Does Medicare work in Canada?

Asked by: Chauncey Becker  |  Last update: September 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

Travel outside the U.S. Medicare usually does not cover medical care you receive when traveling outside the U.S. and its territories.

Does Medicare cover me while in Canada?

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 my U.S. health insurance cover me in Canada?

Any visitor traveling to Canada should purchase visitors health insurance. Most domestic policies will only cover you in your home country and have little to no coverage once you are traveling abroad.

Should I carry my Medicare card when traveling internationally?

Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover you overseas. It depends on your specific plan, so contact your Medicare provider for more information. Also, be sure to bring a copy of your Medicare and health care insurance cards with you when you travel so you have that information at the ready if you need it.

How does the Medicare system work in Canada?

Universal healthcare

All citizens and permanent residents in Canada have free access to medically necessary services through a doctor or hospital. Taxes fund this system, called Medicare, and while it's often referred to as “universal healthcare," there's not actually one single national health insurance plan.

Episode 3: How Does Health Care Work in Canada?

19 related questions found

Can Americans get healthcare in Canada?

Canada provides excellent healthcare services to both residents and non-residents residing in the country. But public healthcare sites only offer essential services to those covered by the local health insurance plan.

Which country has the best healthcare system in the world?

The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023

According to the index, Singapore ranks first for healthcare, followed by Japan in second place and South Korea in third. In contrast, the United States ranks much lower, coming in at 69th place in this assessment.

What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country?

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Should seniors carry their Medicare card?

It's always good to have your Medicare card on you to ensure you receive affordable care. Once you get your Medicare card, we recommend taking a photo of it with your phone, so you always have the information handy. You can also make note of your Medicare number, so you have it whenever you need it.

Should I bring my Social Security card when traveling internationally?

Instead, leave it at home in a safe place. In fact, the Social Security Administration advises not carrying your Social Security card with you at all, whether you're traveling or not. Instead, share your card only when it's required, which the federal agency says rarely happens.

Do visitors to Canada need health insurance?

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

What happens if you don't pay a hospital bill in Canada?

VCH will work with people with unpaid hospital bills and their insurance companies to ensure payments, with debt collection agencies and/or court proceedings as a final resort,” wrote a spokesperson. “In some cases, VCH may enter into payment plans with patients to recover the debt owed.”

Can I use my American insurance in Canada?

Most U.S. car insurance policies will provide the same coverages and limits in Canada for short trips. The types of coverages that usually extend into Canada may include: Liability coverage - Covers expenses related to injury, death or property damage of others when you're at fault.

What is not covered by Medicare in Canada?

The Canada Health Act does not cover prescription drugs, home care, or long-term care or dental care. Provinces provide partial coverage for children, those living in poverty, and seniors. Programs vary by province.

How many doctor visits does Medicare cover for seniors?

Medicare does not limit the number of times a person can consult their doctor, but it may limit how often they can have a particular test and access other services. Individuals can contact Medicare directly at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to discuss physician coverage in further detail.

Does Medicare cover emergency services in Canada?

Medicare will cover emergency services in Canada if you're traveling between Alaska and another state (without unreasonable delay), and the only nearby hospital is located in Canada.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Does Medicare automatically send you a card when you turn 65?

You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.

What countries accept U.S. Medicare for seniors?

The 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are considered part of the U.S. Anywhere else is considered outside the U.S. Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.

What happens if you get sick while in another 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.

Does Medicare cover you on a cruise ship?

Medicare provides coverage if you are on a cruise ship, the ship is either in a U.S. port or within 6 hours of arrival or departure from a U.S. port. The physician who treats you must be authorized to provide medical care aboard a cruise ship.

Which country has the best doctors in the world?

Here are the top 10 countries known to have the best doctors according to the World Population Review 2024:
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • France. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Italy. ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Austria. Often overshadowed by other countries, Austria has highly skilled doctors, particularly in rare diseases and palliative care.

Which U.S. state has the best healthcare?

  • Hawaii. #1 in Health Care. #34 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Massachusetts. #2 in Health Care. #10 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Connecticut. #3 in Health Care. #20 in Best States Overall. ...
  • New Jersey. #4 in Health Care. ...
  • Rhode Island. #5 in Health Care. ...
  • California. #6 in Health Care. ...
  • Maryland. #7 in Health Care. ...
  • New York. #8 in Health Care.

What is the healthiest country in the world?

According to the index, Spain takes the top spot as the healthiest country in 2024. This impressive feat is attributed to a robust public healthcare system, readily available preventive care, and the widely celebrated Mediterranean diet.