Does Medicare work in Puerto Rico? And what about my US insurance?
Does Medicare work in Puerto Rico? Yes: Medicare defines "outside the U.S." as anywhere other than the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the other US territories. Private mainland plans vary, so call the number on your card before you use a provider on the island. Our video visits are self-pay, and we don't bill any insurance.
Can we help by telehealth? Yes, we can help by telehealth.
Does Medicare work in Puerto Rico? Yes: it counts as the US
Medicare's publication on coverage outside the United States explains that "outside the U.S." means anywhere other than the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
In practice, Puerto Rico is not "abroad" for Original Medicare. But Medicare applying here doesn't mean every provider accepts it: ask the hospital, office or pharmacy before you are seen.
Medicare Advantage and private mainland plans
Medicare Advantage, employer and marketplace plans have their own networks and rules. Some cover emergencies outside their service area and limit other care. We can't tell you what yours covers.
Before using a provider in Puerto Rico, call the number on the back of your card and ask:
- Does my plan cover care in Puerto Rico, and for what (emergency, urgent, routine)?
- Are there in-network providers in Puerto Rico? Do I need prior authorization?
- Will you reimburse me if I pay directly and send an itemized receipt?
- Do you cover telehealth with a Puerto Rico-licensed doctor?
In an emergency, don't wait on insurance
Call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Emergency rooms at hospitals that take part in Medicare must screen and stabilize you regardless of ability to pay (the federal EMTALA law). Insurance gets sorted out later. See ER vs urgent care in San Juan.
How our visits are paid
We don't bill Medicare, Medicare Advantage or any health plan. An online doctor visit is one fixed price, US$79, which you pay by card when you request it; see pricing. If the visit can't take place, you get a full refund.
On request, we give you an itemized receipt (superbill) to claim from your plan, HSA or FSA yourself. We can't promise your plan will reimburse you. If you have Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask first.
Visiting, or just moved?
On vacation? See sick on vacation in Puerto Rico. Arrived by ship? See the cruise passenger guide. Just moved and not yet covered locally? See doctor without insurance in Puerto Rico.
We can only see you while you are physically in Puerto Rico, because the doctor's license is a Puerto Rico license. See Puerto Rico telemedicine law.
Video visit: US$79 · Pay by card · See the price and what is included
Before you book
- You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors and tourists are welcome).
- We see patients from 6 months old. Patients under 21: a parent or legal guardian must be on camera for the whole visit.
- Real-time video only; we do not do phone-call visits.
- We do not prescribe controlled substances.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Medicare cover me in Puerto Rico?
- Puerto Rico is not "outside the U.S." for Medicare, so Original Medicare rules apply. Ask each provider whether they accept Medicare.
- Will my Florida or New York plan work in Puerto Rico?
- It depends on the plan. Call the number on your card and ask what it covers in Puerto Rico and whether it has in-network providers on the island.
- Do you take Medicare for video visits?
- We don't bill Medicare or any other plan. Visits are self-pay, and we provide an itemized receipt on request.
Sources
- Medicare coverage outside the United States, publication 11037 (Medicare.gov) (accessed 2026-09-30)
- Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) (CMS) (accessed 2026-09-30)