Do Medicare Supplement plans typically cover international travel?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, typically offer some limited emergency coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling outside the United States. This is particularly important for Medicare beneficiaries who may want to travel abroad, as original Medicare does not cover healthcare services outside the U.S., except in certain specific situations.

Under these plans, coverage for foreign travel emergencies can vary, but most provide a cap (such as 80% of the billed charges for medically necessary care) after a deductible is met and typically only up to a maximum limit (for example, $50,000) during the lifetime of the individual. This limited coverage often applies to emergency care that could not wait until the individual returns to the United States, ensuring that enrollees have some financial protection against unexpected medical situations while abroad.

Options suggesting full coverage or no coverage at all do not accurately reflect the reality of Medigap policies. Since the aim of these plans is not to cover routine healthcare expenses outside the U.S. or provide comprehensive global medical insurance, stating that there is limited emergency coverage aligns with the true nature of Medicare Supplement plans regarding international travel.