Many clients assume that their Medicare coverage follows them wherever they go—but that’s not always the case. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling or living outside the United States, it’s important to understand when Medicare covers your care—and when it doesn’t.
Medicare Coverage Outside the U.S.
In general, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover healthcare services you receive outside of the U.S. and its territories. This includes most routine or emergency care abroad.
However, there are a few important exceptions.
Key Exceptions to Know
1. 🇨🇦 Emergency Services in Canada
If you’re traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Canada, Medicare will cover emergency services there.
2. 🚢 Medical Care on a Cruise Ship
If you’re on a cruise ship and:
- You’re in U.S. territorial waters, and
- The ship is within six hours of arriving at or departing from a U.S. port,
Then Medicare may cover your care on the ship. Anything outside that time window or territorial zone is generally not covered.
3. 🏥 Non-Emergency Inpatient Care Near the Border
If you live close to Canada or Mexico and a foreign hospital is actually closer than a U.S. hospital, Medicare may cover inpatient care—but this is rare and only applies in specific geographic situations.
What About Medicare Supplement Plans?
Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans offer limited emergency coverage abroad.
The following plans cover 80% of emergency care expenses incurred outside the U.S.:
- Plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N
These plans:
- Require a $250 annual deductible,
- Cover 80% of eligible foreign travel emergency expenses, and
- Have a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000,
- Only apply if the emergency care begins within 60 days of your trip.
👉 If your clients travel frequently, this can be a valuable selling point.
What If a Client Moves Abroad Permanently?
If your client moves overseas, they can keep their Medicare Parts A & B, but it likely won’t provide any value since Medicare won’t cover their medical care outside the U.S.
What to advise:
- Evaluate the cost of keeping Part B (monthly premium).
- Explore private international insurance or coverage in their new country.
- If they drop Part B, remind them they may face penalties if they return to the U.S. and re-enroll later.
Pro Tip: Recommend Travel Medical Insurance
For anyone traveling abroad—whether for business, vacation, or a long-term stay—a dedicated travel medical policy can fill in the gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover. It’s a smart addition for peace of mind and comprehensive protection.
Final Thought
As an agent, it’s important to guide your clients beyond borders. Helping them understand where Medicare ends and travel coverage begins ensures they’re never caught off guard—no matter where they are in the world.
📞 Have a client with questions about travel coverage or Medigap policies?
Let National Insurance Markets help you find the right fit.
