Does Medicare cover doctor visits?

Part B of Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) help cover doctor visits. Medicare Supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap, may help pay for costs not paid by Original Medicare for Part B services.  

Original Medicare Part B 

Here’s what’s typically covered under Part B when it comes to doctor visits:

• Primary care visits: annual wellness checks, health screenings or diagnosing illnesses
• Specialist visits: appointments with cardiologists, dermatologists or orthopedic doctors referred by your primary care provider
• Preventive services: vaccinations and screenings for conditions such as cancer or diabetes 
• Mental health therapy: outpatient counseling sessions with licensed professionals

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) 

Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans offered by Medicare-approved companies like Humana. These plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare offers, including doctor visits. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer coverage for routine dental, vision and hearing care office visits. 

Medicare Supplement plans  

Medigap plans help cover your share of costs for services that are paid by Original Medicare. Some of these costs can include coinsurance, copayments and deductibles. 

What doctor visits does Medicare not cover? 

Doctor visits and services typically not covered under Original Medicare include:

• Annual or routine physical exams
• Routine eye exams 
• Routine foot care
• Hearing tests
• Dental services 
• Most chiropractic services

Note: Exceptions may apply in some cases.  

How much do I pay for doctor visits with Medicare? 

While Medicare helps cover costs, you may still have some out-of-pocket expenses like copayments, coinsurance or a deductible:

• Part B—After you meet your Part B annual deductible ($257 in 2025), you pay 20% of the costs for preventive care and medically necessary services. Medicare covers the remaining 80%. 
• Medicare Advantage plans—Medicare Advantage plans typically offer fixed doctor-visit copayments that can vary by plan. Other costs to consider include the monthly Part B premium ($185 in 2025) and a deductible. 
• Medicare Supplement plans—Medigap policies cover the 20% coinsurance for Part B services, including outpatient doctor visits, but you will still have out-of-pocket expenses. Some Medigap plans even cover excess charges, meaning if a provider charges more than the Medicare-approved amount, your plan will handle the extra cost. You can compare Medicare Supplement plans for more information. 

Note: The amount you pay can also depend on where you live and the services the doctor provides. 

How can I save on out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits? 

If your healthcare plan has a network, choosing in-network doctors, specialists and facilities can help save you money. Your insurer has contracts with these professionals and facilities with set prices for services. Out-of-network providers can charge you the full cost of care, including higher copays or coinsurance.   

Virtual visits, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, can also save you money on doctor visits. Virtual visits are performed with a video or phone appointment from the comfort of your home. Many insurance companies now offer virtual visit options for non-emergency concerns like minor illnesses, mental health counseling and follow-up consultations.  

Learn more about Medicare 

For more helpful information about Medicare, check out these frequently asked questions about Medicare plans.