Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year, from October 15 through December 7. This period gives those 65 and older the chance to review, update, or change their Medicare health and prescription drug plans for the upcoming year. Any changes made during this period take effect on January 1, 2025. While it’s a time to reassess healthcare needs, one often-overlooked aspect is how Medicare works when traveling—especially abroad.
The Importance of Travel Plans During Open Enrollment
When discussing health coverage with your 65+ clients, it’s essential to ask an unexpected but crucial question: “What are your travel plans for the next year?” This is because Medicare offers only limited coverage outside the U.S., and many people are unaware of this.
Medicare’s Limitations for International Travel
Most Medicare beneficiaries assume that their healthcare coverage will protect them wherever they go. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Medicare typically does not cover healthcare services received outside the U.S., except in very limited circumstances.
Medicare’s international coverage is capped at $50,000 for life, and it does not cover important services like medical evacuation or assistance navigating foreign healthcare systems. This is a significant gap in coverage, especially for travelers who might face high costs if they experience a medical emergency abroad.
GeoBlue® travel medical insurance helps fill this gap, ensuring your clients have the coverage they need when they travel internationally.
Filling the Coverage Gap with Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance, such as GeoBlue Voyager® and GeoBlue Trekker® plans, is designed to provide the additional coverage that Medicare lacks for international travel. These plans are affordable and provide comprehensive protection, allowing your clients to travel with peace of mind.
GeoBlue Voyager® and GeoBlue Trekker®: Travel Coverage Options for Every Need
There are two types of GeoBlue plans to suit different travel needs:
- GeoBlue Voyager® – Ideal for those taking a single trip, it offers coverage for trips up to six months in length.
- GeoBlue Trekker® – For clients who travel internationally more frequently, this plan covers multiple trips within a 12-month period, with each trip lasting up to 70 days.
Key Features of GeoBlue Travel Medical Insurance Plans
GeoBlue travel medical insurance provides essential coverage that most domestic health plans (including Medicare) don’t offer when you leave the U.S. These plans include:
- Up to $1 million in medical coverage for illnesses and injuries while abroad.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation, ensuring that clients are transported back to the U.S. or to an appropriate facility if needed.
- Coverage of medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment.
- Telemedicine consultations available 24/7/365 from anywhere in the world, at no additional cost.
- Access to doctors and hospitals in 190 countries, ensuring a high standard of care wherever they are.
- Emergency medical transportation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
- Plan options that include coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Easy enrollment and guaranteed issue, with no need for a medical exam.
- Discounts for groups of five or more travelers.
GeoBlue’s comprehensive coverage allows clients to explore the world without worrying about healthcare costs abroad. The plans are also incredibly affordable, offering protection for just dollars a day. Your clients can get a quote and sign up for coverage in as little as five minutes.
Get a quote for GeoBlue travel medical insurance now.
Why Travel Medical Insurance is a Must-Have for 65+ Travelers
For clients over 65, travel is often high on their list of priorities—whether it’s for a family vacation, a retirement adventure, or visiting relatives abroad. However, their Medicare coverage is not designed for international travel. Without the right travel insurance, your clients could face financial risks, including:
- Emergency medical costs that can skyrocket without proper insurance.
- Hospitalization abroad, where the cost can easily exceed $10,000 a day.
- Medical evacuation back to the U.S., which can cost between $20,000 and $200,000, depending on the situation.
Having GeoBlue travel medical insurance ensures that your clients are covered for these situations, providing them with peace of mind during their trips.
Helping Your Clients Make Smart Choices During Medicare Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is the perfect time to remind your clients that their health insurance may not cover them while they travel. Whether they are planning a single trip or multiple vacations throughout the year, travel medical insurance is a critical piece of their overall healthcare strategy.
By bringing up the importance of travel insurance during your Medicare conversations, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of your clients’ needs and can provide a more comprehensive service. You’re not just helping them choose the right Medicare plan—you’re also ensuring they’re fully protected, no matter where their travels take them.
How to Get Started
Now is the perfect time to help your clients protect their health both at home and abroad. Direct them to easy enrollment for GeoBlue travel medical insurance and help them secure the right plan for their needs.
Schedule a consultation to explore GeoBlue travel insurance options for your 65+ clients. It’s quick, easy, and ensures that your clients won’t face unexpected medical bills during their travels.
Also, visit our travel insurance page for more detailed information about the coverage options and benefits of GeoBlue plans.
Samuel Bennett
Senior Insurance Consultant
Island Insurance Group
Call: 866-820-7430 Ext 201
Email: [email protected]
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