Clint Hall

The annual enrollment window runs October 15 through December 7, giving US beneficiaries time to review, change, or tailor coverage for the upcoming year.
For 2026, Part D out-of-pocket costs are capped at $2.1K, with ~$2.4K estimated for 2027; Medicare Advantage annual maximums can reach $9.25K.
In Late-Q3, watch for the annual notice explaining cost, benefit, network, or plan availability changes before making US coverage decisions for the coming year.
When comparing options, match coverage to your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, travel or relocation plans, and likely care needs instead of assuming plans work the same.
People already in Medicare Advantage also get January 1 through March 31 to switch plans or return to original Medicare, and free counseling is available.

Medicare Fall Enrollment: Review Your Coverage

Travel insurance can protect prepaid trip costs and cover hotel stays, meals, or flight rebooking when illness, emergencies, disasters, or delays disrupt plans.
Credit card travel protection can be a useful starting point, but coverage may be limited, so travelers should review terms before counting on extended-stay benefits.
For international trips, medical coverage matters because many health plans, including government health coverage, offer limited or no protection abroad, making evacuation benefits worth considering.
Travelers with preexisting conditions should verify coverage and may want primary coverage, which avoids filing with their own health insurer first after emergencies.
When comparing plans, travelers should confirm exclusions, use comparison sites if needed, and check strong ratings first from consumer and financial watchdogs.
The core takeaway: build a backup plan, because added travel protection can offer peace of mind when disruptions leave travelers making urg