For those who are retired – or preparing for retirement – having the time to travel is often one of the most exciting and eagerly anticipated aspects of this next phase of life. From where to stay to where to dine, much thought goes into planning an itinerary.
The last thing you want to think about when gearing up for a trip is access to medical care, but it is important to ensure you’re covered just in case you need care unexpectedly.
If you are eligible for Medicare, now is the time of year to ensure you have the coverage you want for 2025. Changes happen with health plans each year, which is why it’s important to know what might be different with your plan from one year to the next. Take the time to review your options, so you choose the plan that meets your personal health and lifestyle needs.
The annual enrollment period is open Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for individuals to select Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans for 2025. If you’re not familiar, Medicare Advantage plans, offered through private insurance carriers, cover medical bills and doctors’ visits like Original Medicare, but many also cover prescription drugs and often include extra benefits like routine dental, vision or hearing coverage.
If you are an avid traveler, here’s what you need to keep in mind when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.
Will Medicare Advantage cover me when I travel out of state?
There is sometimes a misconception that you can’t travel with Medicare Advantage. The type of plan and your carrier’s network will determine your coverage when you leave home. If travel is a priority for you, then that’s something you need to look at when comparing plans. For instance, at Humana, we have designed some of our PPO plans in certain areas, like the Humana Full Access PPO, for our members who love to travel, so they have the freedom and flexibility to visit doctors throughout the country, and it will cost the same as when they are at home.
What if I’m traveling abroad?
Generally, healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered by Medicare; however, some Medicare Advantage plans will cover emergency care for enrollees traveling abroad. For example, all Humana Medicare Advantage plans include worldwide emergency coverage. If you plan to leave the country, check your insurance plan to determine what kind of services you could receive abroad and at what expense. Travel health insurance for an international trip may be a good idea, especially if you have health conditions that could require continual care.
Are prescription medications covered when traveling?
The short answer is it depends. If you’re traveling within the U.S., most Part D prescription drug plans, whether they are part of a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone plan, can be used anywhere within the U.S. and its territories at in-network pharmacies, but prices may vary depending on whether you use a preferred cost-sharing pharmacy.
For international travel, most vaccines you may need prior to traveling outside the U.S., like yellow fever, will be covered under Part D. Some vaccines are required weeks before your departure, so be sure to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or travel doctor to ensure you’re all set before you jet. However, Part D won’t cover prescription medications purchased outside of the U.S., so be sure to get what you need before traveling and bring an adequate supply to account for possible travel delays.
To learn more about choosing the right Medicare plan for you, visit Humana.com/MedicareBasics.
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.
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