Can Medicare Supplement plans be used outside of the U.S.?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, typically do not provide coverage for healthcare services received outside of the United States. This is a crucial point for beneficiaries to understand, as many may assume their Medigap policies would cover them while traveling or residing abroad.

While certain emergency scenarios might be covered under specific plans, the general rule is that most Medigap policies have no foreign travel coverage. This means that if you are outside the U.S. and require medical attention, the costs for those services will not be reimbursed by your Medigap plan. Beneficiaries may need to seek alternative travel insurance for coverage when overseas.

Some supplemental plans may offer limited benefits during emergencies outside the U.S., but this does not constitute full coverage. Therefore, understanding this limitation is vital for anyone considering their healthcare options while traveling internationally.