Our freedom to travel is an important part of America’s liberty. And RVs are part of the American dream for millions of people.
While some of us are weekend warriors and summer campers at most, there are a lot of people who choose to make their RV adventure a part of their daily lives year-round.
Traveling full-time in an RV during your golden years can offer a life of adventure and freedom. But it also poses unique challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare.
If you are one of those full-time lifestyle RV travelers who loves to explore the highways and byways of America, you need to consider Medicare options that give you access to quality care, no matter where your travels take you.
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Accessing Healthcare on the Road
Do you plan on visiting any remote areas far away from your usual hometown, and possibly far away from the nearest major city.
While these areas can be incredibly beautiful, it means you may be far away from managed healthcare networks.
Why Medicare Advantage May Not Be Suitable For Full-Time RVers
Limited provider networks aren’t a concern for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Nor is it a problem if you have Medigap. You can use your Medigap benefits with any doctor, clinic, or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare patients.
But for Medicare Advantage, traveling outside your home town or state can be a problem. You may have a hard time finding a provider that takes your Medicare Advantage plan.
That’s because Medicare Advantage plans are structured as managed care networks. That is, they contract with specific providers who agree to provide steep discounts in return for a steady flow of patients enrolled in the plan.
The discounts are nice. And Medicare Advantage plans usually have very low monthly premiums: many are available at a zero premium.
But the narrow Medicare Advantage managed care networks sometimes aren’t so nice: some Medicare Advantage plans have a regional focus, with few or no doctors out of state, much less in different regions of the country.
For a full-time RVer who is out-of-state much of the time, or all year round, this can be a significant problem.
Beware the MOOP – High Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Medicare Advantage Plans
Furthermore, even though Medicare Advantage plans have attractively low premiums while you’re healthy, you may be singing a different tune if you ever need care. Medicare Advantage plans often have prohibitively high Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) costs. You may have to pay thousands of dollars in deductibles, copays, and co-insurance if you need care while on Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage plans may seem like an affordable option at first, but they are best for people with limited resources who don’t travel much.
And if you need care at the same time you need an RV repair, the combined repair costs and MOOP cost from a Medicare Advantage plan could put you in a serious cash crunch.
Full-time RVers need something with more power. If you’re on the road for much of the year, there are better choices:
MediGap Plan G
Medigap Plan G is a popular option that allows you to use your benefits nationwide.
Plan G also limits out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and B-approved medical services to your annual Part B deductible. That changes every year, but as of 2024, your maximum out of pocket cost for Medicare Part A and B-covered services (and excluding prescription drugs, which are covered under Medicare Part D) are just $240 per year.
That’s the most you’ll have to pay out of pocket for hospitalizations, physicians/ charges, labs, images, and other basic services under MediGap Plan G.
But Medigap Plan G can have some hefty premiums as well – especially in high cost-of-living states.
That’s why thousands of people lately have been dropping Medigap entirely, in favor of a lesser-known but powerful non-insurance alternative to Medigap: the Medi-Share 65+ plan.
Medi-Share 65+
Medi-Share 65+ is an innovative health sharing alternative to traditional insurance. It is health sharing, not health insurance.
Instead of going through a for-profit insurance corporation to access Medicare benefits and help pay for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance costs, Medi-Share 65+ members join a non-profit, Christian association of like-minded individuals who share similar values. They also agree to live a healthy, responsible lifestyle and eschew alcohol abuse and illegal drugs.
Because the risk pool is much better than in MediGap plans, Medi-Share 65+ provides powerful cost sharing benefits even for catastrophic care needs – at a much lower cost compared to traditional MediGap Plan G or Plan N.
There are several great reasons why Medi-Share 65+ is an excellent fit for the dynamic lifestyle of RVers:
- Flexibility and Choice. You can choose any doctor, clinic, or hospital anywhere in the country. This flexibility allows you to access affordable health care––wherever and whenever you need it most!
- 24/7/365 Telehealth Access. As long as you have phone or internet service, you can connect with doctors online at any time from anywhere. This service is included in your membership, and there are no additional copays or coinsurance costs! Telehealth doctors can diagnose minor ailments, help provide treatment plans, and update prescriptions no matter where you are.
- Excellent Protection. All expenses not covered under Medicare Parts A or B are 100% sharable once you cover your minimum household contribution! *There are a few exceptions. Contact a PBM for more details.
- Great Discounts. A Select Savings Card is included with your membership that provides discounts on a variety of medical services and supplies not covered by Medicare, such as diabetes care supplies, hearing aids, and even lasik surgery!
- Community Support. Being a member of a health sharing plan is a great way to feel like part of a supportive community while you roam.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medi-Share 65+ vs. MediGap Plan G
- Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums but can have higher maximum out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important to consider if you require care out-of-network when you are on the road.
- Medi-Share 65+ provides great flexibility and allows you to access any provider you choose in any location. However, there are some restrictions on what is eligible to be shared.
- MediGap Plan G also allows you to choose any doctor or provider with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. With some plans, the monthly premiums can be more costly.
Medicare Coverage Options At A Glance
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medi-Share 65+ | Medigap Plan G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premiums | Low - often zero monthly premiums. | Minimum sharing requirement of $99/month for ages 65 through 74. $150 per month for ages 75 and up. | Relatively high monthly premiums. |
| Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs | As high as $8,850 in 2024, but plans can set lower limits. Out-of-Network care may result in higher MOOP costs. | $500 per household for Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services | Capped at Medicare Part B deductible amount ($240 for 2024). |
| Provider Flexibility | Medicare Advantage Plans rely on limited care provider networks. Some plans have very narrow or regional networks. | High, any provider in any location | High, choose any doctor or provider who takes Medicare patients. |
| Coverage Restrictions | Yes, especially for out-of-network care | Few restrictions on sharing. However, this plan does not share costs related to alcohol or drug abuse, suicide or suicide attempts, most mental health care, or costs related to drunk driving - even if only as a passenger. a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions applies. | Fewer restrictions mainly standardized benefits |
| Ideal for: | Those who prefer lower upfront costs and stay within network | Those seeking flexibility and willing to adhere to sharing guidelines. Works best for those in good health, and who want to save money compared to Medigap Plan G and Plan N. | Those wanting predictability in costs and lots of provider choice. Higher monthly costs compared to Medi-Share 65+. But no pre-existing condition waiting periods. |
When Travel Takes You Outside the U.S.
If you plan to drive to other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, you should add international travel insurance.
Foreign travel insurance covers accidents, medical emergencies, and even medical evacuation if you should ever need it. These plans are designed specifically for the needs of travelers to foreign countries.
Medi-Share 65+ provides benefits in other countries, as do some Medigap plans – specifically Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, and M.
But most Medicare Advantage plans don’t include foreign travel benefits at all, or only emergency coverage.
International travel insurance plans provide:
- Peace of Mind – Focus on your fun travel experiences knowing you’re fully covered in case of an emergency.
- Supplemental Protection – A great addition to your existing Medicare plan to make sure you are covered everywhere you go.
- Flexibility – Whether it’s a short trip abroad or an extended stay in another country, you can choose an option for any length of time.
- Easily Accessible – To simplify the billing process when you’re in a foreign country, some plans will bill hospitals and clinics in Canada and Mexico directly so you don’t have to worry about it.
- Customer Assistance – You can contact customer support 24/7/365 to assist with medical emergencies, as well as for other helpful travel advice when you are in a new location.
Don’t let borders limit your freedom!
Wander anywhere the road takes you with confidence, knowing you have protection wherever you go.
Accessing Healthcare on the Road
Do you plan on visiting any remote areas far away from your usual hometown, and possibly far away from the nearest major city.
While these areas can be incredibly beautiful, it means you may be far away from managed healthcare networks.
Why Medicare Advantage May Not Be Suitable For Full-Time RVers
Limited provider networks aren’t a concern for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Nor is it a problem if you have Medigap. You can use your Medigap benefits with any doctor, clinic, or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare patients.
But for Medicare Advantage, traveling outside your home town or state can be a problem. You may have a hard time finding a provider that takes your Medicare Advantage plan.
That’s because Medicare Advantage plans are structured as managed care networks. That is, they contract with specific providers who agree to provide steep discounts in return for a steady flow of patients enrolled in the plan.
The discounts are nice. And Medicare Advantage plans usually have very low monthly premiums: many are available at a zero premium.
But the narrow Medicare Advantage managed care networks sometimes aren’t so nice: some Medicare Advantage plans have a regional focus, with few or no doctors out of state, much less in different regions of the country.
For a full-time RVer who is out-of-state much of the time, or all year round, this can be a significant problem.
Beware the MOOP – High Maximum Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Medicare Advantage Plans
Furthermore, even though Medicare Advantage plans have attractively low premiums while you’re healthy, you may be singing a different tune if you ever need care. Medicare Advantage plans often have prohibitively high Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) costs. You may have to pay thousands of dollars in deductibles, copays, and co-insurance if you need care while on Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage plans may seem like an affordable option at first, but they are best for people with limited resources who don’t travel much.
And if you need care at the same time you need an RV repair, the combined repair costs and MOOP cost from a Medicare Advantage plan could put you in a serious cash crunch.
Full-time RVers need something with more power. If you’re on the road for much of the year, there are better choices:
Medigap Plan G
Medigap Plan G is a popular option that allows you to use your benefits nationwide.
Plan G also limits out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part A and B-approved medical services to your annual Part B deductible. That changes every year, but as of 2024, your maximum out of pocket cost for Medicare Part A and B-covered services (and excluding prescription drugs, which are covered under Medicare Part D) are just $240 per year.
That’s the most you’ll have to pay out of pocket for hospitalizations, physicians/ charges, labs, images, and other basic services under Medigap Plan G.
But Medigap Plan G can have some hefty premiums as well – especially in high cost-of-living states.
That’s why thousands of people lately have been dropping Medigap entirely, in favor of a lesser-known but powerful non-insurance alternative to Medigap: the Medi-Share 65+ plan.
Medi-Share 65+
Medi-Share 65+ is an innovative health sharing alternative to traditional insurance. It is health sharing, not health insurance.
Instead of going through a for-profit insurance corporation to access Medicare benefits and help pay for Medicare deductibles and coinsurance costs, Medi-Share 65+ members join a non-profit, Christian association of like-minded individuals who share similar values. They also agree to live a healthy, responsible lifestyle and eschew alcohol abuse and illegal drugs.
Because the risk pool is much better than in Medigap plans, Medi-Share 65+ provides powerful cost sharing benefits even for catastrophic care needs – at a much lower cost compared to traditional Medigap Plan G or Plan N.
There are several great reasons why Medi-Share 65+ is an excellent fit for the dynamic lifestyle of RVers:
- Flexibility and Choice. You can choose any doctor, clinic, or hospital anywhere in the country. This flexibility allows you to access affordable health care––wherever and whenever you need it most!
- 24/7/365 Telehealth Access. As long as you have phone or internet service, you can connect with doctors online at any time from anywhere. This service is included in your membership, and there are no additional copays or coinsurance costs! Telehealth doctors can diagnose minor ailments, help provide treatment plans, and update prescriptions no matter where you are.
- Excellent Protection. All expenses not covered under Medicare Parts A or B are 100% sharable once you cover your minimum household contribution! *There are a few exceptions. Contact a PBM for more details.
- Great Discounts. A Select Savings Card is included with your membership that provides discounts on a variety of medical services and supplies not covered by Medicare, such as diabetes care supplies, hearing aids, and even lasik surgery!
- Community Support. Being a member of a health sharing plan is a great way to feel like part of a supportive community while you roam.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medi-Share 65+ vs. Medigap Plan G
- Medicare Advantage plans often have lower premiums but can have higher maximum out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important to consider if you require care out-of-network when you are on the road.
- Medi-Share 65+ provides great flexibility and allows you to access any provider you choose in any location. However, there are some restrictions on what is eligible to be shared.
- Medigap Plan G also allows you to choose any doctor or provider with a cap on out-of-pocket expenses. With some plans, the monthly premiums can be more costly.
Medicare Coverage Options At A Glance
Edit Feature: Premiums
- Medicare Advantage – Low – often zero monthly premiums.
- Medi-Share 65+ – Minimum sharing requirement of $99/month for ages 65 through 74. $150 per month for ages 75 and up.
- Medigap Plan G – Relatively high monthly premiums.
Edit Feature: Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Medicare Advantage – As high as $8,850 in 2024, but plans can set lower limits.
Out-of-Network care may result in higher MOOP costs. - Medi-Share 65+ – $500 per household for Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services
- Medigap Plan G – Capped at Medicare Part B deductible amount ($240 for 2024).
Edit Feature: Provider Flexibility
- Medicare Advantage – Medicare Advantage Plans rely on limited care provider networks. Some plans have very narrow or regional networks.
- Medi-Share 65+ – High, any provider in any location
- Medigap Plan G – High, choose any doctor or provider who takes Medicare patients.
Edit Feature: Coverage Restrictions
- Medicare Advantage – Yes, especially for out-of-network care
- Medi-Share 65+ – Few restrictions on sharing. However, this plan does not share costs related to alcohol or drug abuse, suicide or suicide attempts, most mental health care, or costs related to drunk driving – even if only as a passenger.
a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions applies. - Medigap Plan G – Fewer restrictions mainly standardized benefits
Edit Feature: Ideal for:
- Medicare Advantage – Those who prefer lower upfront costs and stay within network
- Medi-Share 65+ – Those seeking flexibility and willing to adhere to sharing guidelines.
Works best for those in good health, and who want to save money compared to Medigap Plan G and Plan N. - Medigap Plan G – Those wanting predictability in costs and lots of provider choice.
Higher monthly costs compared to Medi-Share 65+. But no pre-existing condition waiting periods.
When Travel Takes You Outside the U.S.
If you plan to drive to other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, you should add international travel insurance.
Foreign travel insurance covers accidents, medical emergencies, and even medical evacuation if you should ever need it. These plans are designed specifically for the needs of travelers to foreign countries.
Medi-Share 65+ provides benefits in other countries, as do some Medigap plans – specifically Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, and M.
But most Medicare Advantage plans don’t include foreign travel benefits at all, or only emergency coverage.
International travel insurance plans provide:
- Peace of Mind – Focus on your fun travel experiences knowing you’re fully covered in case of an emergency.
- Supplemental Protection – A great addition to your existing Medicare plan to make sure you are covered everywhere you go.
- Flexibility – Whether it’s a short trip abroad or an extended stay in another country, you can choose an option for any length of time.
- Easily Accessible – To simplify the billing process when you’re in a foreign country, some plans will bill hospitals and clinics in Canada and Mexico directly so you don’t have to worry about it.
- Customer Assistance – You can contact customer support 24/7/365 to assist with medical emergencies, as well as for other helpful travel advice when you are in a new location.
Don’t let borders limit your freedom!
Wander anywhere the road takes you with confidence, knowing you have protection wherever you go.
Get a Free Medicare Advantage Quote
Select whether you would like quotes on Medicare Advantage and MAPD plans, or Part D prescription plans.
Enjoy The Adventure!
Living in an RV full-time can be a wonderful and unique experience.
Don’t let worries about your health care slow you down!
With the right planning, you can fully enjoy your travels and know all your medical needs will be covered.
At first glance, Medicare Advantage plans may seem like a good option due to their low cost. But they’re not usually the best choice for full-time travelers.
A mobile lifestyle that may include international travel needs a healthcare plan that can hold up on the road.
Questions? We’re Just A Few Clicks Away!
A Personal Benefits Manager can assess your specific needs to help determine which plan is best for you. We want to make sure you keep your freedom and mobility wherever you go.
Stay safe out there, and enjoy the adventure!
For Further Reading: Does Medi-Share 65+ Pay When Traveling Outside the U.S? | MediShare 65+ Health Sharing Plan vs. Medigap Plan G | Medicare Plans: Choose Your Doctor for more Healthcare Freedom
Misty Berryman is one of your Personal Benefits Managers at Medigap Advisors. She loves working for Medigap Advisors for many reasons, including being part of the solution to one of life’s most important healthcare challenges: choosing the right Medicare plan. Read more about Misty on her Bio page.