Does Your Health Plan Travel With You?

Many people assume their health coverage goes wherever they go. Once you leave the United States, that is not always the case.

Some domestic health plans offer limited coverage outside the United States, often only for emergencies. You may also have to pay for care up front and seek reimbursement later. Other plans provide little or no coverage abroad.

If you have Medicare, Original Medicare generally does not cover health care you receive outside the United States, with only a few limited exceptions. Some Medicare Supplement plans include foreign travel emergency benefits, while some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage or assistance for care received outside the United States. Benefits, limitations, and costs vary by plan.

Medical care and emergency medical evacuation overseas can be expensive, and some hospitals or providers may require payment before treatment. Travel medical insurance can provide coverage for certain medical expenses and emergency services during an international trip, depending on the policy.

Before your next trip, take a few minutes to check what your current health coverage includes outside the United States. Understanding your coverage before you leave is far easier than finding out after you arrive.

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