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.
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
TRICARE logo; map of West Region U.S. states in blue. Text reads "Attention West Region Beneficiaries: Submit your payments by April 30 to avoid disenrollment. If you are disenrolled, call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST to reinstate your TRICARE health plan."

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West R...

News
Apr. 29, 2025

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic...
Read More
Drop off unused, unneeded, or expired drugs at military pharmacies in the U.S.

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April ...

News
Apr. 24, 2025

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of...
Read More
TRICARE For Life Handbook graphic

Want To Learn About TRICARE For Life? Check Out ...

News
Apr. 22, 2025

You may be approaching age 65, or you may have a disability or a medical condition that makes you eligible for...
Read More
Smiling woman stands in front of American flag.

Unlock Your Health: Need Help With Your TRICARE ...

News
Apr. 18, 2025

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics have support staff who can help you navigate your TRICARE...
Read More
Four young children stand in a huddle, laughing and holding a soccer ball. Text reads: Stay in the Game - Stop Measles Before It Starts! Defense Health Agency and Unlock Your Health text.

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize...

News
Apr. 17, 2025

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that...
Read More
Uniformed service member answers phone standing in front of computer screen

TRICARE’s Near Patient Program: What To Know

News
Apr. 15, 2025

For service members and their family members living overseas, challenges like language barriers and unfamiliar...
Read More
Graphic with TRICARE logo that reads, "Patients needed on April 25 for a focus group discussion on menopause. Sign up deadline is April 24. Learn if you qualify." Drawing of three womn sitting around a laptop.

Provide Feedback on Clinical Practice Guidelines...

News
Apr. 10, 2025

Did you know that your feedback could be a key ingredient in developing health policies, treatments, and...
Read More

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.

April 22, 2025

Want To Learn About TRICARE For Life? Check Out This Handbook

You may be approaching age 65, or you may have a disability or a medical condition that makes you eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life before you turn age 65. In either case, you’ll benefit from checking out the TRICARE For Life Handbook.

April 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Need Help With Your TRICARE Benefit? A Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator Can Help

Did you know that military hospitals and clinics have support staff who can help you navigate your TRICARE benefit? These include Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators. You can find them at any military hospital or clinic.

April 17, 2025

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Recognize the Symptoms and Protect Your Family

You may have heard about the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S. Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications. Anyone who isn’t protected against measles can get the illness—and children are especially at risk of getting seriously sick.

April 15, 2025

TRICARE’s Near Patient Program: What To Know

For service members and their family members living overseas, challenges like language barriers and unfamiliar health systems may make getting medical care stressful. But getting health care overseas doesn’t have to be difficult. Luckily, TRICARE offers the Near Patient Program to help monitor your medical care and assist you in ten overseas locations.

April 10, 2025

Provide Feedback on Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Menopause Discussion on April 25

Did you know that your feedback could be a key ingredient in developing health policies, treatments, and models of care for the military and veteran healthcare systems? The Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration are seeking volunteers for four upcoming virtual patient focus groups. The next focus group, on diagnosing and treating menopause, is on April 25 at 2 p.m. ET. The deadline to register is April 24 at 5 p.m. ET.

April 8, 2025

New TRICARE Drive Time Waiver Policy Makes it Easier To Keep Your Primary Care Manager if You Move

Are you moving to a new home? Is it more than a 30-minute drive from your primary care manager? If so, TRICARE is making it simpler to keep your TRICARE Prime coverage. Now, most families who live more than 30 minutes but less than 100 miles from their PCM can continue seeing them without taking action.

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.