Key Takeaways
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Original Medicare generally covers you anywhere in the U.S., but your plan type and destination matter—especially when traveling outside the country.
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Medicare Advantage plans may limit your coverage to specific geographic areas, and you should always check your plan’s travel and emergency policies before leaving.
Medicare Coverage While Traveling Within the U.S.
When you’re traveling across the United States in 2025, how your Medicare works depends on what type of Medicare plan you have. The good news is that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically provides nationwide coverage.
Original Medicare
If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or go to any hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as:
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Puerto Rico
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Guam
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U.S. Virgin Islands
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American Samoa
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Northern Mariana Islands
There are no networks involved, which makes it a flexible option for domestic travel.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans work differently. These plans usually operate with a network of providers and may include rules about where you can receive routine, non-emergency care.
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HMO Plans often limit coverage to in-network providers and may not cover care you receive outside of your service area unless it’s an emergency.
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PPO Plans typically offer more flexibility, allowing you to receive care from out-of-network providers, but it may cost more.
Before traveling, check your plan’s coverage area and network restrictions. Many Advantage plans offer emergency coverage nationwide, but routine care may not be covered outside of your local region.
Emergency Care Coverage on the Road
Medicare Part A and Part B cover emergency and urgent care services regardless of where you are in the U.S., as long as the provider accepts Medicare.
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, federal rules require your plan to cover emergencies anywhere in the country.
You should carry your Medicare card and your plan’s contact information with you at all times. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer travel emergency numbers or app-based tools to help you locate approved providers quickly.
Traveling Internationally: What Medicare Covers
Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover healthcare services outside the U.S. However, there are some limited exceptions:
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You’re in the U.S., but a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you.
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You need emergency care while traveling through Canada between Alaska and another U.S. state, and a Canadian hospital is the closest option.
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You’re on a ship within six hours of a U.S. port.
If none of these apply, you’re likely not covered by Original Medicare abroad. Medicare won’t pay for routine or elective care outside the U.S. and its territories.
Medigap Plans and International Travel
Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies do offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage. This usually applies:
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During the first 60 days of a trip.
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After you pay a deductible, the plan may pay 80% of eligible charges.
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There’s often a lifetime limit on this benefit.
It’s important to know whether your current Medigap policy includes this feature. If not, consider purchasing separate travel medical insurance.
Medicare Advantage and International Travel
Some Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 may offer limited global emergency coverage, but this varies by plan. You must verify the rules before traveling abroad. Even if emergency care is covered, reimbursement may require:
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Paying upfront and filing a claim later.
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Submitting detailed medical records and itemized bills.
Make sure you understand your plan’s claims process and required documentation before you go.
Prescription Drug Coverage While Traveling
Your Part D prescription drug plan—whether standalone or bundled in a Medicare Advantage plan—also has limitations when traveling.
Within the U.S.
Your Part D coverage is generally valid at any in-network pharmacy across the country. Many plans have nationwide pharmacy chains in their networks.
Before you leave, you should:
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Refill prescriptions in advance if possible.
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Locate network pharmacies in your destination area.
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Ask your plan if it offers mail-order pharmacy services that ship to your location.
Outside the U.S.
Medicare drug plans do not cover prescriptions filled abroad. If you’ll be gone for an extended time, check if you can get a supply for up to 90 days before departure.
For longer stays, travel medical insurance that includes drug coverage may be necessary.
Telehealth and Virtual Care While Traveling
In 2025, Medicare continues to support many telehealth services, especially after policy expansions in previous years.
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Original Medicare allows certain virtual visits with approved providers.
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Medicare Advantage plans often include even broader telehealth coverage, including services like urgent care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.
Whether you’re on the road domestically or temporarily overseas, telehealth can be an important backup.
Requirements for Accessing Telehealth
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You need a stable internet connection.
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Some services may require a U.S. location for the provider to legally conduct the session.
Always check with your provider and plan to confirm what’s available while traveling.
Planning Tips for Medicare Travelers
To avoid surprises and stay protected, here’s a checklist you can follow before you travel:
1. Contact Your Plan
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Ask about coverage rules for both domestic and international travel.
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Request written information or access your online plan portal.
2. Pack Your Medicare Essentials
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Your Medicare card (or plan card)
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List of current medications and dosages
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Emergency contact and insurance hotline numbers
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Travel medical insurance card, if applicable
3. Know What’s Covered
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Confirm whether emergency care is covered internationally.
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Understand how your deductible and coinsurance work outside your usual coverage area.
4. Prepare for the Unexpected
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Have a financial backup plan for out-of-pocket expenses overseas.
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Carry a credit card that can be used internationally.
5. Bring Backup Copies
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Photocopies of your ID and Medicare cards
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Extra prescription documentation from your doctor
What If You’re Moving Temporarily?
If you’re planning a temporary or seasonal move (such as living in another state for part of the year), you need to consider how that affects your Medicare plan.
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Original Medicare: No action needed, as long as your providers accept Medicare.
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Medicare Advantage: You may need to switch plans if your current one doesn’t operate in your new area. This can usually be done through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
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Part D plans: Coverage area matters—check if your standalone plan serves your new ZIP code.
Notify Medicare and your plan about your new address to avoid disruptions.
Where You’re Going Affects How Medicare Travels with You
Whether you’re planning a trip across the U.S. or heading abroad, Medicare doesn’t travel exactly the same everywhere. Original Medicare offers the broadest U.S. coverage, while Medicare Advantage plans may require extra planning. International travel introduces more complexity, especially when it comes to emergency care and prescriptions.
Before you book that trip, take the time to review your Medicare plan, clarify your coverage, and secure any extra protections you may need. If you’re unsure, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website for expert guidance tailored to your travel needs.
