Does Medicare Cover You Outside of the United States?

Are you taking a trip outside of The United3. You live in the United States and the Canadian
States? If you're 65 or older, you may not knowor Mexican hospital is closer to your home than
that Medicare doesn't cover you outside the USA.the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your
That's where getting a good travel insurance planmedical condition, regardless of whether an
can come in handy.emergency exists. Some Medicare + Choice plans
The Original Medicare Plan does not cover healthmay provide worldwide coverage benefits for
care when you travel outside the USA, excepthealth care needs when you travel outside the
for some emergency situations in Mexico andUnited States. You should check with your
Canada.Medicare + Choice plan prior to traveling outside
In rare cases, Medicare can pay for inpatientof the United States regarding worldwide
hospital services that you get in Canada orcoverage benefits.
Mexico. Medicare can pay only if:Medigap policies C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J provide
Foreign Travel Emergency health care coverage
1. You are in the United States when a medicalwhen you travel outside the United States. Under
emergency occurs and the Canadian or Mexicanthese plans, Medigap policies pay for 80% of the
hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital thatcost of emergency care during the first 60 days
can treat the emergency.of each trip after you pay the $250 deductible.
2. You are traveling through Canada withoutForeign Travel Emergency coverage with Medigap
unreasonable delay by the most direct routepolicies have a lifetime limit of $50,000. Check with
between Alaska and another state when ayour plan or insurance regarding your coverage
medical emergency occurs and the Canadianbefore you travel outside the country. Here's a
hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital thatlink to Medicare's Questions and Answers.
can treat the emergency.