Coverage for medical emergencies while you travel — including abroad, where Medicare and most U.S. plans simply don't follow you.
Why your normal coverage may not travel
Original Medicare generally doesn't cover care outside the United States, and many domestic plans offer only limited out-of-area emergency benefits. A dedicated travel medical policy covers emergency treatment where you're going — plus the piece people forget: medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars on its own.
Why most U.S. plans don't follow you overseas
Medicare generally doesn't cover care outside the U.S., and most private plans are similar. Worse, many foreign hospitals require full cash payment upfront before treatment, and a medical evacuation back to the U.S. can cost $50,000–$200,000 or more — none of it covered by your domestic plan.
We offer Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions℠
As a licensed agency partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions℠ (formerly GeoBlue), we help you find the right plan for your trip, health, and budget — and it pays providers directly, so you're not chasing receipts while sick abroad. Coverage typically includes:
- Emergency medical care for illness and injury worldwide, including COVID-19
- Medical evacuation to the nearest quality facility or back to the U.S.
- Repatriation of remains (transport home can cost $10,000+ and is rarely covered otherwise)
- Prescriptions and emergency dental while traveling
- Coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions on some plans
- A 24/7 assistance hotline with English-speaking support
Right-sized for how you travel
A weekend across the state line needs very different coverage than a month in another country. We match the policy — single-trip or annual multi-trip — to your actual plans and to any gaps in your Medicare or health coverage. It's popular with international leisure travelers, cruisers, expats and remote workers, students abroad, missionaries, business travelers, and Medicare recipients traveling internationally.
This page is educational and not medical, tax, or legal advice; figures change and should be confirmed for your situation. Mere Benefits is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.