Medicare and Foreign Travel

Name: Omaha Insurance Solutions
Price range: $$

When I was 23, I fell down a mountain while jobbing in Mexico. It was my 2nd trip. My tumble resulted in some serious scrapes and cuts. The nurse at the school I was studying strongly suggested that I get a tetanus shot since I couldn’t remember the last time I had had one. I found a doctor who under stood a little English and I supplied the rest in Spanish. I think he injected me with the right stuff because I didn’t die or turn green. I paid him $10 US dollars. I was no worse for the wear. It is easy to bounce back when you are 23.

I’m currently 53. I don’t think I would have bounced back as readily now, but I also probably would not been running up a mountain. Accidents, however, do happen. They happen at home, and they happen abroad. A common question I get from baby boomers who travel is: ‘what will Medicare cover abroad?’ The answer is fairly simple. Nothing. Now let me offer some nuance.

Medicare and Foreign Travel

Original Medicare will cover you if you find an American hospital in a foreign country. Not very likely. You could claim Medicare when you are on a cruise if you are within 6 hours of the mainland. Original Medicare is not your solution for medical coverage in a foreign land.
Medicare Advantage may cover you for emergency and urgency care needs worldwide with some plans. You need to check your specific Medicare Advantage plan. Check under emergency and urgent care.
Medicare supplements or Medigap plans offer some minimal coverage. You generally have a $250 deductible. They will pay 80% of the medical cost up to a $50,000 LIFETIME limit. Of course, any serious accident, heart attack, stroke etc. will eat into that amount very quickly. Check the specifics of your plan.
So what is the solution? One of two things. Cash. Don’t leave home without it, and travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip to cover anything devastating at a reasonable rate.
Vacation is about fun, so plan. Planning for the worst will insure that you have the best time during your time in the sun.

What Our Clients Are Saying About Omaha Insurance Solutions

Cheryl A.

After I acknowledged that I was nearing Medicare age, I realized I knew nothing about it so I reached out to two very informed friends. They both recommended Chris Grimmond. They praised his knowledge and helpfulness so I gave him a call. After meeting with Chris, I was 100% convinced that we would be working together. He answered all my questions and helped me understand the Medicare system. I feel confident I made the right decision to work with Chris and his team at Omaha Insurance Solutions.

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When it came time for me to enroll in Medicare, I had no idea what the process was or what types of coverage to expect. Christopher at Omaha Insurance Solutions took care of all of those questions and alleviated any anxiety with the process. His patience is outstanding and is outdone only by his knowledge of the products he represents. His services cost nothing, and he advocated for the best plan to fit my specific needs. I highly recommend Omaha Insurance Solutions when looking for answers to Medicare questions.

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The Medicare decision process was overwhelming for me. Chris and Angi did an exceptional job of laying out pros and cons for each option and patiently listened to my concerns and answered my questions. I never felt pressured to make a decision or steered in a direction that I was not 100% comfortable with. I trust Chris and would not hesitate to recommend Omaha Insurance Solutions to my family and friends.