Does Medi-Share cover international travel?

Asked by: Mr. Dante Wyman  |  Last update: May 25, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (42 votes)

Bottom line up front: Yes, the Medi-Share 65+ healthsharing plan does help share medical expenses you may incur while traveling outside the United States. Some Medigap plans also help pay for medical care while traveling outside the U.S. But not all of them do.

What will Medi-Share not cover?

Screening Procedures – Colonoscopies, prostate exams, and mammograms are not shareable under Medi-Share. These are important screenings, but you should plan to pay for them with your own resources. Vaccinations and Immunizations – All costs related to immunizations are excluded.

Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

Does Medicaid cover international travel?

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas.

What are the disadvantages of Medi-Share?

One of the major drawbacks of a health share plan is limited coverage. Unlike traditional health insurance, these plans may not cover chronic conditions, pre-existing conditions, or expensive treatments.

How Medi-Share Works

22 related questions found

Is Medi-Share really worth it?

For most members, there is a substantial cost savings over health insurance. Most families can save $2,000 a year. They help cover adoption expenses (they sent us a check for $3,000 after our adoption!) They have been operating for 25 years.

What does Dave Ramsey say about Medi-Share?

After praising Christian healthcare sharing ministries in general, calling most of them "very reliable," Mr. Ramsey singles out Medi-Share's "great reputation." He then points out correctly that Christian health insurance alternatives are not insurance and don't face the same regulations as insurance companies.

How long can you be out of the country on Medicaid?

Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. If you are covered by Medicaid, you should be aware that coverage can be suspended if you remain outside of the country for more than 30 days.

Does Medicare cover foreign trips?

Medicare does not pay for medical services you receive outside the United States.

Do you have to notify social security when you travel internationally?

For a 30-day or full calendar month visit, you must provide a statement of the dates you entered and left the United States. The statement must include an explanation that you did not go outside the United States during these dates.

What happens if I get sick in a foreign country?

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

Do I need to tell insurance about going abroad?

Your motor insurance certificate. Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do. An International Driving Permit when necessary.

Does Medicaid cover hotel stays?

Under most situations and normal circumstances, neither Medicaid nor Medicare covers non-emergency travel expenses.

What type of insurance is Medi-Share?

Medi-Share is not insurance. Medi-Share is a healthcare sharing program where Christians share their financial resources to pay each other's medical expenses.

Can you go to any doctor with Medi-Share?

A: Medi-Share uses a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) called PHCS. This means that members can choose from a network of over 4,400 hospitals, 79,000 ancillary care facilities, and 700,000 individual healthcare professionals nationwide.

What is the difference between Medi-Share and samaritan?

Medishare receives the bills direct from the provider, Samaritan members receive the bills themselves and send those on to Samaritan to be shared.

Does my medical insurance cover international travel?

Private insurance might or might not offer coverage overseas, but again, it depends on the plan you have. So, the best way to find out whether your health insurance covers international travel is to contact your insurance provider.

What happens if you have to go to the hospital in another country?

The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.

Does Medicare cover trips to the doctor?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) will cover transportation only in certain situations, but generally it doesn't cover expenses when it's a routine trip from home to your doctor. Part A may cover emergency transportation services, and Part B may cover transportation if it's deemed medically necessary.

How long can I stay abroad without losing my benefits?

There's No Time Limit For Receiving Social Security Benefits Abroad. Luckily, there is no time limit on how long you can live outside the U.S. and still receive monthly Social Security payments. As long as proof of life documents are signed and returned annually, you'll still get paid.

What countries accept U.S. Medicare?

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

How does social security know if I leave the country?

USCIS extracts information from USCIS Forms I-131 (Application for Travel Document) and I-157 (Notice of Removal) and sends it to SSA. The system compares the information with account numbers on the supplemental security record (SSR) and, if there are any matches, sends an alert to the FO for development.

Does Medi-Share pay for prescriptions?

Are prescriptions eligible for sharing? The cost of CMS or FDA approved testing, treatments, and up to six months of FDA approved prescription drugs per eligible condition will be considered for sharing.

Does Medi-Share cover weight loss surgery?

Does Medi-Share Cover Weight Loss Surgery? Yes, Medi-Share generally considers medically-necessary bariatric and/or liposuction and similar surgeries to be sharable medical expenses, though subject to some pre-existing condition restrictions. Elective weight loss surgery will not qualify as shareable with Medi-Share.

How many people use Medi-Share?

As a faith-based program, members pray for each other and have agreed to share in expenses that align with their Christian faith. Each month, more than 400,000 Medi- Share members across America share more than $50 million of one another's medical expenses, approximately $650 million in medical bills annually.