Medicare & travel

Medicare when you travel in the US

Original Medicare works anywhere in the United States and its territories — you can see any provider who accepts Medicare, in any state. Medicare Advantage plans are different: their networks are usually local, so outside your plan’s area you may only be covered for emergency and urgent care unless the plan offers nationwide or travel coverage.

Reviewed by Scott Stafford, Licensed Insurance Agent

Last updated

With Original Medicare

This is where Original Medicare shines. Because it’s a federal program with no network, your coverage travels with you anywhere in the country. You can walk into any doctor’s office or hospital that accepts Medicare — the vast majority do — whether you’re an hour from home or across the country. If you have a Medigap policy too, it travels the same way, so your out-of-pocket costs stay predictable on the road.

With Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans are built around local networks, so traveling takes more planning. Outside your plan’s service area, you’re generally covered for emergency and urgent care anywhere in the US, but routine care from an out-of-network provider may cost more or not be covered at all. Some plans — often PPOs or ones marketed to travelers — include broader or nationwide coverage, so if you travel frequently, it’s worth checking your plan’s travel rules before you go.

Filling prescriptions away from home

With a Part D drug plan, you can fill prescriptions at any pharmacy in the plan’s national network, which usually makes refills on the road straightforward. Using an out-of-network pharmacy can cost more, so it helps to check whether your chain has locations where you’re headed, or to set up mail-order delivery for a longer trip.

Travel within the US a lot? Original Medicare paired with a Medigap plan gives you the most freedom to get care anywhere without worrying about networks.

Common questions

Medicare when you travel in the US FAQ

Does Original Medicare work in other states?
Yes. Original Medicare has no network, so it covers you with any provider who accepts Medicare anywhere in the US and its territories. A Medigap policy travels the same way.
Does Medicare Advantage cover me when I travel?
For emergency and urgent care, yes, anywhere in the US. For routine care outside your plan’s area, coverage depends on the plan — some PPOs and travel-focused plans cover more, so check before you go.
Can I fill my prescriptions while traveling?
Yes, at any pharmacy in your Part D plan’s national network. Out-of-network pharmacies can cost more, so check for in-network locations where you’re traveling or use mail order.

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