As a snowbird, expat, or long-term traveler, it's important to know how Medicare operates abroad so that you can steer clear of unexpected medical costs. Because Medicare coverage is very limited abroad, you might need other options for your health and your wallet when you're elsewhere.

When you're eligible for Medicare, you have important choices to make beyond original Medicare. Let's compare two popular options: medicare "advantage" plans versus Medicare "supplement" insurance or Medigap. We'll start with Medicare "Advantage," also called Part C. Medicare "Advantage" plans replace your "original" Medicare.

SeniorTopia is a reputable agent who guides seniors through their Medicare choices and decides the appropriate coverage for them according to the needs of their lifestyle. What you should know before planning a long stay abroad is described below.

Does Medicare Cover You While Traveling Abroad?

For most seniors, the sad reality is Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover foreign medical treatment outside of the U.S. There are exceptions when Medicare may cover with limited benefits while overseas:

If you're driving across Canada on a straight route to or from Alaska and require emergency treatment.

If a foreign hospital is nearer than a U.S. hospital when there is an emergency.

If you need medical attention during a cruise ship visit within six hours of a U.S. port.

Other than these exceptional circumstances, Medicare will not cover regular doctor visits, hospitalization, or emergency care abroad, meaning that you will have to pay for all out-of-pocket expenses.

Medigap: Limited Emergency Coverage Outside the Country

If you have Medigap (Medicare Supplement) coverage, you might have some emergency care coverage when abroad. In particular, Medigap Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide:

Lifetime coverage of up to $50,000 for foreign emergency medical care.

A $250 deductible, with Medicare paying 80% of approved emergency expenses thereafter.

Initial 60 days of travel insurance.

While Medigap will cover emergencies, you should note that it will not cover routine check-ups or treatment overseas on a continuous basis.

How to Get the Best Out of Your Medicare when Abroad

Working through Medicare when residing or traveling overseas involves some careful planning. Because Original Medicare doesn't provide much or any coverage outside the U.S., you need to do some research and find an answer that works for you. The following is a step-by-step guide to make sure you have the proper coverage in place:

1. Speak to a Medicare Broker or Agent

Not all Medicare policies include international travelers or expats. It's a good idea to speak with a Medicare broker to understand what your options are, compare them, and determine whether a Medicare Advantage plan or a supplemental policy will be the most suitable for your needs. Keep in mind that not all brokers are licensed with all insurance companies, so a second opinion is always a good idea.

2. Request a Detailed Comparison Report

After you've discussed your options with your broker, request a comparison report that details:

Possible lesser premiums from other plans

Any further benefits that would be useful in offering global health care

The limitations of Medicare overseas and if it would be a wiser idea to have a private expat or travel insurance policy

Having this report will enable you to make an informed decision regarding your health care coverage.

3. Complete Your Medicare Plan Selection

Once you've shopped around and compared your choices, if you see a plan that is more advantageous or cheaper, sit down with your broker and make the switch. If you decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that will cover you anywhere in the world, purchase a Medigap policy for foreign emergency services, or seek out private international insurance, your broker will help you through the process so that the transition is smooth.

Take Action Prior to Traveling

Because Medicare will not cover most health care costs anywhere else in the world, it is best to have something figured out ahead of time. With a licensed Medicare broker, going over your options, and getting the right coverage, you can be assured that your health care is taken care of wherever you travel.