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 | June 6, 2023

Q&A: Does TRICARE Cover Care When Traveling Overseas?

By TRICARE Communications

Exploring different countries and cultures is exciting. As you plan your trip, you may have some questions about what coverage TRICARE offers when you travel overseas. It’s important to prepare for your trip with your health care in mind.
 
“While traveling overseas, the rules for getting care depend on your sponsor status, your health plan, and your location,” said Michael Griffin, program analyst with the TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency. “Being prepared to seek health care while traveling is as important as packing the right clothes for your trip. You should know your options for accessing care overseas, as well as what you’ll need to do when you return home.”
 
The following questions and answers will help you prepare for your trip and learn how to get health care overseas if you need it.
 
Q: Does TRICARE cover me if I need emergency care?
A: Yes. If you reasonably think you have an emergency, call the emergency number of the country you’re in, or go to the nearest emergency room. The TRICARE Overseas contractor, International SOS, provides 24/7 support if you need urgent or emergency care. Choose the country where you’re located for a list of contact numbers, including the Medical Assistance number.
 
If you’re admitted to the hospital overnight, notify the TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center within 24 hours or on the next business day. After you return home, contact your health care provider, as you may need follow-up care.
 
Under certain circumstances, TRICARE may cover air evacuations.
 
Q: What should I do if I get sick on my trip?
A: For medical conditions that aren’t emergencies but need professional attention within 24 hours or any other nonemergency care, active duty service members must seek care at military hospitals or clinics when possible. Everyone else should follow their health plan’s rules for getting urgent care overseas. If you need to quickly find a provider overseas, use the provider search tool or call International SOS.
 
If you need medical advice, the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line might be an option. It’s a free service available outside the United States in any country with a military hospital or clinic.
 
Remember that whatever type of health care you receive, you may need to pay up front and file a claim with the overseas claims processor to be reimbursed. Be sure to keep all receipts associated with your care.
 
Q: Can I refill a prescription overseas?
A: If you must fill prescription while traveling, remember:  
Q: Do I need to purchase additional travel health insurance?
A: No, but it’s a personal decision. If you’re considering buying extra health insurance, keep in mind that all private and travel insurance policies pay before TRICARE. If you get care while traveling overseas, you’ll need to file your claim for reimbursement with your travel insurance first. Then submit the claim to TRICARE, along with the explanation of benefits from your travel insurance provider for the care you received.
 
Q: What else should I do before I leave on my trip?
A: TRICARE suggests several items to put on your pre-travel to-do list:
  • Before you leave, log in to milConnect and check that your personal and contact information is up to date in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). If your information is incorrect in DEERS, it could affect your TRICARE coverage.
  • Get any routine health care needs completed before traveling overseas.
  • Refill your prescriptions before traveling. If you tell your doctor about your upcoming travel, they can authorize up to a 90-day supply. Pack your prescriptions in your carry-on bag so you’ll have them with you if your luggage is delayed or lost.
  • Depending on where you’re traveling, check with your doctor to ensure you’re up to date with all necessary vaccinations. Call well ahead of time so you can schedule an appointment and get vaccinated prior to your departure.
  • Download the TRICARE Contact Wallet Card. It lists the numbers to use if you need health care services or support when traveling.
 
Planning makes all the difference in creating an enjoyable, stress-free overseas journey. Know how your TRICARE coverage works overseas so you’ll be ready if you need health care services while traveling. Bon voyage!
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Smiling mother and son stand in kitchen, mixing ingredients in a mixing bowl

Q&A: Your TRICARE Catastrophic Cap

News
Apr. 03, 2025

You can’t always predict your family’s healthcare needs. But you can know the most you could have to pay for...
Read More
Woman in white lab coat speaks on a laptop.

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Car...

News
Apr. 01, 2025

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of healthcare services via virtual health? These...
Read More
Map of the TRICARE West Region states shown in blue, next to TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Attention West Region Beneficiaries: Payment Deadline: The deadline to make your payment is April 30. Referral Approval Waiver: Referral approvals are waived through April 30."

Live in the West Region? Submit Payments to TriW...

News
Mar. 27, 2025

Do you currently live in the West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds...
Read More
Woman holds her baby.

Having a Baby in 2025? Here’s How TRICARE Covers...

News
Mar. 26, 2025

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? TRICARE covers many services to help you through pregnancy, childbirth, and...
Read More
Woman and child on the TRICARE Dental Program website home page.

The TRICARE Dental Program Website Has a New Look!

News
Mar. 20, 2025

Have you checked out the new TRICARE Dental Program website yet? The updated layout makes searching your...
Read More
Man and woman take a picture outside.

Unlock Your Health With These TRICARE For Life B...

News
Mar. 20, 2025

As you age, it’s important to think about your future health needs. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65,...
Read More
Dentist holds dental equipment.

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program T...

News
Mar. 19, 2025

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on...
Read More
Woman in medical scrubs holds up model teeth.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

News
Mar. 18, 2025

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the...
Read More

April 3, 2025

Q&A: Your TRICARE Catastrophic Cap

You can’t always predict your family’s healthcare needs. But you can know the most you could have to pay for TRICARE covered services. TRICARE calls this your catastrophic cap. Your catastrophic cap limits how much you and your family will pay for TRICARE covered healthcare services each calendar year.

April 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Care at Home With TRICARE

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of healthcare services via virtual health? These services take place through secure video calls, phone appointments, and other technology platforms. TRICARE virtual health coverage includes primary care, urgent care, mental health, and specialty services.

March 27, 2025

Live in the West Region? Submit Payments to TriWest by April 30 To Avoid Disenrollment – Plus, Referral Approval Waiver Extended to April 30

Do you currently live in the West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If so, and you haven’t done so already, you must provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by Wednesday, April 30. If you don’t act, you’ll be disenrolled, retroactive to your paid-through date. If you have TRICARE Prime, you should also know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through April 30.

March 26, 2025

Having a Baby in 2025? Here’s How TRICARE Covers Maternity Services

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? TRICARE covers many services to help you through pregnancy, childbirth, and after your baby is born. Prenatal and postpartum care helps keep both you and your baby healthy by catching any problems early—and, recent updates to the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration now bring more support options to families worldwide.

March 20, 2025

The TRICARE Dental Program Website Has a New Look!

Have you checked out the new TRICARE Dental Program website yet? The updated layout makes searching your important TDP benefits information simpler.

March 20, 2025

Unlock Your Health With These TRICARE For Life Basics

As you age, it’s important to think about your future health needs. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, TRICARE has you covered if you take the appropriate steps. Once you actively have Medicare Part A and Part B, you’re automatically enrolled in TRICARE For Life. TFL coverage allows you to get the care you need while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

March 19, 2025

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on essential terms relating to your dental coverage. Understanding your TDP plan can help you make the most of your benefits.

March 18, 2025

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feel hesitant. If you’re feeling unsure at the dentist, then you may not ask any questions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing daily; it's about actively participating in your dental care journey.

March 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other Health Insurance Work Together

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a private insurer, it’s considered other health insurance, which can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services.

March 13, 2025

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.