Not having an insurance policy for the right situation could mean having to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, so it’s important to know what all your options are. What your needs are will depend on the type of policy that you purchase and how much money you want to put into a policy.
If you’re going to be traveling during retirement, then you’re probably wondering if your Medicare policy will provide coverage wherever you go. At Turning 65 Solutions, we’ll help answer that question!
Medicare Coverage for International Travel
While there are some exceptions, Medicare does not generally provide international coverage. This means that you will need to cover your own costs if you seek medical care while traveling. If this sounds overwhelming, consider purchasing a temporary health insurance policy that would extend to the place that you’re traveling.
Coverage Exceptions
While Medicare does generally cover care that’s within the U.S., there are a few exceptions to this. This geographical definition does include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. There are a few services that may be covered in the event that you’re on a ship within U.S. territory. These services are covered through Part B of Medicare.
Another exception is if, in an emergency situation, a foreign hospital makes more geographical sense than an American one. This is extremely dependent on location and is very rare. In a non-emergency situation, the foreign hospital can only be used if it’s a shorter distance to your home than an American hospital is.
Medigap
Medigap is another type of policy that’s related to Medicare. Instead of providing its own individual coverage, it lessens the amount of Medicare costs that individuals have to pay. Some of the Medigap plans do include coverage for foreign medical emergencies. These Medigap plans include C, D, F, G, M, and N.
Let Turning 65 Solutions Help You!
If you have a trip in the future and you’re wanting to know what your Medicare coverage options are, Turning 65 Solutions is here to help. Retirement is a great time to travel and you should make the right preparations if you’re preparing to do so. Feel free to book an appointment so we can discuss all of your policy options. We’re here to provide you with the answers and coverage you need!