Medicare coverage of PCR Covid tests for travel

Since most seniors are covered by Medicare, you may be wondering whether Medicare covers rapid PCR covid test for travel. The answer is yes, Medicare does this test under your Medicare Part B benefits. However, there are limitations to coverage that you need to be aware of.

How does Medicare cover PCR Covid test for travel?

To curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, you may be required to take a PCR Covid test before international or local travel. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you will receive full coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic tests, including both PCR and rapid antigen tests.

Original Medicare

If you have Original Medicare, the PCR covid test for travel will be covered under your Part B benefits. Part B of Medicare covers medical care services, including preventative services like screenings and tests for various conditions. Under your Part B coverage, you will not be required to pay any coinsurance or deductibles for a PCR covid test.

Under your Original Medicare Part B benefits, you can:

·         Get a PCR test for COVID-19 diagnosis from any participating testing facility, including laboratories and some parking lot testing locations.

·         You can get up to a maximum of eight free at-home COVID-19 tests per month from Medicare-approved pharmacies and providers.

Medicare Advantage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan will cover PCR covid test for travel. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover the full cost of clinical laboratory tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19. This means that you are not required to pay coinsurance, deductible, or copay to get a PCR covid test under a Medicare Advantage plan.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

·         Get a PCR test for COVID-19 diagnosis from any Medicare-approved testing facility, including laboratories and some parking lot testing locations.

·         Get a maximum of eight free at-home COVID-19 tests per month from Medicare-approved pharmacies and providers. This is covered under your Part B benefits, so you may be required to provide your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

Does Medicare cover COVID-19 vaccines and boosters

In some cases, apart from a negative PCR test, you may also be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before travel, depending on your destination. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, apart from COVID-19 testing, your Medicare coverage will also cover COVID-19 Vaccines and boosters.

Medicare covers all vaccine costs for COVID-19. This coverage also includes booster shots for those who are already vaccinated. Your Medicare Part B benefits will cover the full cost of vaccination, meaning you will not incur any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.

You will need to provide your Medicare card to the provider when going for the vaccine so that they can get reimbursement from Medicare.

Things to know about Medicare coverage for Covid-19

·         COVID-19 PCR tests for travel are covered under Medicare in full at any participating laboratories and some parking lot testing stations. Check for Medicare-approved facilities in your area.

·         If you only have Medicare Part A, you will not get coverage for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests since these are covered under Medicare Part B benefits.

·         You are not required to pay any copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for COVID-19 diagnostic testing under your Medicare coverage. All costs are covered by your Medicare Part B benefits.

·         Medicare also covers the costs of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

·         If you require outpatient treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19, Medicare will cover the cost of treatment, including any telehealth services.

·         Medicare covers the costs of COVID-19 hospitalization, but coinsurance, copays, and deductibles will apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find out more about Medicare coverage for PCR covid test for travel in answers to commonly asked questions.

Is a PCR COVID-19 test mandatory before travel?

No, you do not have to take a PCR COVID-19 test before every single travel, but some countries require testing before entry. Some destinations may also require proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entry. Verify the COVID-19 regulations for your destination before travel to ensure you comply.

Can I submit a claim to Medicare for a PCR COVID-19 test that I paid for myself?

No, you cannot file a claim to Medicare for a test you paid for yourself. Medicare reimburses claims to the participating laboratories and pharmacies directly, so beneficiaries cannot claim reimbursement for COVID-19 tests themselves.

Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 prescription drugs?

Any FDA-approved COVID-19 medications will be covered under your Medicare plan if you have enrolled in Medicare Part D. If your doctor prescribes monoclonal antibody treatment on an outpatient basis, this treatment will be covered under your Medicare Part B benefits.