Traveling With Medicare

Retirement opens the door to adventures — whether that means visiting family in another state, taking a road trip cross-country, or setting sail on a bucket-list cruise. But here’s the big question: will your Medicare coverage boldly go with you?

Let’s look at how Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplements (Medigap) work when you’re traveling in the U.S. and abroad.

Medicare in the U.S.: Exploring New Worlds at Home

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Original Medicare is like having a Federation passport — it works almost everywhere in the U.S. Any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare can treat you, whether you’re in New York, Florida, or somewhere in between.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage works differently. These plans are built around networks, usually tied to your home service area. What to know:

• If you travel and see a doctor outside your network, you may pay more, or, with an HMO, it may not be covered unless it’s an emergency.

• Some Advantage plans — especially certain PPOs — offer state reciprocity, which lets you see in-network providers in other states. This is worth checking if you’re a snowbird or frequent traveler.

Think of Advantage plans like starships assigned to a specific sector. They work beautifully in their home zone, but you’ll want to confirm your “clearance” before venturing too far.

Medigap (Supplement Plans)

Medigap works anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. There are no networks, no restrictions — if the provider takes Medicare, your Medigap plan follows right along. This gives you maximum flexibility, like having a universal translator wherever you go.

Medicare Abroad: The Final Frontier

Traveling overseas? That’s where things change.

• Original Medicare: Generally does not cover care outside the U.S. or its territories.

• Medicare Advantage: Some plans may cover limited emergency care abroad, but benefits vary — always check before you pack your bags.

• Medigap: Certain plans (C, D, F, G, M, and N) provide foreign travel emergency coverage. This benefit includes up to $50,000 in lifetime emergency coverage abroad (after a deductible and coinsurance).

• Travel Insurance - For longer or frequent overseas trips, it’s often wise to add a separate travel insurance policy — even Captain Kirk wouldn’t head into uncharted space without backup.

Tips Before You Engage Warp Speed

• Always carry your Medicare card — and your Advantage or Supplement card if you have one.

• Call your plan before traveling to ask how coverage works where you’re going.

• If heading abroad, consider a supplemental travel medical insurance plan.

Final Log Entry

So before you pack your bags — whether it’s for a cross-country trip or a cruise around the globe — make sure your Medicare plan is ready to boldly go wherever your retirement adventures take you to avoid being stranded without care.

Traveling with Medicare