I’m 69 years old and determined to take my dream solo vacation to Italy before my health deteriorates. Will Medicare cover me if I get sick while traveling?

A 69-year-old woman from a small town in California always dreamed of sipping wine at a vineyard in Tuscany, strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence and seeking out the best pizzerias in Naples.

Now retired and in declining health, she no longer wants to delay her dream trip to Italy, even if it means traveling alone.

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She is not alone in this situation. Solo travel has become a popular way for retirees to prioritize their quality of life, regardless of age, according to Allianz Partner’s 16th annual Vacation Confidence Index. The report notes a 23% increase in solo travelers among seniors.

With this trend, it’s understandable that travelers are concerned about whether Medicare will cover them if they get sick or have an accident abroad. Generally, the answer is no, with a few exceptions. So what can this 69-year-old do to avoid a hefty medical bill if something happens in Italy?

How Medicare Works Outside the United States

Before booking your flight, it is important to understand that Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited and, in most cases, won’t pay for medical expenses incurred while traveling. There are some exceptions, such as if you are traveling to Alaska via Canada and a Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital.

Medicare coverage outside the United States varies depending on your plan, but you are always responsible for any applicable deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments. Medicare will also not cover overseas prescription drugs.

Under Medicare Part A and Part B, coverage is limited. Part A may cover hospital treatment if you were admitted to a foreign hospital on a doctor’s orders. Part B can cover emergency and non-emergency ambulance services as well as medical care during a covered overseas hospital stay. However, this requires the hospital to submit a claim to Medicare, or you will need to submit an itemized bill.

Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M and N will cover 80% of the cost of emergency medical care outside the United States within the first 60 days of travel after paying the $250 annual deductible.

Keep in mind that Plans C and F are no longer available to new beneficiaries. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage for medical services abroad, so it’s worth checking your plan with your provider before traveling. Military retirees enrolled in Tricare for Life receive the same overseas travel insurance they had before enrolling in Medicare.

If the 69-year-old decides to take a cruise to Italy, she should be aware that Medicare will not cover medical costs if the ship is more than six hours from a U.S. port. However, some medically necessary services may be covered if the physician is authorized to provide care on board the cruise ship.

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Why Seniors Should Consider Travel Insurance

Regardless of age, it makes sense to purchase travel insurance before traveling abroad. Some credit cards offer travel-related coverages, while insurance companies sell policies that include trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel medical insurance.

• Trip cancellation covers non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled Before you are leaving for a covered reason.

• Trip interruption covers the costs if you have to return home early while you are already at your destination.

• Travel medical insurance can cover a variety of medical expenses ranging from illness and injury to prescription medications and emergency medical evacuation.

Most insurers offer packages that include all three types of insurance. This 69-year-old woman might consider purchasing travel medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation to the United States. It’s also beneficial to find an insurer that has partnerships with local clinics abroad to help you find care if you have language barriers.

Travel medical insurance generally has coverage limits and exclusions. If you have pre-existing or chronic health conditions, you may need to meet certain requirements to qualify. It may be helpful to speak with a travel agent or insurance broker to find the right policy for your needs.

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This article provides information only and should not be considered advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.