Does Medicare work overseas, and what about other health insurance?
The short answer
Medicare.gov says Medicare usually does not cover health care while you are travelling outside the US, with a few narrow exceptions such as certain emergencies where a foreign hospital is closer than a US one. Some Medigap policies may cover emergency care abroad. This page covers Medicare only, so check separately with your credit card issuer and private insurer.
The general rule
Medicare.gov states that Medicare usually does not cover health care while you are travelling outside the US. When it does pay, it covers only Original Medicare services: Part A covers formal inpatient hospital stays and Part B covers related ambulance and doctor services. Medicare generally will not pay for return ambulance trips home.
The exceptions
Medicare.gov says that in rare cases Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor and ambulance services in a foreign country if you are eligible. The listed situations are as follows.
- A medical emergency while you are in the US, when the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital that can treat you.
- Emergency care in Canada while travelling between Alaska and another US state by the most direct route.
- Living in the US, when the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest suitable US hospital.
- Cruise ships: Part B may pay for medically necessary services if the ship is in a US port or no more than 6 hours from one.
Drugs, vaccines, claims and Medigap
Medicare drug plans do not cover prescriptions bought outside the US. Part D covers ACIP recommended vaccines, including some travel vaccines, with no copayment or deductible.
Foreign hospitals are not required to file Medicare claims, so you may need to submit an itemised bill yourself. Medicare.gov gives no dollar amounts on this page, as what you owe depends on other insurance and your doctor's charges.
Medicare.gov says Medigap policies may cover emergency care abroad, and links to a separate Medigap page for details. The official page did not address Medicare Advantage plans, so ask your plan directly.
Credit cards, private insurance and travellers from the UK or EU
we did not read an official page on credit card travel cover or on private health insurance, so I make no claims about them here. Check your card benefits guide and your insurer's policy wording for medical cover abroad.
Medicare applies to US residents. UK and EU travellers should check their own national arrangements. Rules and fees change, so check the official page linked below before you travel.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Travel outside the U.S.. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover me in Europe or other countries?
Medicare.gov says Medicare usually does not cover health care while you are travelling outside the US, apart from narrow exceptions.
Does Medicare cover cruises?
Medicare.gov says Part B may pay for medically necessary services if the ship is in a US port or no more than 6 hours from one.
Does Medicare pay for prescriptions bought abroad?
No. Medicare.gov says drug plans do not cover prescriptions bought outside the US.
Does Medigap cover emergencies abroad?
Medicare.gov says Medigap policies may cover emergency care abroad. Check your own policy for limits.
Will Medicare pay for a flight home?
Medicare.gov says Medicare generally will not pay for return ambulance trips home.
Does my credit card cover medical costs abroad?
This page does not cover that because we did not read an official source on it. Check your card issuer's benefits guide.