Traveling abroad after 65 is often an exciting part of retirement. Whether you are planning a European adventure, visiting family overseas or spending several months somewhere warm, there is more to prepare than passports and plane tickets.

Healthcare and insurance should be part of the planning process, too. When enrolled in Medicare, your coverage works differently outside the United States, and an unexpected medical emergency can turn a dream vacation into a stressful and expensive nightmare. So, before you leave for your trip, remember that a little preparation can mean fewer potential mishaps.

Understand How Medicare Works Overseas

One of the most important things to know before traveling internationally is that Original Medicare generally does not provide coverage for services you receive when outside the U.S., except in limited circumstances.

Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies can provide coverage for foreign travel emergencies, but they have specific rules and limitations, so it is important to understand exactly what your plan covers before you leave.

Medicare Advantage plans can have different rules, too. Some plans may provide emergency or urgent care coverage outside the United States, but benefits vary by plan.

According to Boomer Benefits, if you are unsure how your coverage works while traveling, they can help you review your plan’s specific travel benefits before departure so you understand what to expect if you need medical care abroad.

Consider Medical Travel Insurance

Medicare and travel insurance serve different purposes. For international travel, consider whether a travel medical policy makes sense for your trip.

Travel insurance may offer coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, medical evacuation and other travel-related expenses. Some policies also provide trip cancellation or interruption benefits.

Pay close attention to the details, and figure out what all you want it to include. A policy with a low price may not provide the level of medical coverage you actually need.

Look specifically for coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions and rules for pre-existing medical conditions. If you have an ongoing health condition, find out whether the policy has requirements you must meet for that condition to be covered.

Think About Your Medications

Prescription medications deserve their own spot on your travel checklist.

Make sure you have enough medication for the entire trip, along with some extra in case your return is delayed. Keep medications in their original containers and pack them in your carry-on luggage when flying.

If you are traveling to multiple countries, check whether your medications are permitted in each destination. Medication names, dosage limits and import rules can vary.

It is also helpful to carry a current list of your medications, including the name, dosage and reason you take each one.

Create An Emergency Plan

Hopefully, you will never need it. But knowing what to do in a medical emergency can make a difficult situation easier to get through.

Save your insurance company’s emergency contact information in your phone and keep a printed copy with your travel documents. If you purchase travel medical insurance, carry that policy information with you.

You should also know how your coverage handles emergency care. Some policies may require you to pay for treatment upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement later.

Keep Your Medical Information Accessible

Create a simple medical information sheet before your trip. Include your medications, allergies, medical conditions, doctor’s contact information and emergency contacts.

Keep one copy with your travel documents and another secure digital copy that you can access while traveling if needed.

If you have a trusted family member or friend back home, consider giving them access to important travel and insurance information as well.

Check the Destination

Your destination can also affect your health and insurance planning.

Do some research on what medical care would be available to you where you are staying, especially if you will be visiting rural areas, smaller islands or remote destinations. If you are spending several months abroad, identify nearby hospitals and pharmacies before you arrive.

Also consider the activities you have planned. Hiking in the mountains, taking a cruise or spending weeks in a remote location can create different health and evacuation considerations than if you’re staying in a major city.

Give Yourself Time to Prepare, Then Enjoy

Traveling after 65 does not have to mean worrying about everything that could go wrong or that you have to have less fun. It’s just better to be more prepared.

Once you’ve got all the travel and healthcare logistics worked out and those boxes are checked, you can get back to the fun part: figuring out what to see, what to eat and how to pack all your souvenirs.