Many retirees look forward to traveling, including international travel. But don't assume that Medicare or your Medicare supplement policy will cover your care in another country, without the purchase of additional insurance.

Medicare has extremely limited coverage for international travel, even if there is an emergency. Here's what you need to know:

1. Medicare Part A will not cover care outside the US unless (a) the nearest hospital is in a foreign country rather than in the U.S. (e.g. Canada or Mexico) or (b) you are traveling through Canada to or from Alaska by the most direct route.
2. Medicare Part B will only cover services outside the U.S. if you are on board a ship which is less than six hours away from a U.S. port and within territorial waters adjoining U.S. land.
3. Some Medicare supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans may cover care while you are traveling outside the U.S. – check your policy –but probably only during the first month or two of your trip.
4. Consider purchasing additional coverage through policies available from private companies. The U.S. Department of State has information on this at http://tinyurl.com/elr-insurance-abroad

Note: Medicare does cover care in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Under no circumstances will Medicare pay for your care if you are living in a foreign country. Consider the following:

1. If the country has a strong national health plan, you may be able to pay into the plan and receive coverage.
2. Look into “expatriate” health insurance plans available from private companies.
3. If you are moving to a place which is remote or has poor local health care, look into evacuation coverage.
4. Make sure the coverage includes any preexisting conditions for which you might need care.
5. Think twice before canceling your Medicare “B” coverage. If you later move back to the U.S., you will incur penalties and have to pay a significantly higher premium.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This information should not be construed as rendering legal advice or offering an answer to a specific legal problem.