantage plans are issued by private insurers, each one sets its own policies for international travel. Before leaving the country, review your plan documents or speak with your plan representative to understand exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. You may need to pay for care out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement once you return to the U.S.

Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans are not required to offer international coverage, so if this is an important feature for you, it may influence your plan selection in future enrollment periods.

Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage Through Medigap

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy, certain plans offer limited coverage for emergency medical care abroad. Specifically, Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include a foreign travel emergency benefit.

These plans typically cover 80% of the billed charges for medically necessary emergency care received outside the U.S., after you pay a $250 annual deductible. The benefit only applies during the first 60 days of your trip, and there is a $50,000 lifetime limit on foreign travel coverage.

It’s important to note that not all Medigap plans include this benefit. Additionally, Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible on or after January 1, 2020. If you already have one of these plans, you can keep it, but new enrollees must look to Plans G, M, or N for foreign emergency coverage.

While the Medigap travel benefit can provide peace of mind, it’s not a substitute for comprehensive travel medical insurance, especially if you’re taking an extended trip or traveling to a country with expensive healthcare services.

Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

Because Medicare offers limited or no coverage abroad, many travelers choose to purchase separate travel insurance or international medical insurance for added protection. These policies can be tailored to cover emergency care, medical evacuations, hospital stays, and even trip cancellations or interruptions.

Travel medical insurance is particularly important for those visiting countries where healthcare costs are high or where payment is required upfront. Some policies also include benefits like translation assistance, help finding local providers, and emergency medical transport to your home country.

When shopping for a travel insurance policy, make sure it covers pre-existing conditions if necessary, and understand any exclusions or limitations. Some policies offer only emergency care, while others include broader medical and travel-related protections. Be sure to compare several options and read the fine print before purchasing.

Tips for Medicare Beneficiaries on the Go

Before you hit the road or board that international flight, take time to prepare your Medicare-related documents and care plans. It’s a good idea to bring your Medicare card, your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan card if applicable, and a list of medications and medical conditions.

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, check with your insurance company to understand your network and coverage rules at your destination. Consider printing a list of in-network providers and pharmacies, or downloading your plan’s mobile app for easy access while traveling.

Make sure to pack enough prescription medication to last the entire trip, along with extra in case of delays. If you're traveling internationally, keep medications in their original labeled containers and bring a copy of your prescriptions.

Finally, leave a copy of your insurance information with a trusted family member or travel companion in case you’re unable to access it yourself during a medical emergency.

How Local Medicare Specialists Can Help

At Local Medicare Specialists, we understand that Medicare can be complicated—especially when life takes you beyond your hometown. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a month-long road trip, or an overseas vacation, our licensed agents can help you understand how your coverage works wherever you go.

We can also assist with reviewing your current plan’s travel benefits, comparing options that offer better portability, and helping you choose supplemental travel insurance if needed. With personalized, one-on-one support, we make sure you’re confident in your Medicare coverage before you take off.