Traveling with Medicare: What You Need to Know About Coverage Outside Your Home State

Traveling is a delightful way to explore new places and make cherished memories, but for Medicare beneficiaries, it can bring up concerns about how to handle health care needs while away from home. Medicare coverage can vary based on where you travel, so it's crucial to plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Understanding Your Coverage
Most Medicare plans are tailored to a specific region or network of healthcare providers. Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) generally covers you anywhere within the U.S. and its territories where Medicare is accepted. However, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, things might get a bit tricky. These plans usually have network restrictions, which means that receiving care outside your usual service area could result in higher costs or no coverage at all.

2. Traveling with Medicare Advantage
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it's essential to check your plan's specific rules before traveling. Some plans offer emergency coverage nationwide or even provide travel packages that extend your network temporarily. Always contact your plan provider to confirm what is covered before you travel.

3. Prescription Preparedness
Ensure you have enough of your prescription medications before traveling. Some Medicare Part D plans allow for "vacation overrides" where you can obtain a larger supply of your medication for extended trips. Check with your plan to see if this is possible and what steps you need to follow.

4. Emergency Services
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency care anywhere in the U.S. If you encounter a medical emergency while traveling, go to the nearest hospital. For non-emergency care under Medicare Advantage, you might be limited to specific providers or face higher out-of-pocket costs.

5. Traveling Tips
Carry your Medicare and any supplemental plan cards with you. Have a list of your current medications and a brief medical history in case you need to visit a healthcare provider. Also, consider investing in travel insurance that includes health coverage, especially if you’re traveling extensively or going out of the country.

6. Special Considerations for International Travel
Medicare generally does not provide coverage for health care services outside the United States, except in rare circumstances. If you travel frequently abroad, consider purchasing a Medigap plan that provides foreign travel emergency health coverage.

By preparing in advance and understanding your Medicare coverage, you can enjoy your travels without worrying about the availability and cost of healthcare.

What to do Next

Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. We're here to help you find the perfect plan for your needs. Give us a call at 856-334-0131 or visit our Contact Us page – let’s make sure you're covered with the best options available!