Hello Toni,
I met you in 2023 for a personalized Medicare consultation with Toni Sez. I’m planning a trip to Italy in September, so I have a quick question about traveling outside of the United States. Which Medicare plans cover emergency medical expenses while traveling abroad?
I received some Medicare advice from my travel agent and I’m very confused. I’ve heard that some Medicare plans, such as Plan F, offer travel medical coverage, but others, including Plan G (which I am enrolled in), do not. Is this true?
— Laura from Dallas
Hello Laura:
The advice you were given is not accurate.
Medicare does not cover medical emergencies while traveling abroad. This is an additional benefit covered by your Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap).
Medicare Supplemental Plans F and G (and C, D, M, and N) all cover the same limited amount of emergency international travel. These plans will pay for emergency medical expenses for the first 60 days of your trip outside the United States. There is a $250 deductible and the Medicare Supplement Plan pays “only” 80%, giving him a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000. 20% plus a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
No one knows the cost of air ambulances overseas. Laura, talk to your travel agent or look online for true traveler insurance to cover all your medical needs when traveling to countries around the world.
However, be aware that not all travel insurance plans include medical coverage. Before purchasing travel insurance, it is important to read the terms and limitations of the plan carefully.
Another important note: Original Medicare and Medicare Part D plans only cover medical and prescription drug costs within the U.S., so be sure to bring enough prescription medication with you while you’re abroad, or you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
However, there are also newer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that will pay for your medical expenses abroad. Make sure you are enrolled in that specific MA plan in case there is a medical event associated with your international trip. Coverage and rules vary depending on the MA plan you choose, so call your MA plan to find out how to receive emergency medical benefits outside of the United States.
Readers, remember that there is a Medicare rule that says you cannot enroll in Original Medicare for a supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
Laura, the travel agent you were talking to, also doesn’t know that Plan F is no longer available to those enrolled in Medicare Part A after January 1, 2020. (Chapter 3 of the Medicare Survival Guide describes the rules for enrolling in Medicare.) Supplemental Plans. ) If you are currently enrolled in Medicare Supplement Plan F and want to change to Plan G or N, which has lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, answer medical underwriting questions to qualify for that particular plan. is needed. .
Here are the differences between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N:
• Plan G provides similar premiums and the same Medicare benefits as Plan F, except that Medicare Part B deductibles are not covered and are paid by enrolled Medicare beneficiaries. The Part B deductible for 2024 is $240, which is the Plan G copay.
• Plan N generally has lower premiums than Plan G, but out-of-pocket costs are higher. He has a $20 copay for doctor’s visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits. Part B deductibles are also not covered, and Part B “excess charges” are not paid by the insurance company (Plan G pays them).
Laura, this is not the first time someone has contacted the Toni Says Medicare team due to inaccurate Medicare information. Readers should always check their coverage before traveling abroad.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. She has worked as a top sales leader in this field for nearly 30 years. If you have questions about Medicare, please email [email protected] or call 832-519-8664. “Medicare Her Survival Guide Her Advanced” edition and her new “Confused About Medicare” video series are available below. www.tonisays.com.
