Should you take your Medicare card on vacation?
Asked by: Jonathon Padberg PhD | Last update: September 7, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (59 votes)
Does Medicare cover traveling out of state?
Key Takeaways. Original Medicare covers hospital care and doctor visits in all 50 U.S. states and its territories, as long as providers accept Medicare. Certain Medicare Advantage plans also provide state-to-state coverage, but some limit coverage to a defined service area.
How long can you be out of the country with Medicare?
The lifetime maximum benefit is $50,000. These policies will not pay benefits if you live or travel outside the United States for longer than 60 days.
Should you carry your Medicare card in your wallet?
Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.
Should I bring my health insurance card on vacation?
Check Your Health Insurance – Are You Covered Abroad? Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States.
Traveling with Medicare | Here's How it Works
Should I carry my Medicare card when traveling?
Tip 1: Keep your Medicare card and doctor's contact information on you. Unfortunately, accidents happen. And sometimes people get sick on vacation. Keep your Medicare card with you so it's handy and secure in case you need it.
Should you carry your medical insurance card with you?
You should always keep your health insurance card in a safe, but accessible place. Most people carry their health insurance card in their wallet or purse. Your insurance ID card is like a passport or driver's license, it gives you access to care and coverage.
Where should I keep my Medicare card?
If you don't want to carry the card with you when you're not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you're done using it.
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.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
What countries accept U.S. Medicare for seniors?
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 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.
Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad?
Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.
Does Medicare cover me on a cruise?
If your cruise stays within United States territorial waters, such as along the coast of Alaska or Miami, Medicare may cover medically necessary services and supplies. However, if your cruise ventures into international waters, such as to Mexico or South America, Medicare typically does not cover medical care.
Does Medicare cover dental?
In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.
How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?
- Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Pay your own Part B premium.
- Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.
Should you carry your Medicare card in your purse?
This is one of the biggest ones I see people make every day: carrying their social security card or their Medicare card in their wall or their purse. Never do this! Identity Theft becomes way too easy once a thief has this piece of information.
Should I keep my old Medicare card?
Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away. If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care.
Do I need to carry around my Medicare card?
It's best to bring your valid Medicare card or number with you when you visit a health professional. You'll also have a My Health Record that helps securely store all your health data in one place.
Is it safe to give out your Medicare card number?
Even though we're removing Social Security Numbers, the new number is still useful to thieves to commit health care fraud. Don't share your Medicare Number with anyone who contacts you by telephone, email or in person, unless you've given them permission in advance.
Can I put my Medicare card in plastic?
Medicare only provides paper cards and advises against laminating them or contacting a third-party provider to create one, as this may endanger the person's personal information. Instead, an individual can help keep it safe by using a removable plastic covering, such as a plastic cardholder or plastic document sleeve.
Do I need to carry a Medicare card?
Just like your Social Security card and driver's license, your Medicare card is a very important piece of identification. It should be carried with you when you're away from home (e.g., in your wallet). It's a good idea to make a photocopy of your card or write down your Medicare number.
Should you keep old medical insurance cards?
Generally, you should keep most insurance documents for at least as long as the policy is in effect or, if your policy has ended, until any still-open claims are settled.
Should you keep your medical card in your wallet?
Only carry your health insurance or Medicare card when needed. You only need to carry these cards in your wallet if you're heading to an appointment where you might need them.