If you’re planning a summer vacation, you already know that there’s a lot to do before you leave. There are passports to renew, suitcases to pack, and an itinerary to plan. We want you to have the most relaxing vacation possible, so before you go don’t forget to:
- Look into Medicare coverage outside the U.S.
- Think about getting additional health care coverage.
If you have Original Medicare, your health care services and supplies are covered when you’re in the U.S. (which includes Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands). But, if you plan to travel overseas or outside the U.S. (including to Canada or Mexico), it’s important to know that in most cases, Medicare won’t pay for health care services or supplies you get outside the U.S. (except in these rare cases). That doesn’t mean you have to travel without coverage. There are several ways you can get health coverage outside the U.S.:
- If you have a Medigap policy, check your policy to see if it includes coverage outside the U.S.
- If you get your health care from another Medicare health plan (rather than Original Medicare), check with your plan to see if they offer coverage outside the U.S.
- Purchase a travel insurance policy that includes health coverage.
In all 3 cases, check with your policy or plan before traveling and make sure you understand what’s covered outside the U.S. For information on other foreign travel situations (like a cruise, dialysis, or prescription drugs) watch this video. Taking the time to plan your health care coverage before you travel abroad will help you have an enjoyable and relaxing trip. For more information on how to stay healthy abroad, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health page.
