How to Travel With Medicare

March 16, 2020 | Kari Mellone

If you receive Original Medicare coverage, you can travel anywhere within the United States and still be covered. If you travel outside of the United States, your coverage is limited.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling with Medicare.

Traveling Domestically Within the United States

Original Medicare, also known as Traditional Medicare, consists of two parts. Part A covers hospital services and Part B covers doctor’s visits and other medical services. Original Medicare provides coverage in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. So long as a doctor or hospital accepts Medicare, you will have limited coverage everywhere in the United States.

However, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, your coverage options may vary depending on your provider. Different types of Medicare health plans such as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) will have different travel benefits that may limit your choice and/or increase out of pocket expenditures. 

Traveling Internationally Outside of the United States

Generally, Medicare does not cover anything while you are out of the US. However, there are still options for coverage. If you’re planning an international trip, please contact our team. Our team members can utilize a tool that maps your travel and Medicare coverage, so there are no surprises during your trip.

Do you have more questions about traveling with Medicare? We’re here to answer all your questions.