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.
The United States government recommends that people traveling with
health concerns or prescription needs carry a letter from their
prescribing doctor describing their medical condition 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 passing through. Check to
make sure your medications are allowed,
particularly prescriptions for medical marijuana. You may need an import
license or permit to travel with certain medications." [emphasis added]
Important: When traveling outside the U.S. with medications, keep them in their original, labeled, containers.
Related 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.
Related 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 read more about purchasing formulary drugs outside of the United States in our Frequently Asked Question: "
If I purchase prescription drugs while outside of the country, will my Medicare Part D plan reimburse me for the medications if they are on my plan's formulary?"
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 or the Medicare Supplement plan provider to learn
more about the Medicare Supplements available in your state - and what international coverage is provided.
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html#healthy
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-outside-the-u.s.