Does Medicaid cover international travel?

Asked by: Diana Mayer  |  Last update: May 17, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

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. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.

What countries accept U.S. 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 my medical insurance cover international travel?

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.

Can you use Medicaid on vacation?

As long as you tell medicaid you're on vacation and not staying beyond 30 days/ you should be fine. Not every state has expanded Medicaid. You might not qualify in the state where you are currently so don't risk it.

Does Medicare cover you when you travel out of the country?

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

Traveling with Medicare | Here's How it Works

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Do I lose Medicaid if I travel abroad?

Medicaid does not cover you outside the U.S. and most Medicare plans also do not cover you outside the U.S., although some provide emergency care in Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov or check with your Medicare supplement provider.

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.

Does Medicaid cover anywhere?

No. Because each state has its own Medicaid eligibility requirements, you can't just transfer coverage from one state to another, nor can you use your Medicaid coverage when you're temporarily visiting another state, unless you need emergency health care.

Does Medicaid cover in Mexico?

Public health services do not have reciprocal agreements with other countries. This means that foreign programs such as US Medicare are not available in Mexico. Therefore, both visitors and foreign residents who are not enrolled in the public programs must make private health care arrangements.

How much is international health insurance?

How much does international health insurance cost? The average annual cost of an international medical insurance plan is $5,500 per year. * However, plans range from as low as $500 with limited benefits to as much as $8,000 - $10,000, or more, for a comprehensive policy that includes coverage in the USA.

Does Medicaid cover hotel stays?

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

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.

What is traveler insurance?

Travel insurance can help protect you from medical expenses abroad that your normal health insurance doesn't cover. Most health insurance plans don't provide full coverage in foreign countries and some health plans provide no coverage at all, including Medicare.

How much medical coverage do I need for international travel?

Every plan is different, but the coverage amounts and benefits may vary. Determine how much you really need. For example, SquareMouth recommends international travelers get around $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 for cruises or travel to remote areas.

How many states do not accept Medicaid?

To date, 41 states (including DC) have adopted the Medicaid expansion and 10 states have not adopted the expansion. Current status for each state is based on KFF tracking and analysis of state expansion activity.

Does Medicare pay for travel expenses?

Medicare travel reimbursement is a benefit designed to assist eligible beneficiaries with travel expenses incurred while seeking necessary medical care. This program is particularly vital for those who live in rural or underserved areas, where access to specialised medical services often requires long-distance travel.

Does Medicaid cover me internationally?

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.

How long do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?

Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. In fact, if you remain outside the United States for more than 30 days, your Medicaid coverage can be suspended – and it can be hard to get it turned back on.

What will Medicaid not cover?

Here are some common items and services that Medicaid may not cover in your area:
  • Dental Services. ...
  • Cosmetic Surgery. ...
  • Non-Prescription Drugs and Health Supplements. ...
  • Experimental Treatments. ...
  • Elective Abortions. ...
  • Personal Comfort Items. ...
  • Home Modifications for Disability. ...
  • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation.

What are the disadvantages of having Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid
  • Lower reimbursements and reduced revenue. Every medical practice needs to make a profit to stay in business, but medical practices that have a large Medicaid patient base tend to be less profitable. ...
  • Administrative overhead. ...
  • Extensive patient base. ...
  • Medicaid can help get new practices established.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover me internationally?

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.

How much does travel insurance cost?

While travel insurance costs vary, the average is somewhere between 4-12% of your total trip cost*. If you're on the fence, then consider this: an emergency situation can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the insurance plan might be a fraction of your trip cost.

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.