Does Medicare Travel With You? Coverage at Home, Out of State & Overseas

MEDICARE MONDAY Episode 16 | August 24th, 2026

Presenter:

Bradley Birdsell | Trusted Insurance Advisor at American Republic Insurance Services

In Medicare Monday Episode 16, Bradley Birdsell from American Republic Insurance Services sits down to explain what actually follows you when you leave town — a Florida trip, a snowbird season, or travel outside the United States.

Inside the U.S. and territories:

Original Medicare is nationwide. If a provider accepts Original Medicare, your Medigap supplement generally pays its share too.

Medicare Advantage works differently because it is network-based.

It's a good idea to check that the hospital is in network where you are going.

Emergency and urgent care are treated differently and can be accepted more broadly.

Overseas:

Original Medicare has no benefits outside the United States. Many Medicare supplements do include foreign travel coverage. In this episode he cites the common structure: the plan may pay up to 80% of the bill after a $250 deductible, with a $50,000 lifetime maximum. Medicare Advantage, he notes, generally has no coverage outside the U.S. because those plans are built around U.S. networks.

Brad's practical tip before an international trip:

Look at standalone travel medical insurance. He describes plans that can run roughly $5 to $30, with the lower end covering basics and higher-end plans offering more comprehensive protection, including possible trip-cancellation help.

Watch Episode 16 for a clear Original Medicare vs Advantage vs Medigap comparison before your next trip!

Departing from Bloomington, Peoria, or Quincy? Contact us to check your coverage as you travel!