An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Jan. 18, 2022

How to Get Urgent Care Under Your TRICARE Health Plan

By TRICARE Communications

Do you have an injury or illness that isn’t quite serious enough for a trip to the emergency room? This might be the right time to go to an urgent care center. Most TRICARE beneficiaries can go to an urgent care center whenever they need to. You just want to be sure to check out and follow the urgent care rules for your health plan. 
 
“Urgent care might be an option for you if you don’t believe you have an emergency,” said Dr. Stacy Usher, lead nurse of Clinical Oversight and Integration for the TRICARE Health Plan. “Urgent medical conditions are usually ones that aren’t considered emergencies but still require professional medical attention within 24 hours. Examples might include a small cut that might need stitches, a fever, or a sprained ankle.”
 
Emergency care means care for an illness or injury that threatens your life, limb, sight, or safety. If you reasonably believe you have an emergency, always call 911 or your international emergency number. Or, go to the nearest emergency room.
 
If you have questions about your injury or illness, you can call the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line. Nurses are available 24/7 to help you find the care you need. Are you in the U.S., Guam, or Puerto Rico? If yes, call 1-800-874-2273 and choose option 1. You can find other countries’ numbers on the website.
 
Different health plans have different rules for getting urgent care. These rules depend on your status.
 
Active Duty Service Members
Active duty service members (ADSMs) in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Prime should seek urgent care at a military hospital or clinic when available. To seek civilian urgent care, ADSMs need a referral. However, if you’re an ADSM in TRICARE Prime Remote, you don’t need a referral. In this case, you can get urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider.
 
ADSMs must follow up with their primary care manager when they get care outside of a military hospital or clinic. This is in accordance with Department of Defense and Service regulations.
 
Active Duty Family Members
Active duty family members (ADFMs) in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select don’t need a referral for urgent care. When possible, you should go to a TRICARE network provider or a TRICARE-authorized (network or non-network) urgent care center. This will help you avoid more out-of-pocket costs. If you’re a family member and get urgent care from a non-network provider outside of a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center, you’ll have to pay point-of-service cost-shares.
 
Retirees and Family Members
If you’re a retiree or retiree family member in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, you can get urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center without a referral. You should see a TRICARE network provider to avoid more out-of-pocket costs.
 
National Guard, Reservists, and Family Members
National Guard, Reservists, and their eligible family members who are enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select don’t need a referral for urgent care. Retired Reservists (including National Guard members) and their eligible family members who are enrolled in TRICARE Retired Reserve also don’t need a referral for urgent care. When possible, you should go to a TRICARE network provider. Or, you can go to a TRICARE-authorized (network or non-network) urgent care center to avoid more out-of-pocket costs. If you get urgent care from a non-network provider outside of a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center, you’ll have to pay point-of-service cost-shares.
 
Urgent Care Overseas
Are you enrolled in a TRICARE overseas plan? If you’re an ADFM seeking care overseas and are in TOP Prime or TOP Prime Remote, you must get pre-authorization from the TRICARE Overseas Program contractor. This will help make sure your urgent care visit is cashless and claimless. Without this authorization, you may have to pay the health care provider up front and file a claim for reimbursement later. If you have an overseas plan and traveling stateside, you don’t need a referral or authorization. You can get urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider.
 
Are you enrolled in the US Family Health Plan? Go to your designated provider’s website to learn how your urgent care coverage works.  
 
Would you like to know more about your potential costs? For details about all the network and non-network costs for urgent care, you can check out the TRICARE 2022 Costs and Fees Sheet. Or, you can choose your health plan and your status on the TRICARE Costs page to see your current costs.
 
Remember, urgent care is for minor medical issues. You can search online for a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center near you. You can also call your regional contractor for help finding an urgent care center. Learn more about urgent care, so you know where and when to go if you need care.
 
Service member smiles next to a woman in a black shirt

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

News
Jul. 10, 2025

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health...
Read More
Mother holds newborn baby

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

News
Jul. 08, 2025

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top...
Read More
Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More
Older man and woman smile at each other

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Elig...

News
Jun. 26, 2025

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible...
Read More
Uniformed service member holds thermometer in a patient's mouth.

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Sta...

News
Jun. 24, 2025

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or...
Read More
Young girl wrapped in blue and white towel stands on a beach.

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide f...

News
Jun. 17, 2025

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world...
Read More
Man in white shirt reads papers while smiling.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dent...

News
Jun. 16, 2025

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you...
Read More
Woman in dental chair, gums being examined by dentist wearing pink gloves

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier...

News
Jun. 13, 2025

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the...
Read More

July 10, 2025

Moving Overseas? TRICARE Has You Covered

If you live outside the U.S., you can get high quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health plans. These plans serve active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and family members living overseas.

July 8, 2025

Q&A: Getting TRICARE for Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a new baby to your family is an exciting milestone. Your baby’s health is probably one of your top priorities, so you may be wondering how to get TRICARE coverage for your child. Your child’s date of birth and their sponsor’s status affect what you should do next.

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.

June 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

June 16, 2025

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dental Program Dental Explanation of Benefits

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you track your coverage. This allows you to avoid any unexpected costs.

June 13, 2025

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier You — What You Should Know

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the body? From heart disease to diabetes, the state of your gums can significantly impact your long-term health. This article explores the surprising links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, offering simple, practical steps you can take today to protect both your smile and your future health.

June 12, 2025

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Osteoarthritis on June 27

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re invited to join virtual focus groups! The next focus group will discuss osteoarthritis care on June 27 at 2 p.m. ET.

June 11, 2025

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effects on Oral Health?

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently gained popularity as a potential solution for mouth breathing and its related health issues. But is it supported by science or is it just another viral trend?