What type of coverage do Medicare enrollees receive for emergency health care while traveling abroad?

Medicare enrollees typically do not receive standard coverage for emergency health care while traveling abroad. Generally, Medicare itself offers limited coverage for health services outside the United States, which is why it is important for enrollees to consider additional options.

An additional benefit through a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap, specifically addresses this gap by providing coverage for health care services that are not covered by Medicare while traveling internationally. For example, certain Medigap plans can cover foreign emergency care after a deductible has been met, offering a degree of security for enrollees who travel outside the U.S.

Understanding that while standard Medicare coverage is primarily designed for domestic care reinforces the importance of supplemental insurance for international emergencies. This additional coverage can greatly help enrollees manage potentially high costs incurred in a foreign country.