Probably not. In general, your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage (
like Medicare
Part A and Medicare Part B coverage) is only available within the United States
or
U.S. territories - except in very limited circumstances.
(see: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-outside-the-u.s.)
Question: So how do I get my medications covered as I travel outside of the United States?
You have several options for managing your prescriptions as you travel abroad:
(1) Ask for a vacation override.
Ask your Medicare Part D plan for a “
vacation override” or vacation medication supply whereby your Medicare plan will provide you with an early (30 or 31-day) refill (or pre-fill) for your prescription before your vacation.
Naturally, to prevent drug overuse, you may find that some of your “controlled” medications (such as pain medication) require you to work through an additional approval process before you can receive an early refill.
(2) Ask your prescriber for 90-day prescriptions - when possible.
You can speak with your prescribing doctor to see if you can get an extended 90-day prescription for your medications – assuming a 90-day prescription complies with
any usage management restrictions (such as prior authorization (PA) or quantity limit restrictions (QL)).
(3) Purchase additional international travel insurance that covers prescriptions.
Consider obtaining an international travel insurance policy as an alternative to your Medicare Part D coverage. International travel insurance may be offered by AAA, AARP, or specialty insurance companies such as International Medical Group (
IMG). As with any
insurance policy, before enrolling, please read the international travel insurance
policy's coverage details
closely to understand what healthcare is covered - and what is coverage is
excluded (such as
pre-existing healthcare conditions).
(4) Purchase your prescriptions as you travel abroad.
The United States government recommends that people traveling with health concerns or prescription needs carry a letter from their prescribing doctor describing their healthcare and prescription needs (including generic drug names). Travels with healthcare concerns are encouraged to keep such information with them at all times. In addition, the government warns travelers to "[c]heck with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or transiting to make sure your medications are permitted in that country."
(see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html#healthy)
Question: Even if I cannot use my Medicare Part D
plan as I am traveling abroad, will my Medicare Part D plan at least reimburse me
if I purchase a formulary medication outside the US?
Probably not. You can
click here
to read more in our FAQ "If I travel outside of the United States,
purchase prescription drugs while outside of the country and bring them
back on my return trip, will my Medicare Part D plan reimburse me for
these medications if they are on my plan's formulary?"
September 2020 note: Medicare may be currently working on
rules to allow some drug importation. For more information, please
contact a Medicare representative at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Final Note: Medicare Supplements and international Medicare Part A and Part B coverage
Some
Medicare Supplements (or MediGap policies) may provide healthcare
coverage outside the United
States. You will need to check with a local insurance agent to learn
more about the Medicare Supplements available in your state.