Do we need travel insurance if we already have Medicare and a supplement?…

When you have Medicare Parts A and B and a supplement and are planning to travel internationally, it’s essential to know how your coverage works and whether travel insurance is a good idea or is necessary. Most Medicare plans and supplements have some limitations for travel. Thus, checking with your provider before committing to an additional travel plan is imperative.

My Plan G supplement with Aflac covers 80% of emergency travel expenses. Of course, I pay a monthly premium for this comprehensive plan. But, it doesn’t cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other services often offered by travel insurance, although a few of our credit cards provide such benefits. Also, for affordable outside travel insurance, there is a 180-day pre-existing clause that means no treatment was necessary during that period.

We cannot possibly cover all the costs and limitations for your travel insurance needs here. It’s imperative that you speak to your current insurance providers and potential travel providers about the best options for you. This isn’t necessarily complicated. A few phone calls and supporting documentation may be all you’ll need to put your mind at ease before committing to travel policy.

In months to come, we’ll work on this to find what works best for us before booking our plans for South Africa. Since plans and pricing often change based on market conditions, we will wait until a few months before traveling to firm up any potential travel plan.

Medicare’s Limitations for Travelers

Medicare generally doesn’t cover healthcare services outside the U.S. (with a few exceptions). This means that if you have an unexpected illness or accident while traveling abroad, you could be responsible for the entire cost of your medical care. Some Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage, but this is often capped and may not cover non-emergencies.

Important Medicare Facts for Travelers:

• Medicare Part A and B (Original Medicare): Coverage is mainly limited to the U.S. and its territories. Medicare might cover some emergency services in very limited cases, such as on a ship within six hours of a U.S. port or traveling between Alaska and the contiguous U.S. But routine or non-emergency care abroad isn’t covered.
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): Some Advantage plans may offer emergency care when traveling outside the U.S., but coverage and costs vary by plan. You’ll need to carefully check your plan’s details to know for sure.

Why Travel Insurance Can Be a Good Idea

Since Medicare doesn’t offer comprehensive international coverage, travel insurance can be a wise investment for peace of mind. Travel insurance can cover:

• Emergency medical expenses: Coverage for accidents, illnesses, or other urgent health needs while abroad.
• Medical evacuation: If you need to be transported back to the U.S. or a medical facility.
• Trip cancellation/interruption: If you must cancel your trip due to health reasons or other emergencies.
• Baggage loss or delay: Extra protection for lost or delayed luggage.

Many travel insurance plans offer tailored coverage for seniors or those on Medicare, so you can get the medical protection you need without worrying about hefty out-of-pocket expenses.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance with Medicare

1. Check if Medigap or Medicare Advantage Plans offer travel coverage: If you already have some coverage, you might only need supplemental travel insurance to fill the gaps.
2. Look for comprehensive medical coverage: Make sure your travel insurance offers high limits for emergency medical and evacuation expenses, as these can add up quickly.
3. Compare plans: Travel insurance varies widely. Look at customer reviews, plan details, and coverage limits to ensure you’re getting the right fit for your needs.
4. Consider pre-existing conditions: Some travel insurance policies include coverage for pre-existing conditions if you buy the plan soon after booking your trip.

With Medicare’s limitations, investing in a good travel insurance plan can give you the peace of mind that if something happens during your travels, you’ll be covered for medical costs and more.

As time passes and we begin checking our options in months to come, we’ll share what we’ve decided to do. But. each situation is different, and what we choose may not be suitable or necessary for you.

(And yes, the pies were delicious!)

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 4, 2014:

Gazebo at the park in Hilo, Big Island. For more photos, please click here.