Is Medicare covered in Italy? (2023)

Can I use my Medicare in Italy?

In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

What Countries Accept US Medicare? You can only use Medicare in the USA and its territories. This includes the 50 US States as well as its territories: Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

If you have Medicare coverage, you won't receive reimbursement for international medical bills. Healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered.

Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A, meaning you will pay nothing for coverage. If you must pay a premium for Part A, be aware of the high monthly cost for maintaining Part A coverage.

You should always take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you on all trips abroad. This card is the proof that you are insured in an EU country.

Should I take my Medicare card to Europe? There is no reason to bring your Medicare card to Europe, as doctors in European countries will not accept your Medicare coverage as insurance.

Only one country offers healthcare that is free for everyone: Brazil. The constitution defines healthcare as a universal right. Anyone in the country, even short-term visitors, can get health care for free.

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Even when travelling to these countries, you should get travel insurance. Take your Medicare card and passport with you if you visit a hospital overseas to prove you're eligible for reciprocal health care.

Which countries have reciprocal Medicare?

Tip 1: Keep your Medicare card and doctor's contact information on you. Unfortunately, accidents happen. And sometimes people get sick on vacation. Keep your Medicare card with you so it's handy and secure in case you need it.

Almost all the countries in Europe have a universal healthcare system. There are people who call it a “free healthcare” system but it is actually not free. Each nation has its own variation; however, a common feature is that everyone has to pay for healthcare as a society.

If you move outside the United States: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), is available to you if you return. No monthly premium is withheld from your Social Security benefit payment for this protection. You can continue paying for your Part B benefits or drop them while out of the country.

Universal coverage is provided through Italy's National Health Service (Servizio sanitario nazionale, or SSN), established through legislation in 1978. The SSN automatically covers all citizens and legal foreign residents.

As you are probably aware, your U.S. health insurance usually does not travel with you beyond U.S. borders. If you sign up for the National Health Plan in Italy, you will need private insurance only for those conditions, treatments, providers, and share of costs that are not covered by the SSN.

In Italy, patients are free to choose between public hospitals and private hospitals. Public hospitals normally provide both emergency and non-emergency services. At public hospitals, patients may receive emergency services at no cost or upon payment of a limited contribution, depending on the public hospital's policy.

A valid EHIC or GHIC card can be an invaluable safety net while travelling abroad to make sure that you are able to receive vital medical treatment in the case of an emergency.

Medicare may pay for inpatient hospital, doctor, and ambulance services you get in a foreign country in these rare cases: You're in the U.S. when a medical emergency occurs, and the foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat your medical condition.

Is Medicare free at age 65?

Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough. You can sign up for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) by paying a monthly premium.

Countries with universal healthcare include Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United ...

While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.

How Do I See a Doctor in a Foreign Country? If you have an international health insurance plan, or travel insurance, they should provide you with an emergency medical assistance number you can call to help you arrange for a doctor visit. To schedule an appointment, first contact your insurance company.

US Medical Costs are Very Expensive

A single trip to the emergency room for a few stitches and some antibiotics can cost hundreds of dollars. Foreign visitors without travel health insurance will have to pay out of pocket for their medical treatment.