I’m 69 and determined to take my dream vacation solo to Italy before my health deteriorates. Will Medicare cover me if I fall sick while traveling?

She’s not alone in this. Solo travel has become a popular way for retirees to prioritize their quality of life, regardless of age, according to Allianz Partner’s 16th annual Vacation Confidence Index. The report notes a 23% increase in solo travelers among seniors.

With this trend, it’s understandable that travelers are concerned about whether Medicare will cover them if they fall ill or have an accident while abroad. Generally, the answer is no, with a few exceptions. So what can this 69-year-old do to avoid a hefty medical bill if something happens in Italy?

How Medicare works outside of the U.S.

Before booking your flight, it’s important to understand that Medicare coverage outside of the U.S. is limited, and in most cases, won’t pay for medical expenses incurred while traveling. There are a few exceptions — such as if you’re traveling to Alaska through Canada and a Canadian hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital.

Medicare coverage outside the U.S. varies depending on your plan, but you’re still responsible for any applicable deductibles, coinsurance or copayments. Medicare also won’t cover prescription drugs abroad.

Under Medicare Part A and Part B, coverage is limited. Part A may cover inpatient hospital care if you’ve been admitted to a foreign hospital under a doctor’s orders. Part B may cover emergency and non-emergency ambulance services and doctor care during a covered foreign hospital stay. However, this requires the hospital to submit a claim to Medicare, or you’ll need to submit an itemized bill.

Medigap plans C, D, F, G, M and N will cover 80% of the cost of emergency medical care outside of the U.S. within the first 60 days of travel after you pay the annual $250 deductible.

Keep in mind that Plans C and F are no longer available to new beneficiaries. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer additional coverage for medical services abroad, so it’s worth checking with your plan with your provider before traveling. Military retirees enrolled in Tricare for Life have the same foreign travel insurance they had before enrolling in Medicare.