Medicare is the federal government program that provides health insurance for people over 65. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Part A provides hospitalization insurance to qualified applicants over the age of 65. Part B helps cover medical services, including appointments with a doctor, medical tests, and medical equipment. You can join a separate Medicare drug plan to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) offers an alternative to Original Medicare for health and drug coverage.
How to Enroll in Medicare
If you are collecting Social Security at least four months before you turn age 65, you will automatically get Part A and Part B coverage at age 65. You can add drug coverage by choosing to join a Medicare drug (Part D) plan and also add supplemental Medigap coverage if desired. You’ll also have the option of joining a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare.
If you apply for Medicare on your own, your first chance to sign up is during your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. Here’s how the seven-month window works:
- Sign up before the month you turn 65, and your coverage will begin the month you reach age 65.
- Enroll in the month you turn age 65 or during the three months after, and your coverage will begin on the first of the following month.
If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait for the next general enrollment period — January 1 to March 31 — to sign up. For example, if you turned 65 in June 2023 and you had not applied for Medicare by the end of September, you could not enroll until January 2024 and your coverage would not begin until February 2024. You might have to pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.
What If You Work Past Age 65?
What if you have an employer-provided health insurance plan through your job (or your spouse’s job)? In this particular situation, you may opt to hold off applying for Part B coverage until you need it. You won’t have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up within eight months after the group health plan coverage or employment ends, whichever happens first. The optimal time to buy Medigap insurance is within the first six months after you begin coverage under Medicare Part B. Insurance companies are required to sell you the policy you want during that period. That’s crucial if you have a preexisting condition.
Will Medicare Cover You While Traveling?
For those with Medicare, understanding how your coverage works when you’re away from home is essential. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage and managing your prescriptions while on the go.
Medicare Coverage Within the U.S.
If you have Original Medicare, your coverage is valid anywhere in the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. You can access healthcare services covered under your Medicare plan.1,2
For those with Medicare Advantage, be aware that these plans often have network restrictions. While some offer nationwide coverage, others may restrict you to a specific network of providers. Before traveling, check with your plan provider to understand any limitations or requirements.
Managing Prescriptions Away from Home
Preparing is key when managing prescriptions while traveling. Medicare drug plans do not cover prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S., so check to see if you have an adequate supply before you leave. Consider contacting your Medicare drug plan to see if you can obtain a 2- or 3-month supply of your medications.1,2
Preparing for Your Trip
Before embarking on your journey, check that you have the necessary documentation to fill prescriptions in an emergency. Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card, a photo ID, and your Medicare drug coverage card. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid or qualify for Extra Help, bring proof of your enrollment.
Medicare Coverage for International Travel
Traveling outside the U.S. introduces more complexity. Original Medicare provides limited coverage internationally, with rare exceptions. For example, Medicare Part B may cover services on a ship within U.S. territorial waters, and there are specific cases where coverage might extend to foreign countries. However, in most situations, you are responsible for all costs incurred outside the U.S.1,2
To bridge this gap, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes health coverage. It’s important to carefully review the conditions and restrictions of any travel insurance policy, as not all include health insurance. Additionally, some Medigap policies offer a foreign travel emergency benefit, providing coverage for emergency care while abroad.
Key 2026 Dates & Deadlines
September: Private plans send notice if there will be any change in cost, coverage, or service area
October 15: Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins
November: Flu season begins
December 7: Medicare Open Enrollment ends
January 1: New plan coverage begins
Medicare is complex and navigating it can be difficult. You may want to consult a financial professional for assistance. Give us a call at 800-658-9474 to connect with one of our financial professionals.
1. Medicare.gov, 2026.
2. Medicare.gov, 2026.
