RonR2440
Foxfield, CO
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Joined: 05/26/2010
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I am going on medicare at the end of this month. My medicare will be combined with tricare for life. My wife and I like to travel to or through Canada. Up to now we had the use of Blue Cross Blue Shield. From what we have been told, medicare will not pay if used in Canada. I would have to pay the bill and submit the claim to tricare for life and see what they would be willing to pay. Has anyone encountered something like this before and how did you handle the problem? To cover us, I also thought of trying to find a short term medical policy to take care of my needs while out of country. Thank you ahead of time for your help.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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I've always assumed that if I had a medical problem in Canada I'm on my own like many thousands of US citizens are all the time, even at home.
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BB_TX
McKinney, Texas
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Joined: 04/04/2005
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I am on Medicare also and my understanding is exactly as yours. Have not traveled out of the US since starting it so have not made any contingency plans. But will definitly do something if we do.
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sdianel
Tampa, FL
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Joined: 07/24/2005
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From the Medicare website:
Medicare coverage outside of the United States
Updated 04/21/2011 11:18 AM | ID# 588
Will Medicare cover my medical expenses outside of the United States?
Medicare generally does not cover health care while you are outside the United States. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are considered part of the United States.
In rare cases, however, Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital services provided in Canada or Mexico if:
You live in the United States and a foreign hospital is closer or easier to get to from your home than the nearest United States hospital that can provide the care you need; or
You are in the United States when you have a medical emergency and a foreign hospital is closer or easier to get to than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your emergency; or
You are crossing through Canada without delay between Alaska and another state and have a medical emergency and a Canadian hospital is closer or easier to get to than the nearest United States hospital that can treat your emergency.
Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans provide worldwide or emergency coverage when you travel outside the United States. You should check with your plan before traveling outside of the country.
Health insurance protection may be very important if you are temporarily abroad and plan to return to the United States. If you plan to return to the United States shortly after you are eligible for the medical insurance program, you may wish to enroll during your first enrollment period.
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SidKaye
Mt Dora Florida, Montreal QC for the Summer
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We spend Summers in Canada. Our AARP supplement covers us for 60 days in Canada.
When non-emergency medical care is needed we cross the border and drive to the nearest Dr. In our case that is about 35 miles.
If necessary we drive about 65 miles to a full service facility.
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frogkisser
TEXAS
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Joined: 09/02/2003
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My son was had to be hospitalized in Canada and he was billed $70 dollars. That was the total bill.
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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We have Medicare, Tricare for Life and TCL will pay the standard 75% for any treatment outside the US. It becomes your "primary" insurance when you leave the US. Be aware that if you are in Mexico, the Mexican Military hospitals and Drs will treat you for no cost, and they have the best medical facilities in Mexico.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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frogkisser wrote:My son was had to be hospitalized in Canada and he was billed $70 dollars. That was the total bill. Was that the total bill after insurance paid or the total bill all together, and how long was he hospitalized. I was thinging that it was quite reasonable up there, but not sure. We hear lots of speculation here, but few facts!
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frogkisser
TEXAS
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wny_pat wrote:frogkisser wrote:My son was had to be hospitalized in Canada and he was billed $70 dollars. That was the total bill. Was that the total bill after insurance paid or the total bill all together, and how long was he hospitalized. I was thinging that it was quite reasonable up there, but not sure. We hear lots of speculation here, but few facts!
That was the total bill. He didn't have insurance.
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