If you’re a snowbird, sunbird or frequent traveler, you need a Medicare plan that follows you wherever you go.
If your bucket list includes all 50 states
Original Medicare Parts A and B, (which include hospital and medical coverage), are great for people who spend a lot of time traveling or living in different states for long periods of time. You’ll have coverage at any clinic or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. Expect to pay the same amount for care no matter where you are. And if you have a prescription drug plan (called Medicare Part D), they’ll often work wherever you are in the U.S., too.
If you fly south for the winter
Medicare Cost plans, which are private health plans with extra benefits, can be a great choice. If you need care while traveling, you can use your Original Medicare card and see any provider that accepts Medicare. However, some Cost plans offer a travel benefit that allows you to keep your coverage when you travel for several months at a time. Another bonus – many Cost plans also offer coverage for emergency and urgent care overseas.
Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private health insurance providers, are another great choice. Know that many of these options typically require you to get care from specific in-network doctors. You’ll want to call your insurance provider and ask about the coverage available when you’re traveling out of state. However, there are many Medicare Advantage plans that offer travel benefits – it just varies based on each plan.
Some states, like Minnesota, offer Medicare Supplement plans. These plans help fill in the gaps that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. With these plans, you can take your plan anywhere in the United States and keep your same coverage.
Original Medicare can be used wherever you’re currently based in the U.S. and will typically provide coverage for Medicare-covered services. For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan, it depends on your provider. Some plans can include out-of-network coverage, but you may pay more for care.
If retirement means a permanent move
If you make a permanent move, you’ll be able to sign up for a different Medicare plan in your new area.
Planning to do some globetrotting? Learn about the best Medicare plans for people who spend time in different countries.
If you want to change your plan because you’re moving, you can tell your plan starting the month before the month you move, and for up to two months after you move.
