Medigap plans can be confusing to many people. Although the coverage of the plans is completely Federally-standardized, there are still many questions that people on Medicare ask about the plans and how they work. One of those such questions concerns traveling with your Medigap plan and if, when you travel, your coverage goes with you.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that Medigap plans can be used anywhere nationwide that takes Medicare. Medicare, as you know, is a national program. Any doctor/hospital that accepts Medicare patients is required to accept the Medigap plans. So, in short, the answer is yes. If you travel to another state, or live in another of the country for half of the year or a few months out of the year, you are covered there just as if you were in your primary residence. Coverage is the same nationwide.
There are some other implications around this that you should be aware of. First of all, note that Medigap plans have nationwide coverage that is the same with all companies and accepted anywhere that takes Medicare. However, Medicare Advantage plans – the other type of plan that you can get if you are on Medicare – do not work the same way. These plans have specific networks that you must stay within and they are specific to a certain county, region or geographic area.
Another implication that is somewhat related as it pertains to travel and Medigap plans is international travel. As you will notice on the plan coverage chart, many of the Medigap plans – most, in fact – do cover “Foreign Travel Emergency”. This benefit is part of Medigap plans (not covered under “traditional” Medicare). It is up to $50,000 lifetime maximum benefit that can be used if you traveling abroad. The primary Medigap plans, such as Plan F and Plan G do include this benefit.
There are many questions associated with Medicare and Medigap insurance. At Medigap-Quote.com, we strive to answer your questions quickly and completely. If you have questions, you can reach us at 877.506.3378 or contact us online at: Medigap-Quote.com.
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