Major Changes to Medicare Advantage Plans for International Coverage in 2027

Medicare Advantage plans are set to reduce or eliminate emergency care coverage for international travel in 2027, affecting numerous enrollees who travel abroad.

As the 2027 changes to Medicare Advantage plans loom, enrollees should pay close attention to their Annual Notice of Change by December 7. A significant shift is coming as some plans are set to discontinue offering emergency care coverage outside the United States. According to an analysis by ExpatInsure, based on federal plan data, the percentage of these plans offering global emergency and urgent care coverage will drop from 95% in 2026 to 80% in 2027. This change could substantially impact those who rely on their Medicare Advantage plans while traveling internationally.

Geographic Variation and Insurer Decisions

The new analysis predicts that 696 plans will fully remove international emergency care coverage, while another 507 plans will reduce their offerings. States like Florida and New Mexico will be the hardest hit, with Florida seeing a reduction of 104 plans and New Mexico losing 59 plans that provide such coverage. This shift highlights geographic variations in how insurers are choosing to adapt their plan offerings.

Industry Implications and Recommendations

This development poses critical implications for Medicare Advantage members planning international travel. Many older Americans, who travel abroad, may find themselves facing unexpected medical expenses. Chris Carter, the founder and CEO of ExpatInsure, urges enrollees to thoroughly review their Annual Notice of Change to ascertain if their plan will still cover emergencies abroad in 2027. If not, exploring additional travel medical insurance is advisable.

Enrollment Period and Future Considerations

The Annual Enrollment Period, which runs until December 7, allows members to compare plans and make informed decisions about their coverage. With the forthcoming changes, individuals should consider plans that still offer worldwide coverage or perhaps invest in travel medical insurance as a safeguard against unforeseen medical costs while traveling.

• Review the Annual Notice of Change by December 7 to understand your coverage changes.
• Consider purchasing travel medical insurance if your plan discontinues international coverage.
• Use the Annual Enrollment Period to compare plans with and without worldwide coverage.

Analysis and Data Insights

ExpatInsure’s analysis drew from the federal Plan Benefit Package files, covering around 5,600 individual Medicare Advantage and cost plans annually, excluding employer and retiree group plans. As these figures pertain to plan offerings rather than enrollee numbers, the data underscores the broad scope of these impending changes.