Does Medigap cover foreign travel? If you’re planning a trip abroad, this is one of the first Medicare-related questions you should ask. While Original Medicare usually doesn’t pay for care outside the U.S., some Medigap plans offer limited emergency coverage for international travel. In this blog, we’ll break down what’s included, how it works, and what you need to know before you board your flight.
Skyline Benefit, a leading Medicare insurance broker in California, helps seniors find Medigap plans with the right travel protection. Let’s explore what foreign travel coverage means under Medigap in 2025.
What Is Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage in Medigap?
Medigap (or Medicare Supplement Insurance) is designed to fill the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare. Some Medigap plans include foreign travel emergency coverage, which helps cover medical expenses when you’re outside the U.S.
Which Medigap Plans Cover Foreign Travel in 2025?
Only certain Medigap plans include international emergency benefits. In 2025, these plans include:
- Plan C
- Plan D
- Plan F
- Plan G
- Plan M
- Plan N
Plans E, H, I, and J (no longer sold) also included this benefit but are unavailable to new enrollees.
How Does Medigap Foreign Travel Coverage Work?
If your Medigap plan includes travel benefits, here’s how it typically works:
- Initial deductible: You pay the first $250 per year for foreign emergency care.
- Coverage limit: The plan pays 80% of the remaining costs (you pay 20%).
- Lifetime limit: There’s a $50,000 lifetime maximum per policy.
- Time limit: Coverage is available within the first 60 days of your trip abroad.
- Emergency only: The care must be for a medical emergency that would have been covered in the U.S.
Where Is Medigap Travel Coverage Not Accepted?
Medigap’s foreign emergency coverage applies only outside of the U.S. and its territories. That includes most countries — but excludes cruise ships docked in U.S. ports or care received while traveling within the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, or American Samoa.
When Should You Use Medigap Travel Coverage Instead of Travel Insurance?
Use Medigap foreign travel emergency coverage for short international trips where you want basic medical protection. But a travel insurance plan is a better fit if you’re traveling for an extended time or need coverage for things like trip cancellations, lost luggage, or emergency evacuation. Medigap is limited — it only covers medical emergencies abroad up to $50,000 and within the first 60 days of travel.
Why Should Travelers Consider Medigap Plans with Foreign Travel Coverage?
Choosing a Medigap plan that includes international emergency coverage provides peace of mind — especially if you’re a retiree who travels frequently. Financial protection from unexpected hospital visits, ambulance services, or urgent care abroad can prevent large out-of-pocket expenses.
How Can Skyline Benefit Help You Choose the Right Medigap Plan?
Finding a Medigap plan that includes foreign travel coverage isn’t just about picking any policy. At Skyline Benefit, we help you compare benefits, premiums, and travel coverage limits based on your lifestyle and travel habits.
Need Help Choosing a Medigap Plan with Foreign Travel Benefits?
Skyline Benefit is an independent Medicare insurance broker that offers affordable and flexible Medicare options. We specialize in Medicare Supplement Insurance and helps California residents find plans that fit their health and travel needs.
Schedule a consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112