Traveling Abroad? Health Care To-Do’s

We know that traveling abroad entails a long list of to-do’s! Passports, packing, planning, etc… But don’t forget about your health care coverage!

If you have Original Medicare, your health supplies and services are covered when you’re in the United States. However, if you travel overseas, it’s important to know that in most cases, Medicare will not pay for the services you use outside the U.S.

• If you have a Medigap policy or any other Medicare plan outside of Original Medicare, check your policy to see if it includes coverage outside the U.S. (and to what extent). Our SFG Benefit Specialists can assist you with this.
• If your current policy will not be sufficient coverage, it could be smart to purchase a travel insurance policy.

According to a recently released study, traditional domestic health insurance, including Medicare, may not provide travelers abroad with the comprehensive medical coverage that travel insurance does. Travel insurance can cover such medical instances, as well as cancellations, emergency evacuation, travel protection, baggage protection, and accidental death and dismemberment.

It’s always important to make sure you understand what exactly is covered by your plan, especially in the case of traveling abroad. Knowing where your current plan coverage ends and begins and where a travel insurance plan could be of use is something SFG Benefit Specialists are eager to help with.

By taking the time to check out your health coverage before you travel abroad, you can put your mind at ease and have a more relaxing trip. If you would like more information on foreign travel or would like guidance about travel insurance, watch this video or call our office at (865) 777-0153.