Medicare coverage for travel depends on whether you stay within the U.S. or venture abroad, and the distinction matters before you board a plane.

Within the United States, Original Medicare Part A and Part B cover emergency and urgent care at any hospital or doctor's office that accepts Medicare. That means an unexpected ER visit in Florida or California follows the same rules as care at home. However, routine or planned care outside your home state typically requires advance approval from your provider.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) vary by insurer. Many plans use regional networks, so traveling outside your plan's service area may mean paying out-of-pocket unless you seek emergency care. Call your plan before leaving to confirm coverage specifics for your destination.

International travel presents bigger gaps. Original Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside the U.S., except for limited situations near the border (Canada and Mexico under specific circumstances). Medicare Advantage plans rarely cover foreign care either.

Travelers on Medicare should purchase a travel health insurance policy specifically designed to fill these gaps. These policies typically cost $100 to $300 for a two-week trip and cover emergency medical care, evacuation, and sometimes routine care abroad. Companies like IMG Global, Allianz, and GeoBlue offer plans marketed directly to Medicare beneficiaries.

Before traveling, take these steps. Request a summary of benefits document from your Medicare plan. Carry your Medicare card and a list of current medications. Research hospitals and clinics at your destination through your insurance company's provider directory. Bring copies of prescriptions and vaccination records.

If you take prescription medications, verify that your pharmacy can fill refills while you're away. Some states and countries restrict medication quantities you can carry across borders.

The stakes for skipping this homework run high. A single hospital stay without coverage can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Emergency medical evacuation from overseas regularly exceeds $100,