Original Medicare’s usual rule
Care in another country is generally not covered. Medicare.gov describes limited exceptions — for example certain situations in Canada or Mexico when a foreign hospital is closer in an emergency, or when a U.S. hospital is not available. Those exceptions are narrow. Confirm on Medicare.gov before you travel. This is not travel insurance.
Medigap foreign-travel emergency
Some standardized letters (including Plan G and Plan N) include a foreign-travel emergency benefit with limits, a deductible, and a lifetime cap. Read the outline of coverage. It is not worldwide health insurance.
Medicare Advantage
Networks are usually local. Emergency and urgent coverage outside the service area, including abroad, varies by plan. Do not assume last year’s extra benefit still exists. Read this year’s Evidence of Coverage.
Common questions
- Does this site sell travel insurance?
- No. This page is Medicare education. Confirm foreign-care rules on Medicare.gov and with your outline of coverage.
Related topics
We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. This page is general education. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer Medicare Advantage and Part D products in California. The number of products available to you depends on your ZIP code. For a complete list of options, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 711, or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.