Medicare.gov

Emergency department services

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) usually covers emergency department services.

  • Covered by Part B
  • Costs vary depending on your situation 

Coverage details

Part B usually covers emergency department services when you have an injury, a sudden illness, or an illness that quickly gets much worse.

Medicare only covers emergency services outside of the U.S. under rare circumstances. 

Costs

  • You pay a  copayment  for each emergency department visit and a copayment for each hospital service you get.
  • After you meet the Part B deductible , you also pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor's services.
  • If your doctor admits you to the same hospital for a related condition within 3 days of your emergency department visit, you don't pay the copayment(s) because your visit is considered part of your inpatient stay