Yes, you can travel with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Medigap plans are designed to work alongside your Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage, and they provide additional coverage for things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover.
Here are some key points to consider when traveling with a Medicare Supplement plan:
1. Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)
- Your Medigap plan will generally work the same way across the United States. You can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, and your Medigap plan will help cover your out-of-pocket costs as it normally would. There are no networks to fuss with.
2. International Travel
- Some Medigap plans offer limited coverage for emergency medical services outside the U.S. Specifically, Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N offer emergency health coverage when traveling abroad.
- These plans typically cover 80% of the cost of emergency care after you meet a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime limit of $50,000.
- It’s important to understand the specifics of your plan and consider additional travel insurance if you plan to travel internationally.
- If traveling outside the United States, I would advise you to purchase an International Travel policy, they are very inexpensive and will provide translators if necessary. They understand the international medical environment. Also, in emergency situation, the travel policy will provide a medical flight to the nearest location to properly care for your ailment, including flying you home. Medicare does not provide emergency medical evacuation when outside the U.S.
3. Network Restrictions
- Medigap plans don’t typically have network restrictions, meaning you can see any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, regardless of where you are in the U.S.
4. Coverage Verification
- Before traveling, especially internationally, check with your Medigap provider to understand what is covered and what isn’t. It’s also wise to carry your Medicare card and Medigap policy information with you.
If you plan on extended travel or staying abroad, you might want to look into additional travel insurance options to ensure you’re fully covered.
