Summer Travel & Medicare: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Summer is the perfect time to visit family, take a road trip, or enjoy a relaxing vacation. Before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to review your Medicare coverage. Understanding how your plan works while traveling can help you avoid unexpected medical bills and enjoy your trip with confidence.

Does Medicare Cover You While Traveling?

Your coverage depends on the type of Medicare plan you have.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Original Medicare generally covers medically necessary care anywhere in the United States and its territories, including:

• Puerto Rico

• Guam

• U.S. Virgin Islands

• American Samoa

• Northern Mariana Islands

As long as the healthcare provider accepts Medicare, you'll generally receive coverage just as you would at home.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Coverage varies by plan.

Many Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency and urgent care nationwide, but routine or non-emergency care may only be covered within your plan's provider network.

Before traveling, review your plan's Evidence of Coverage or contact your insurance company to understand your benefits.

4 Things to Do Before You Leave

1. Review Your Coverage

If you'll be away for several weeks or traveling to another state, verify how your plan works at your destination and whether you'll have access to in-network providers.

2. Pack Important Information

Bring:

• Your Medicare card

• Your Medicare Advantage or supplemental insurance ID card (if applicable)

• A current list of medications

• Your doctors' contact information

• Emergency contact information

Having these items readily available can make receiving care much easier if needed.

3. Understand Emergency Coverage

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover emergency and urgently needed care throughout the United States. However, follow-up visits and routine care may have different coverage rules.

Knowing the difference before you travel can help you avoid unexpected costs.

4. Ask About Travel Benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer travel programs or visitor benefits that provide temporary access to provider networks while you're away from home.

Your insurance agent or plan representative can explain whether your plan includes these features.

What About International Travel?

Original Medicare generally does not cover healthcare received outside the United States.

However, some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and certain Medicare Advantage plans offer limited emergency medical coverage when traveling abroad.

If you're leaving the country, review your plan carefully and consider whether additional travel medical insurance may be appropriate.

Travel With Peace of Mind

Before your trip, take a few simple steps:

• Review your Medicare benefits.

• Contact your insurance agent or member services with any questions.

• Read your plan's Evidence of Coverage.

• Ask whether telehealth services are available while you're away.

A little preparation today can help you focus on what matters most—enjoying your summer adventures.

Have Questions?

Every Medicare plan is different. If you're unsure how your coverage works while traveling, reach out to your insurance agent or your plan's member services team before you leave.

Safe travels and enjoy your summer!