Most Americans who are over 65 have opted for Medicare A & B and probably C, and many also have a Medicare Supplement plan.
The problem is that none of these plans give adequate coverage when traveling outside the USA.
In fact, no Medicare plan will provide medical coverage outside the USA or medical evacuation coverage.
As one ages it gets more and more difficult to get international medical insurance.
The good news is that there are several insurance plans that have no age limitations whatsoever.
So how can you know which supplemental medical insurance plan is best for you and your loved ones? Listed below are several considerations I think are important for you to evaluate so that you can make choices that best suit you.
1.
Is there an age limit on the plan? Some plans have no age limit while others stipulate that you cannot be over 74 or 84 years of age.
2.
Is there a reduction in benefits due to age? Some plans carry limited coverage for those 80 years of age or older.
Check to see how much coverage they allow you.
3.
How long does coverage last? One insurance plan covers only 30 days of travel while another insures you for six months.
4.
Does it cover pre-existing health conditions? There is one plan that will cover all pre-existing medical conditions but it requires travelers to have US underwritten health plan or Medicare A, B and C.
Make sure you ask your insurance broker about this.
5.
What types of coverage do you want? For example, do you want a plan that will insure you in cases of coma, felonious assault, political evacuation, or a sports injury? A lot of this depends on the nature of your trip and upon what countries you will travel through.
6.
How much Medical Evacuation is covered? One plan covers you for up to $250,000 while another $300,000.
7.
Is the policy renewable? You may want to take multiple trips during the next several years.
So you will want to know whether or not the plan is renewable.
If it is, this will save you time and energy looking for another plan the next time you travel.
Sorting through multiple options can be taxing.
I suggest you go through an insurance broker who can walk you through all the different scenarios.
It doesn't cost you any extra to go through a broker.