RarelyOriginal Medicare coverage abroad
80%Medigap emergency foreign travel share
$250Medigap foreign travel deductible
$50,000Medigap lifetime foreign travel limit
The general rule
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover health care you receive outside the United States, including its territories. Part D drugs bought abroad are also generally not covered.
The narrow exceptions
- Emergency in the U.S. when a foreign hospital is closer. If you have a medical emergency inside the U.S. and a hospital in Canada or Mexico is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital, Medicare may cover it.
- Traveling between Alaska and another state through Canada, when an emergency occurs and the foreign hospital is the nearest.
- On a ship within a U.S. port, or within about six hours of arriving at or leaving a U.S. port.
Outside these situations, plan to pay yourself or use other insurance.
Medigap foreign travel coverage
Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include emergency care coverage while traveling abroad, with these terms:
| Term | Amount |
|---|---|
| Which trips | Emergency care that begins in the first 60 days of each trip |
| Deductible | $250 per year |
| Medigap pays | 80% of billed charges for covered emergency care |
| Lifetime limit | $50,000 |
Plans C and F are no longer sold to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. See Plan G vs Plan N.
Medicare Advantage and other options
- Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited emergency or urgent care coverage abroad. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage before you travel.
- Travel medical insurance is sold separately and can cover emergency care and medical evacuation, which Medicare and Medigap do not cover well.
- Check for exclusions: pre-existing conditions, adventure activities, and age limits.
Living abroad is different from traveling. If you plan to live overseas, Medicare generally will not follow you, and delaying Part B while abroad can lead to a late penalty if you return and enroll later. See the Part B penalty guide.
Social Security payments can usually continue abroad for U.S. citizens. See living abroad benefits.