Medicare and Health Insurance During International Travel

Article Highlights: 

• Medicare rarely covers emergency care or evacuation while traveling internationally, leaving many travelers exposed.
• Exceptions exist but are limited to border emergencies, Alaska transits through Canada, or proximity to foreign hospitals.
• Medigap and travel insurance can help, but they still fall short when immediate field rescue or evacuation is needed.
• Global Rescue offers unmatched emergency protection, including field rescue, medevac and 24/7 access to medical experts.
• Unlike insurance, Global Rescue requires no claims, deductibles or delays. Just fast, expert care when and where needed.

Many travelers assume their Medicare coverage follows them overseas, but the truth is far more limited. If you get sick or hurt while traveling abroad, your Medicare health insurance may not help. The costs for care, transport, or evacuation can be staggering.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself. Understanding Medicare’s limitations and how services like Global Rescue bridge the gap can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a catastrophic crisis.

Health Insurance During Travel Away From Home

Medicare, the US government health insurance program for people 65 and older and those with certain disabilities provides comprehensive domestic coverage. But once you step outside US borders, that coverage nearly disappears.

Medicare generally does not cover emergency medical transportation expenses for Americans traveling abroad. It also doesn’t cover routine care or elective procedures overseas. There are a few narrow exceptions, but they only apply in very specific situations.

Medicare’s international coverage is so limited it’s almost the exception, not the rule. Here are the only scenarios in which Medicare might cover emergency services abroad:

1. Emergency Near the Border: Medicare may cover care if you’re in the US, and a Canadian or Mexican hospital is closer than a US facility during an emergency.
2. Travel Through Canada: If you’re traveling directly between Alaska and another US state through Canada and have a medical emergency, Medicare may step in.
3. Proximity to a Foreign Hospital: If you live in the US and a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest US one, even non-emergency care may be covered.

Even in these rare cases, Medicare will only pay for medically necessary ambulance transport if you are admitted to a foreign hospital for covered inpatient services.

Outside of those circumstances? You’re on your own.

Health Insurance During International Travel

Let’s be clear: when it comes to health insurance during international travel, Medicare is not designed to protect you abroad. This includes:

• Routine Care Abroad: No coverage for check-ups, prescriptions or scheduled procedures outside the US.
• Emergency Services: Unless you fall under the exceptions above, Medicare will not cover foreign emergency room visits or urgent care.
• Medical Evacuation: If you need to be flown home or moved to a better hospital, Medicare provides no coverage — a service that can cost up to $300,000.

What Travelers With Medicare Can Do

That’s where services like Global Rescue come in. Unlike Medicare or Medigap supplemental plans, Global Rescue provides field rescue, medical evacuation and 24/7 medical advisory experts, from nearly anywhere in the world.

If you’re injured or fall ill in a remote area, Global Rescue comes to you. Our team can deploy helicopters, paramedics and even on-foot rescue personnel to stabilize and transport you to a suitable facility or your home hospital of choice.

There are no deductibles. No claim forms. No waiting for approvals. Just immediate, effective help.

If you want a more traditional health insurance-style backup while traveling, consider the following options:

• Medigap Plans (C, D, F, G, M, N): These plans offer limited foreign emergency coverage: 80% after a $250 deductible, with a $50,000 lifetime cap.
• Travel Insurance: These policies can be tailored for trip length and medical needs but often require you to get yourself to a hospital before benefits kick in.
• Travel Risk Management Services: Some offer evacuation services, but few match Global Rescue’s ability to deploy to your exact location.

Global Rescue is not an insurance company. It’s a membership-based travel protection service to support travelers in extreme and everyday medical situations.

The Global Rescue Connection

Global Rescue is an essential companion for Medicare users traveling abroad because it provides critical services that traditional Medicare does not. If you’re hospitalized and wish to return home, Global Rescue arranges and pays for the medically appropriate method of transport. Unlike insurance companies, there are no claims to file, no deductibles and no co-pays. In addition to emergency support, members have 24/7 access to real-time consultations with medical professionals, including paramedics, nurses and physicians, whether the issue is minor or life-threatening.

Activating Global Rescue services is designed to be simple and fast. If you’re sick or injured, you call the operations center at +1 (617) 459-4200 or reach out by email at operations@globalrescue.com. Medical professionals on staff will evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action. Whether you need help locating a pharmacy, arranging ground transport or coordinating an international medical evacuation, Global Rescue is equipped to manage the process. It’s important to note that field rescue and medical evacuation services must be arranged directly through Global Rescue for membership services to apply.

If you’re relying on Medicare alone, it may not be enough. Equip yourself with Global Rescue, and travel smart, safe and confident.