How to Stay Covered While Traveling This Summer with Medicare

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road or hop on a plane for a relaxing getaway — especially for seniors enjoying retirement. But while you’re planning your vacation, it’s just as important to plan for your healthcare needs while away from home. What happens if you get sick while traveling? Will Medicare cover care in another state or country?

At BroadZero, we specialize in helping seniors in Philadelphia understand how to stay protected with Medicare no matter where summer takes you. Here’s everything you need to know about staying covered while traveling this summer.

Does Original Medicare Cover Travel?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. That means if you’re traveling domestically — to another state or even places like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands — you’re still covered for:

• Hospital stays (Part A)
• Doctor visits and outpatient care (Part B)

However, Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S. This means international travelers may face out-of-pocket costs if they require emergency medical services abroad.

What About Medicare Advantage Plans?

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your travel coverage depends on your specific plan’s rules and provider network. Most Medicare Advantage plans:

• Do cover emergency and urgent care nationwide
• May limit non-emergency care to in-network providers in your service area

That means if you’re traveling out of state and need a routine visit or check-up, it may not be covered — or you might pay more out of pocket.

However, some plans offer broader travel coverage, especially PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans or those that include worldwide emergency care. BroadZero can help you check your plan to see exactly what’s included before you leave town.

Does Medicare Cover Travel Abroad?

Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover healthcare services outside the U.S., but there are exceptions, including:

• If you’re traveling through Canada on a direct route to Alaska
• If you’re on a cruise and receive care within six hours of a U.S. port

To be fully protected internationally, consider purchasing a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan that includes foreign travel emergency coverage. Most Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover up to 80% of medically necessary emergency care abroad, up to plan limits.

Tips for Traveling Seniors on Medicare

• Carry your Medicare card and supplemental insurance info
• Bring a list of medications and doctors
• Check with your provider or BroadZero about network restrictions
• Consider travel insurance with medical coverage for international trips
• Save Medicare’s contact number: 1-800-MEDICARE

Conclusion

With the right planning, you can enjoy a safe, worry-free summer vacation. Whether you’re traveling across the country or overseas, understanding your Medicare travel coverage is key to avoiding costly surprises. BroadZero is here to help Philadelphia seniors make sense of Medicare and ensure they’re protected — wherever the summer takes them.