Retiree Health Care Coverage Overseas

According to the AARP, an estimated 44% of Americans over the age of 50 expect to travel internationally in 2025.¹

Overseas travel may be one of the more popular aspirations in retirement, but it does beg an important question: Will your health insurance coverage travel with you?

Medicare Coverage Outside the U.S. Is Limited

In most cases, Medicare will not cover costs for health care or supplies obtained outside the U.S. (including its territories), except in three situations:²

• You are in the U.S. when a medical emergency arises and a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. one.
• You are traveling through Canada on a direct route between Alaska and another state when an emergency arises.
• You live in the U.S., and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than a U.S. one, regardless of whether it's an emergency.

Medigap Coverage May Travel with You

Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private insurance companies, which is designed to fill in the "gaps" of Medicare coverage. If you own a Medigap policy, plans C through J, as well as M and N, offer travel emergency coverage. It has a $250 deductible with a $50,000 lifetime maximum. It will pay for 80% of emergency care and applies only during the first 60 days of the trip.²

No Medigap?

Travelers who do not have Medigap coverage, but have health insurance coverage through private plans, such as Medicare Advantage, should check their plan to determine coverage while traveling.

If you do not have coverage when traveling overseas, policies may be purchased that will cover medical expenses incurred outside the U.S., including evacuations.

1. AARP.org, March 6, 2025
2. Medicare.gov, 2025

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

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