FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
When you’re sick or injured, you want simple access to health care services no matter where you are. That’s one of the reasons why International SOS Government Services, Inc., the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) contractor, introduced the
Near Patient Program.
“The Near Patient Program helps beneficiaries based in certain overseas locations with their health care needs,” said Michael Griffin, program analyst with the TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency. “Service members and their families can often experience cultural and language barriers in a foreign country. This program makes navigating the overseas health care system easier, so families have a more positive patient experience.”
Through the Near Patient Program, you have access to medical and non-medical professionals who will:
- Help you bridge cultural nuances and better understand local health care services
- Act as a key communication channel between you and overseas providers
- Work with local providers to collect your medical records and resolve non-clinical issues
- Work with military hospitals and clinics to ensure seamless continuity of care
- Oversee inpatient admissions and collaborate with others
“With different individuals and local overseas teams collaborating, the goal is to provide comprehensive health care support from beginning to end of a patient’s journey,” added Griffin.
To use the Near Patient Program, you must be enrolled in
TRICARE Prime Overseas or
TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas. You must also seek care in one of the countries in which the program is available. The Near Patient Program is in the following countries:
- Germany
- Italy
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Spain
- Greece
- Poland
- Bahrain
- South Korea
- Japan
Are you not in a Near Patient Program location? Then you still have support through the TOP Regional Call Center, as outlined in the
TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook. You can get help 24/7 when you call your
TOP Regional Call Center.
If you’re in a location where the program is available, you can connect with your local care team through your
TOP Regional Call Center. You also have direct access to your Near Patient Program Team through the
MyCare Overseas app. Click on “24/7 Assistance” and you’ll find the “My Local Care Team” section. From there, you can start a live chat or a call. Keep in mind, you can contact the Near Patient Team via the app if you meet the following requirements:
- You’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
- You’re enrolled in one of the overseas locations where the Near Patient Program is available
- You or a family member has opened a case with the TRICARE Overseas Program in the past two years
Let the
Near Patient Program help you navigate what can be a complex local health care system at times. Learn more about the program and other support services on the
TRICARE Overseas website.