It is important to understand your insurance coverages through Medicare as there are many costs that are not covered under the original plan, which is also known as Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Two of the most commonly regarded Medicare insurance companies are Mutual of Omaha Medicare and Aetna Medicare. Many people may opt for Medicare Advantage, which is a private plan that can help fill the gaps in coverage under the basic plan. Whether you are choosing to purchase this coverage or not, here are 7 benefits that are not included in your traditional plan:

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.