Everyone is entitled to free checkups and screenings through Medicare, but coverage is not unlimited. There are specific healthcare benefits not covered by your plan. These uncovered benefits mean you might have to pay out-of-pocket for certain services or procedures. Doing your research now will help you stay within budget later on. Here are seven things Medicare won’t cover:

1. Routine eye exams
Although eye exams are a Medicare benefit, routine eye exams are not. Your plan covers new glasses and contacts, but if you’re pre-diabetic and need an exam to monitor your condition, you’ll have to pay for it out of pocket. Retinal scans, OCT scans, and diabetic retinopathy screenings are also not covered.

2. Prescription drugs
If you’ve got a prescription plan, you’re covered. If not, drugs are not a Medicare benefit. Before enrollment, it is important to remember any pre-existing conditions that require prescription. It will help you pick a more suitable Medicare plan that meets your specific needs.

3. Overseas health care
Medicare will reimburse you if you travel outside the U.S. and need emergency medical care. But if you’re doing routine medical care overseas, like getting a knee replacement abroad or even visiting a dentist, Medicare will not cover those bills. Don’t forget that you cannot leave the country for 60 days after signing up for Medicare.

4. Routine dental exams
If you’ve got dental coverage under Medicare; dental exams are covered. But if you’re getting a routine checkup, it’s not a Medicare benefit. Dental benefits under Medicare will only kick in after extraction for tooth replacements.

5. Hearing aids
Medicare will cover the cost of using hearing aids to address a medical condition. But it isn’t a Medicare benefit if you’re trying to improve your hearing. However, after acquiring the hearing aid, Medicare will cover maintenance charges.

6. Long term Care
Your Medicare plan will cover some of your expenses in a long-term care facility. You can expect to pay out-of-pocket for the rest. If you plan on receiving long-term care benefits, it’s a good idea to sign up for Medicare right away. Your coverage begins on the first day of the month after you turn 65.

7. Dentures
If you’ve got a chronic condition like esophageal cancer that requires you to get a feeding tube; Medicare will cover the cost of your dentures. Otherwise, it is not a Medicare benefit. You can use dental insurance to save money on dental expenses. It may be worth signing up for dental insurance to cover routine checkup, cleaning, and X-rays.

You can also explore dental discount plans. You can use a health savings account (HSA) if you want to save money on medical expenses. HSAs are savings accounts that you can use to cover medical expenses, including prescription drugs, medical equipment, and long-term care charges. These are just a few ways to prepare for the costs associated with Medicare. Don’t forget to look into the specific things the program won’t cover.