Supplemental insurance to Medicare while traveling out of the country

[omni550]

For those who are on Medicare and travel outside the U.S, how do you handle medical insurance coverage outside the U.S.? Do you purchase an additional supplemental insurance policy to cover medical expenses incurred when you are traveling? If so, do you have a provider you'd like to recommend?

I have a Plan G supplemental gap insurance which, if I understand it correctly, offers 80% coverage (after you meet the $250 annual deductible) for medical expenses outside the U.S. with a $50K lifetime cap. Trying to figure out if I need more insurance.

omni

 

[nwsteve]

While Medicare Plan F&G provide 50K life time coverage, my experience is you need to be prepared to pay any foreign medical out-of-pocket at the time of service. You should also expect to spend an amazing amount of time submitting foreign invoices to your Plan B provider who is likely to only recognize usual and customary amount and apply the 20% deductible to that amount.
We have found it is worthwhile to buy medical insurance for our foreign travels and be sure the insurance co will take primary position for any claims, including paying medical providers directly.
Check out the threads on buying travel insurance for stories and provider suggestions. I have used Squaremouth.com originally recommended by Chris Elliott, travel columnist for our foreign travels.
Good Luck
Nwsteve

 

[omni550]

While Medicare Plan F&G provide 50K life time coverage, my experience is you need to be prepared to pay any foreign medical out-of-pocket at the time of service. You should also expect to spend an amazing amount of time submitting foreign invoices to your Plan B provider who is likely to only recognize usual and customary amount and apply the 20% deductible to that amount.
We have found it is worthwhile to buy medical insurance for our foreign travels and be sure the insurance co will take primary position for any claims, including paying medical providers directly.
Check out the threads on buying travel insurance for stories and provider suggestions. I have used Squaremouth.com originally recommended by Chris Elliott, travel columnist for our foreign travels.
Good Luck
Nwsteve

Thanks, nwsteve. I'll check out Squaremouth.com.

I just spoke about this supplemental medical travel insurance with my friend who took up permanent residence in Canada. He also travels quite a bit, sometimes a quick jaunt to the US and other times a month-long trip to Europe. He says he has a policy thru AIG/SunLite insurance which he purchases on an annual basis for max. coverage (IIRC $5 million). He says he just 'sets it and forgets it' by buying it once/year vs buying medical insur every time he leaves the country.

omni