FIRST UP……. MORE ABOUT MEDICARE’S COVERAGE OUTSIDE THE U.S. – WHY TRAVELERS MAY WANT TO CONSIDER EXTRA PROTECTION………
If you’re on Medicare and planning to travel outside the U.S., you might assume your coverage follows you wherever you go. Based on all the questions I received after our last post, many people do.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case—Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally doesn’t pay for healthcare outside the country, except in a few rare situations.
Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans offer limited emergency coverage while traveling, but those benefits don’t provide full protection. If you’re heading overseas, relying on Medicare alone could leave you with huge out-of-pocket expenses if you get sick or injured. That’s why travel medical insurance for the duration of your trip is at least worth considering—it helps cover the medical costs Medicare won’t.
I’d buy it for myself and always suggest it for any family members or friends who are planning a trip outside the U.S.
When Does Medicare Cover Care Outside the U.S.?
There are only three situations where Medicare might pay for care abroad:
- You have a medical emergency in the U.S., but the nearest hospital is in Canada or Mexico.
- You’re traveling directly between Alaska and another U.S. state and need emergency care in Canada.
- You live in the U.S., but the closest hospital equipped to treat you is in another country.
Unless you fall into one of those rare situations, Medicare won’t pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, or routine care while you’re traveling abroad—which means any unexpected medical needs while traveling are your responsibility.
Medigap and Medicare Advantage – Do They Help?
Certain Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) plans cover some medical expenses abroad. However, this coverage isn’t comprehensive primary coverage—it has strict limits, only covers emergencies, and won’t pay for routine care, evacuation, or extended hospital stays.
Medicare Advantage plans may offer some emergency coverage, but benefits vary by plan and aren’t guaranteed.
Either way, you could still face high out-of-pocket costs. Neither of these options is very comprehensive if you experience a serious medical event, like a major illness, surgery, or extended hospital stay while traveling abroad.
Planning Ahead
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary traveling abroad, take time to review your coverage before you go:
- Check your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan’s emergency benefits.
- Consider buying travel medical insurance to fill in the gaps.
- Research the healthcare system in your destination so you know what to expect.
A little planning may ensure you get access to the medical care you need, save you thousands in the end, and provide some peace of mind while traveling.
Why Travel Medical Insurance May Make Sense
Unlike Medicare, travel medical insurance provides:
- Broader coverage, including hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, and urgent care.
- Emergency medical evacuation, ensuring you get transported to the nearest appropriate hospital or even back to the U.S. if needed.
- Higher coverage limits—often ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
A medical emergency overseas could be very costly. Evacuation costs could be off the charts. Medicare beneficiaries who travel often assume they’re covered—only to face huge bills when they realize they aren’t.
AND NOW FOR SOME GOOD HEALTH NEWS FOR COFFEE DRINKERS
I’ve listened to several podcasts extolling the health benefits of coffee, and recently, I read an article about the findings of a new study that explores how coffee consumption affects aging, both in terms of lifespan and health span (the years lived in good health). Here are the key takeaways:
- Longer Life & Healthier Aging: Drinking coffee regularly is linked to living about 1.8 years longer on average while also maintaining better health.
- Disease Prevention: Moderate coffee intake (around 3-5 cups per day) may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory issues, cognitive decline, and frailty.
- Helps Cells Stay Strong: Drinking coffee might do more than just wake you up or taste good—it has ingredients that help protect your cells and can positively impact your body at a fundamental level. It contains thousands of natural compounds, including polyphenols, which act like bodyguards for your cells. These compounds fight damage from harmful substances and reduce inflammation, which can help keep your cells stable and prevent changes that contribute to aging.
- Updated Recommendations? Traditional guidelines often warn against coffee consumption in older adults due to caffeine concerns. However, these new findings suggest that these recommendations should be re-evaluated, given coffee’s potential benefits.
Overall, moderate amounts of regular coffee consumption now appear to support both longer life and better health, making it more than just a morning pick-me-up!
If there are specific topics you’d like us to address in future issues please drop us a line at 65plus@bbginc.net with your suggestions.