Can I use Medicare on Vacation?

Whether planning a trip to another state or going overseas, knowing the extent of your Medicare benefits on vacation can help you avoid unexpected medical expenses and ensure you receive the care you need if needed.

Understanding Medicare & Travel

First, it’s important to understand how the Medicare program is structured to understand how Medicare works with vacation and travel. You can learn more about Medicare by visiting boomerbenefits.com/understanding-medicare.

Medicare has four different parts, including Part A, B, C, and D. Each part covers various areas of medical coverage. Part A and Part B help cover inpatient and outpatient services, such as surgeries, medical equipment, doctor’s visits, and more.

Part C is another way to receive your Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance plan instead of the government. These plans, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, combine Part A, Part B, and often Part D benefits into one plan.

Part D is coverage for the prescription medications you receive from the pharmacy.

Medicare Coverage Within the United States

Whether or not you will have coverage across the United States depends on the type of Medicare plan you have. Coverage through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B through the government) will work differently than coverage through an Advantage plan.

Original Medicare on Vacation in the United States

Fortunately, if you receive your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B through the government), Medicare covers you anywhere in the United States as long as the provider you see accepts Medicare insurance.

If you see a provider that doesn’t accept Medicare insurance, your medical services will likely not be covered.

Medicare Advantage on Vacation in the United States

Advantage plans work differently from Original Medicare as they each have their own network of providers. Some Advantage plans can be more lenient with their networks, while others are more restrictive.

Also, depending on your plan’s policies, you may lose coverage if you are outside its network for too long.

You should check your exact plan to see what national coverage you have. To do this, you can refer to your plan’s Summary of Benefits or contact your plan’s insurance carrier directly.

Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

Original Medicare and Advantage plans work…