Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans who are 65 and older or have a disability. While Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses, there are certain things that it doesn’t cover—like cosmetic procedures, outpatient prescription drugs, and many new treatments and alternative treatments for chronic conditions, like cancer. Many policyholders choose additional coverage from well-known providers like AARP, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Mutual of Omaha to fill the gaps left by standard health plans. Secondary or dual insurance — where one plan acts as primary and another provides backup coverage — can help reduce out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, co-pays, and services not included in the main plan. These supplemental options often extend to benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care, offering added financial protection and peace of mind when unexpected expenses arise.
Even with these added protections, it’s essential to understand exactly what Medicare itself doesn’t include to avoid costly surprises later.
Here are things that Medicare doesn’t cover:

1. Prescription drug coverage
Prescription medications for outpatients are not covered under the original Medicare plan. You will have to buy a Medicare Part D policy or Medicare Advantage which will cover the costs of medical and drug expenses.

2. Long-term care
Medicare does provide coverage for some nursing services but there is no coverage for custodial care, such as bathing, dressing and other daily activities. Long-term care is one of the more expensive parts of retirement with the average cost of a private room in a nursing home being approximately $105,800 according to recent studies. The best option here is to purchase a long-term care insurance in combination with a life insurance policy to cover these costs.

3. Deductibles and coinsurance
Although there is coverage for hospital stays under Plan A, and doctors visits and outpatient care under Plan B, you are still responsible for the deductibles and copayments before any coverage actually begins. This can get pricey, especially if you have a lot of medical needs. For example, Plan B covers 80% of doctors’ services but you will have to pay the remaining 20% after a $233 deductible. A Medicare supplement policy will help cover the gaps here.

4. Dental care
Most dental care is not covered through Medicare. Things like routine check ups, tooth extractions, dentures, teeth cleanings and fillings are not included. The Medicare Advantage plan can help a little, but there is an annual cap at $1,500. It may be a good idea to get a separate policy specific to dental coverage, or to invest in a health savings account (HSA).

5. Routine vision care
WIth the exception of one annual eye exam if you have diabetes, Medicare does not cover eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts. There are Medicare Advantage plans available for vision coverage if you need it.

6. Hearing aids
Hearing exams or hearing aids are not covered under Medicare, with the exception of diagnostic hearing exams if requested by your doctor. Hearing benefits may be available through supplemental coverage.

7. Overseas medical coverage
You will need supplemental coverage through other private plans or medigap plans if you are a frequent traveler and need emergency medical coverage. There are very few exceptions through Medicare for coverage, including if you are on a cruise ship within six hours of a U.S port, or if you’re passing through Canada between Alaska and another U.S state, then Medicare may cover some costs if a Canadian hospital is closer to you than an American one.