Medicare on a cruise
The short answer
Medicare usually does not cover care outside the U.S. On a cruise ship, Part B may pay only if the ship is in a U.S. port or within 6 hours of one, and the doctor is allowed to treat on board. Medigap may cover emergencies abroad.
What Medicare.gov says
Medicare.gov: Medicare usually doesn't cover health care while you travel outside the U.S. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa count as part of the U.S.
Source: Medicare.gov, checked September 26, 2026
Medicare.gov: Part B may pay for medically necessary care on a cruise ship if the doctor is legally allowed to treat on the ship and the ship is in a U.S. port, or no more than 6 hours from one, when you get the care.
Source: Medicare.gov, checked September 26, 2026
Medicare.gov: If you get Medicare-covered care on a ship, the ship's doctor must submit the claim. You can also file a claim with Medicare directly.
Source: Medicare.gov, checked September 26, 2026
Medicare.gov: Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies may cover emergency care when you travel outside the U.S.
Source: Medicare.gov, checked September 26, 2026
Medicare.gov: Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs you buy outside the U.S.
Source: Medicare.gov, checked September 26, 2026
Medicare.gov: Because Medicare's travel coverage is limited, you may choose to buy travel insurance. Travel insurance doesn't necessarily include health insurance, so read the conditions carefully.
Source: Medicare.gov, checked September 26, 2026
What this means in practice
- Near a U.S. port: Part B may help, under the conditions above.
- In the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, Europe or far at sea: plan on Medicare not paying.
- Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: these count as part of the U.S.
- Medicare Advantage plans vary. Call your plan and ask about care outside the U.S. and on ships.
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