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. 30, 2023

How to File Your TRICARE Claims Overseas

By TRICARE Communications

Do you need to file a TRICARE Overseas claim for medical care or prescriptions you received overseas? If so, it’s important to understand the different TRICARE Overseas claim submission methods available to you.
 
“There’s more than one way to submit a TRICARE claim overseas,” said Michael Griffin, program analyst with the TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency. “Choosing the quickest method to submit your claim and knowing what information you may need to provide can help ensure you get your claim processed in a timely manner.”
 
Medical Claims
You can submit your claim directly to Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS), the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) claims processor. There are three options.
 
1. TRICARE Overseas Secure Claims Portal
The TRICARE Overseas Secure Claims Portal is the fastest and most secure way to submit a claim. You can use the wizard, which helps guide you through the process. This ensures the claims processor receives your claim instantly and enters it directly into the claims processing system. You can also submit your claim via secure messaging through the portal. This is slightly slower, as your claim is entered into the system manually.
 
There are other benefits of using the portal, as detailed in this claims video. You can:
  • Track the status of your claim.
  • Review your payment information.
  • Communicate directly with WPS, the claims processor.
  • Sign up for electronic funds transfer (direct deposit) to a U.S. bank account.
 
You must first register to use the portal. To learn how to register for and use the portal, check out the tutorial videos.
 
2. Secure Fax
Using secure fax is another quick way to submit a claim. Fax your claim to +1-608-301-2251. Your claim is considered received on the same day of submission.
 
3. Overseas Postal Mail
Using postal mail is the least timely way to submit a claim and receive reimbursement. Because overseas-to-U.S. mail delivery timelines vary, delivery can take up to 28 days.
 
To help ensure that WPS processes your TRICARE Overseas claim in a timely manner once received, be sure to fully complete and sign the claim form (DD Form 2642). Remember to include the following required information:
  • A clear and legible itemized bill or invoice from the provider, detailing the services rendered and the provider’s name and address.
  • A narrative description of the reason for the medical services received.
  • Proof of payment
  • Proof of other health insurance (OHI), if applicable. If you have OHI (such as national health insurance), TRICARE is always the last payer. If applicable, include any explanation of benefits (EOB) from your OHI, outlining any payment or denial.
 
To find the mailing address you should use, go to TOP Claims Mailing Addresses.
 
Allow up to 30 days for WPS, the claims processor, to process your TRICARE Overseas claim after they receive it. In some cases, they may ask you to send additional information to determine benefit coverage to complete processing of the claim. After your claim is processed, it may take up to 28 days to receive your reimbursement in the mail.
 
Pharmacy Claims
Do you need to file a claim for your prescription? This depends on where your prescription was filled. As noted in the TRICARE Pharmacy Program Handbook, you don’t need to file a claim if your prescription was filled at a military pharmacy, through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, or at a TRICARE retail network pharmacy.
 
If your prescription was filled at a non-network pharmacy, you’ll need to file a claim to get reimbursed for covered prescription drugs. For prescriptions filled at non-network pharmacies in the U.S. or the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Express Scripts is the pharmacy contractor to send your claim. For prescriptions filled outside the U.S. and U.S. territories, submit your claim to WPS.
 
You can do this either online through the secure claims portal or by mail. Be sure to submit proof of payment with your overseas pharmacy claims. If you’re in the Philippines, you must get your prescription filled at a TRICARE-certified pharmacy to ensure your claims are reimbursed. Visit Pharmacy Claims to learn more about filing claims.
 
Deadlines to File Claims
The deadline to file a claim depends on when and where you received care. For care in the U.S. and U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), you have one year from the date of service or discharge to submit a claim. For overseas care, you have three years. The currency exchange rate is determined by the last date of service or discharge for an inpatient admission.
 
For more information on how to file your TRICARE Overseas claim, check the TOP website. If you have questions or need help, you can contact your TOP Regional Call Center.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Three uniformed service members and a fourth person stand smiling and at the camera and holding a pug.

Unlock Your Health: How To Get Mental Health Car...

News
May. 29, 2025

Mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Whether you’re having difficulty managing day-to-day...
Read More
Woman smiles while working on a laptop.

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Youn...

News
May. 22, 2025

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how...
Read More
Service member examines medication at a military pharmacy.

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescri...

News
May. 20, 2025

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy...
Read More
A man poses for a photo in a maintenance shop with a saw table behind him.

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

News
May. 14, 2025

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you...
Read More
Dentist and pediatric patient give thumbs up.

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care...

News
May. 13, 2025

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important...
Read More
Two nurses wearing blue scrubs and face masks point to chart on a wall.

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary ...

News
May. 09, 2025

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every...
Read More
Man and woman smile while holding a baby.

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime At...

News
May. 07, 2025

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are...
Read More
Map of West Region states and TRICARE logo. Text: Referral approval waiver: Referral approvals are waived through June 30.

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval ...

News
Apr. 30, 2025

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has...
Read More

May 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How To Get Mental Health Care With TRICARE

Mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Whether you’re having difficulty managing day-to-day stress or navigating more complex challenges, TRICARE offers mental health support when—and where—you need it.

May 22, 2025

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Young Adults

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how this milestone affects their TRICARE health coverage. Here’s what you need to know about TRICARE health plan options for young adults.

May 20, 2025

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescriptions: Your Questions Answered

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. You should be familiar with certain terms that can help you make the most of your pharmacy benefit, including prior authorization. Prior authorization is a routine process to ensure your prescription drug is medically necessary and cost effective.

May 14, 2025

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available, and TRICARE is here to support you.

May 13, 2025

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care for Children

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important that children get proper dental care from an early age. This helps them maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. The TRICARE Dental Program provides dental coverage for eligible children of service members, helping your children access important dental care.

May 9, 2025

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary Ready Force

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every service member is fit to fight, that our medical teams are trained and ready, and that our families receive the care they deserve. This week, we honor the strength and dedication of the extraordinary professionals who serve both our country and warfighters with unwavering courage. Whether they are on the frontlines, in field hospitals or at military medical centers around the world, their commitment to care under the most challenging conditions inspires us all.

May 7, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa, Competitive Plans Demonstration Options Starting in 2026

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are about to expand. Starting in January 2026, TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa options, a Competitive Plans Demonstration, will bring more choices to eligible beneficiaries. These options are administered by CareSource Military & Veterans. Enrollees will get care from CSMV’s network of primary and specialty care providers.

April 30, 2025

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval Waiver Through June 30 for West Region TRICARE Prime Enrollees

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

April 29, 2025

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West Region? Here’s How To Reinstate Your Coverage After April 30

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

April 24, 2025

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April 26, National Drug Take Back Day

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.