If you’re planning a trip — whether it’s across the country or across the globe — it’s important to understand how your Medicare coverage works when you’re away from home. Medicare offers excellent benefits for U.S. residents, but those benefits can vary depending on where you travel and what kind of plan you have.

This guide breaks down what’s covered, what’s not, and how to stay protected while traveling.

Medicare Coverage While Traveling Within the United States

When you travel within the U.S. and its territories, you can typically use your Medicare coverage without any issues.

Where You’re Covered

Medicare coverage applies anywhere in:

  • All 50 states

  • The District of Columbia

  • Puerto Rico

  • Guam

  • The U.S. Virgin Islands

  • American Samoa

  • The Northern Mariana Islands

As long as your healthcare provider accepts Medicare, your coverage works the same as it does at home.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

If you have Original Medicare, you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide — no referrals or network restrictions required.

This is especially convenient for retirees who travel frequently or live part-time in another state.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage can depend on your provider network.

  • HMO plans often limit coverage to in-network providers, except in emergencies.

  • PPO plans usually allow out-of-network care at a higher cost.

Before you travel, check your plan’s policy for out-of-area coverage to avoid unexpected bills.

Medicare Coverage While Traveling Outside the United States

Medicare coverage outside the U.S. is very limited.
In most cases, Medicare does not pay for medical care you receive abroad, but there are a few exceptions.

Limited Exceptions

Medicare may cover care outside the U.S. only if:

  1. You’re in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the nearest hospital that can treat you is in a foreign country (e.g., you’re in Canada near the border).

  2. You’re traveling between Alaska and another U.S. state, and a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital.

  3. You live in the U.S. and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital (rare cases near the border).

Outside of these limited cases, you’ll likely pay 100% of the costs out of pocket.

How to Get Travel Medical Coverage Abroad

Since traditional Medicare rarely covers foreign travel, many retirees and travelers choose to supplement their coverage.

1. Medigap Plans

Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans — specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N — offer foreign travel emergency coverage.
These plans typically cover 80% of eligible emergency care costs after you meet a small deductible, for care received within the first 60 days of your trip.

2. Medicare Advantage Plans with Travel Benefits

Certain Medicare Advantage plans include worldwide emergency coverage. Always confirm the details with your insurer before leaving the country, since benefits and limits vary by plan.

3. Travel Health Insurance

Even if you have Medigap or Advantage coverage, consider purchasing travel medical insurance for added peace of mind.
These policies can cover:

  • Emergency medical care

  • Medical evacuation or air transport

  • Trip cancellation or interruption

  • Lost baggage or travel delays

Tips for Traveling with Medicare

Before you pack your bags, keep these travel tips in mind:

  • Bring your Medicare card and a copy of your supplemental insurance card.

  • Contact your plan provider to verify out-of-area or foreign travel coverage.

  • Locate nearby hospitals in your destination before you go.

  • Keep receipts and documentation if you pay for care abroad — you may be able to submit them for partial reimbursement.

  • Consider additional coverage if you’re traveling internationally for an extended period.

The Bottom Line

You can confidently use Medicare while traveling within the United States, but coverage outside the U.S. is limited. To avoid unexpected expenses abroad, consider a Medigap plan, a Medicare Advantage plan with global coverage, or travel insurance that protects you wherever you go.

At Lehigh Valley Medicare Advisors, we help clients understand their healthcare and retirement options — including how Medicare fits into their long-term plans.
If you have questions about how to protect your health (and your finances) while traveling, we’re here to help.