Do Medicare Supplement policies provide coverage while travelling outside the U.S?
First, original Medicare does not cover you when traveling outside the U.S., so the international coverage will come from Medicare Supplement Plans F, G and N.
These Plans; F, G and N provides emergency care services beginning the first 60 days of each trip outside the U.S.
- $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit.
- $250 annual deductible
- 80% coverage up to the $50,000 benefit.
The way this works is; when abroad if you become ill or injured, and it is considered an emergency or urgently needed care, go to the nearest medical facility that can properly care for you. You will need to pay for the care received at the time of service, with cash or credit card. International doctors, clinics or hospitals will not accept your Medicare Supplement card as payment.
Keep the itemized medical bill, and when you return to the states, send the medical bill to your medicare supplement carrier, and after they review the claim, and agree the medical services were necessary and considered an emergency or urgently needed, then your out of pocket cost will be reimbursed, minus the $250 deductible and 20% of the claim, up to a maximum of $50,000.
If you need care abroad, it is up to you to find the appropriate medical facility, your domestic carrier (Medicare Supplement company) will not be able to help you through your situation. They are simply not equipped to help advise you, where to go, how to navigate the current country’s medical system, or how to organize your ground or air medical transport.
Travel Insurance – If someone asks, I will typically recommend a Travel Insurance policy like GeoBlue.
A travel insurance company is unique in that they are accessible 24/7 to help with your situation. Also, they have translators who can speak to medical professionals, along with providing emergency medical evacuation coverage to assist you if an emergency strikes.
Most travel insurance policies are considered short-term, a few days up to 6 month. There is no medical review and the policy is very comprehensive, with high coverage limits and a wide range of deductible options. When I travel outside the U.S., this is the policy I buy for myself and family.
Worldwide coverage for family vacations, students, business travel or for anyone traveling or living abroad.
Here are rates and coverage information for the Medicare Supplement Plans F, G and N: Click here
Please contact me anytime with questions.
John Conner
[email protected]
916-682-1117
