Helpful FAQ's for Seniors
Does Medicare Cover You Overseas?
Medicare generally does not cover healthcare services for seniors traveling outside the United States, with very limited exceptions for emergencies. It is advisable to consider purchasing travel insurance for additional coverage while abroad.
Do Medicare Supplement policies provide coverage while traveling outside the U.S?
Original Medicare does not cover you when traveling outside the U.S.. If you have a Medicare Supplement there is limited international coverage that will come from Medicare Supplement Plans F, G and N.
These Plans; F, G and N provides emergency care services beginning the first 60 days of each trip outside the U.S.
- $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit.
- $250 annual deductible
- 80% coverage up to the $50,000 benefit.
I have Medicare and a supplement plan (F, G, or N) so how does it work?
The way this works is; when abroad if you become ill or injured, and it is considered an emergency or urgently needed care, go to the nearest medical facility that can properly care for you. You will need to pay for the care received at the time of service, with cash or credit card. International doctors, clinics or hospitals will not accept your Medicare Supplement card as payment.
Keep the itemized medical bill, and when you return to the states, send the medical bill to your medicare supplement carrier, and after they review the claim, and agree the medical services were necessary and considered an emergency or urgently needed, then your out of pocket cost will be reimbursed, minus the $250 deductible and 20% of the claim, up to a maximum of $50,000.
If you need care abroad, it is up to you to find the appropriate medical facility, your domestic carrier (Medicare Supplement company) will not be able to help you through your situation. They are simply not equipped to help advise you, where to go, how to navigate the current country’s medical system, or how to organize your ground or air medical transport.
Do I need an International Travel Medical Insurance plan?
A travel insurance company is unique in that they are accessible 24/7 to help with your situation. Also, they have translators who can speak to medical professionals, along with providing emergency medical evacuation coverage to assist you if an emergency strikes.
Most travel insurance policies are considered short-term, a few days up to 6 month. There is no medical review and the policy is very comprehensive, with high coverage limits and a wide range of deductible options. When I travel outside the U.S., this is the policy I buy for myself and family.
Worldwide coverage for family vacations, students, business travel or for anyone traveling or living abroad.
Is this medical insurance or travel insurance
This is a travel medical insurance plan designed to provide medical and emergency benefits outside your home country.
What is the difference between travel medical insurance and expatriate health insurance?
Most single-trip travel medical insurance plans offer coverage for trips up to approximately 182 days, depending on the plan selected. Plans for expatriates are considered long-term in design. Expatriate plans are generally for people living abroad for more than 6 months a year. In addition these longer term plans require the applicant to go through medical underwriting at the time of application. The Single Trip Platinum plan is a simple Online enrollment and the only medical criteria is whether or not the application has underlying medical coverage which if they do pre-existing conditions are covered during your trip.
Does Single Trip Platinum meet visa requirements?
The BCBS Global Single Trip plan is designed to meet or exceed most if not all VISA requirements from most countries. Once you have enrolled you can create an Online account in their member area of their website. When you are logged into your account you will have access to all related documents including a VISA Letter that you can customize for a specific country and print if needed. If you have specific questions simply reach out to our offices.
Can I buy this plan after I’ve already left home?
No — This plan is generally purchased before departure.
Does this plan cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes as long as you have and maintain existing underlying coverage. Examples of underlying coverage are Individual medical plans such as ACA Compliant plan, (Healthcare.gov), a group policy, Medicare. Please note: MEDICAID IS NOT considered Underlying Coverage.
Does the plan cover telemedicine?
Some travel medical plans include telemedicine benefits. Refer to plan documents for the specific telemedicine benefit details and any applicable terms.
If I need medical care or emergency evacuation are pre-existing conditions still covered?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions in emergency situations depends on plan rules and eligibility requirements, including any underlying coverage provisions. Refer to plan documents for specific terms.. Examples of underlying coverage are Individual medical plans such as ACA Compliant plan, (Healthcare.gov), a group policy, Medicare. Please note: MEDICAID IS NOT considered Underlying Coverage.
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