Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are designed to work with your Original Medicare coverage. One of the benefits offered by some Medigap plans is coverage for foreign travel emergencies- which is a big plus for those who love to travel abroad. However, there’s a few things you should know about this coverage before you use it.

What Is Medigap?

Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies to help pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans are standardized and identified by letters (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N). Not all Medigap plans offer foreign travel emergency benefits, so it’s important to select the right plan if this is important to you.

Foreign Travel Emergency Benefits

Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide foreign travel emergency health coverage. Here are the key features and limitations of this coverage:

1. Initial Deductible: You pay a $250 annual deductible for foreign travel emergency services.
2. Coverage Limit: The plan covers 80% of the billed charges for certain medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S. after you meet the $250 deductible.
3. Lifetime Limit: There is a lifetime limit of $50,000 for foreign travel emergency coverage.
4. Time Limit: The emergency care must begin during the first 60 days of your trip outside the U.S. If your trip lasts longer, the coverage will not apply after the first 60 days.

Common Travel Scenarios

Medical Emergencies/Hospitalizations: If you have a sudden illness or injury while traveling abroad, your Medigap plan can help cover emergency care costs, provided you meet the initial deductible and are within the first 60 days of your trip.

Not Covered Scenarios:

Routine Care: Regular check-ups, non-emergency treatments, or elective procedures are not covered. If you plan to see a doctor abroad for a routine check-up, your Medigap will not pay for it.

Trips Longer Than 60 Days: If you are traveling abroad for an extended period (more than 60 days), any medical emergencies occurring after the initial 60 days are not covered.

Exceeding Lifetime Limit: If you have already reached the $50,000 lifetime limit for foreign travel emergency coverage, any further claims will not be covered.

Tips for Travelers

• Supplement with Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing additional travel insurance to cover medical emergencies beyond the Medigap limits and for non-covered scenarios.
• Understand Your Coverage: Review your Medigap plan details before traveling to ensure you know what is covered and the limitations.
• Stay Within the 60-Day Window: If you frequently travel for long periods, plan your trips to stay within the 60-day coverage window to maximize your benefits.

Medigap’s foreign travel emergency coverage can provide peace of mind for international travelers, but it’s important to understand its limitations and plan accordingly. Our AMAC Medicare Advisors are here to help you get the coverage you need, wherever you go.

For help with Medicare plans – or any questions you may have about Medicare – contact AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service at 1-855-611-4856 or request a quote below!