Many seniors enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid may assume that their coverage extends seamlessly overseas. However, that’s not the case. In fact, a U.S. passport contains language regarding international coverage with Medicare/Medicaid and encourages travelers to seek other solutions.
To protect yourself from unwanted surprises, Here are the gaps that could occur when relying only on Medicare/Medicaid insurance internationally.
Medicare/Medicaid policies have limited lifetime coverage overseas
Outside the United States, Medicare/Medicaid policies only carry a $50,000 lifetime maximum.
Just one medical evacuation can max out a policy and place you at risk of needing more coverage.
You must pay up front and file your claims later
Unlike with GeoBlue travel plan coverage, domestic policies hold seniors responsible for covering the costs of their treatment until they are able to file a claim for reimbursement.
In many cases the domestic policy will only pay for 80 percent of the cost.
Travelers coordinate their own care
GeoBlue coordinates hospital stays, arranges transportation, sets up direct pay, and monitors care.
Travelers relying on Medicare/Medicaid would be responsible for managing all those details while battling potential health issues in a foreign city.
Access to remote services
GeoBlue’s Global TeleMD™ smartphone application gives members access to live, remote consultations anytime, anywhere in the world, in their native language.
Unlike a domestic policy, they won’t have to leave their location to receive high-quality care.
