Does Medicare cover you when you travel abroad?
Usually not. Plan before you go.
In most cases, Original Medicare doesn't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the United States. If you travel, it's worth knowing the exceptions and arranging other coverage.
The narrow exceptions
Part D doesn't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the US.
- You're in the US when an emergency happens and the nearest hospital is in another country.
- You're traveling through Canada without unreasonable delay by the most direct route between Alaska and another state when an emergency happens, and a Canadian hospital is closer.
- You live in the US and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest US hospital.
- Certain care on a ship in US waters or within 6 hours of a US port.
Medigap's foreign travel benefit
Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M and N pay 80% of the cost of emergency care during the first 60 days of a trip outside the US, after a yearly deductible, up to a lifetime limit.
Medicare Advantage
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency or urgent care abroad. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage before you travel.
Travel insurance
Travel medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage can fill the gap, especially for long trips or if you'd want to be flown home. Read the pre-existing condition terms carefully.
Common questions
Only in limited situations, such as when the ship is in US waters or within 6 hours of a US port. Otherwise, you'd need other coverage.
If you might return, dropping Part B could lead to a penalty and delay when you re-enroll. Weigh the premium against that risk.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Travel outside the U.S., Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Compare Medigap plan benefits, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.