Medicare Travel Coverage at a Glance
| Medicare Type | Inside the U.S. | Outside the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (A+B) | ✅ Covered nationwide | ❌ Generally not covered |
| Medigap (Plans C, D, F, G, M, N) | ✅ Covered nationwide | ✅ Foreign travel emergency (80% after $250 deductible, up to $50K lifetime) |
| Medicare Advantage (HMO/PPO) | ⚠️ Network-based — may not cover out-of-area | ❌ Usually not covered (some PPOs may offer limited emergency coverage) |
Why Travel Health Insurance Matters
Medicare — including Medigap — was not designed for comprehensive international coverage. If you travel outside the U.S., even the best Medigap plan only covers emergencies up to a lifetime limit of $50,000. That's far less than the cost of a serious medical event abroad.
A dedicated travel health insurance plan provides:
- Medical coverage in any country
- Emergency evacuation and medical transport
- Trip interruption and cancellation benefits
- Prescription drug coverage while abroad
- 24/7 travel assistance hotline
✈️ Blue Cross Blue Shield Global SolutionsSM
We recommend Blue Cross Blue Shield Global SolutionsSM (formerly GeoBlue) — specializing in international travel health insurance. BCBS Global Solutions plans are designed specifically for travelers and offer comprehensive coverage worldwide.
Tips for Medicare Beneficiaries Who Travel
- Snowbirds: If you have Original Medicare, you're covered anywhere in the U.S. Medicare Advantage plans may have network restrictions when traveling out of state.
- Cruises: Medicare generally doesn't cover care received on a cruise ship, even in U.S. waters. Travel insurance is essential.
- Frequent international travelers: Consider a Medigap plan with foreign travel emergency coverage PLUS a standalone travel health insurance policy for broader protection.
- Prescription refills: Fill medications before your trip. Part D may not cover prescriptions filled outside the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Medicare covers you anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are network-based and may not cover routine care outside your service area — emergency care is still covered.
Some Medigap plans (C, D, F, G, M, N) include limited foreign travel emergency coverage — 80% of costs after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime maximum. This is emergency-only and does not cover routine care abroad.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions℠ (formerly GeoBlue) is a travel health insurance provider under the Blue Cross Blue Shield brand. Their plans provide medical coverage worldwide, including doctor and hospital access, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 assistance. Plans can be purchased for single trips or annual multi-trip coverage. Learn more →
Many travel health insurance plans offer pre-existing condition waivers if you purchase the plan within a specified window of your trip deposit. Contact us for options that work with your health history.
For snowbirds who spend significant time in another state, Original Medicare + Medigap is often the better choice because it provides nationwide coverage with any Medicare-accepting provider. Medicare Advantage plans are network-based and may limit your options outside your home area.