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 | March 12, 2024

Maintaining Your Military Health Records Overseas

By TRICARE Communications

No matter where you live, it’s important for your electronic health record (EHR) to be complete and up to date. For TRICARE Prime Overseas and TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas beneficiaries, there are processes that help make this possible.

If you get care at a military hospital or clinic, that facility uploads your medical records to your EHR. But when you get care from civilian network providers, you need to consent to the release and collection of your health records.

There are two forms you’ll need to sign:

  1. The Release of Medical Information Form (ROMIF) gives the TRICARE Overseas contractor your consent to collect and translate health records from a civilian provider. International SOS is the TRICARE Overseas contractor. After International SOS translates your health records, they upload them to your EHR.
  2. The Patient Administration Form (PAF) documents your consent for your civilian provider to share your health records with International SOS. This form also captures other information, including if you have other health insurance.

“If you don’t sign these forms, your primary care manager might not be able to see all of your health records,” said Michael Griffin, a program analyst with the TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency. “This can delay your ongoing medical care.”

You must sign a ROMIF for each civilian provider you see or facility you go to. In most cases, you won’t need to sign a ROMIF each time you see the same provider or go to the same facility.

However, your ROMIF doesn’t cover your whole family. Each family member will need to sign their own ROMIF, even if they use the same provider or facility as you. Parents and guardians can sign ROMIFs for their minor children. The definition of “minor” depends on where you get care. In some countries, a minor is a patient younger than age 18. In other countries, a minor is a patient younger than age 21.

In most cases, you can fill out and sign your ROMIF and PAF during your visit with your provider. But in Japan, you must fill out, sign, and submit these forms to International SOS before you get care. You can email your completed forms to International SOS. You can find the email address for your overseas area at the bottom of each form. Your provider can also submit the forms for you.

Who’s eligible for health record collection and translation

Your TRICARE plan determines if International SOS will collect your health records or if you’ll need to collect your records:

  • TRICARE Prime Overseas and TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas: International SOS will collect your health records.
  • TRICARE Select Overseas and TRICARE For Life: If you want copies of your health records, you’ll need to contact your provider. You don’t need to sign ROMIFs or PAFs, unless your provider asks you to.

However, International SOS will collect and translate your health records if you have TRICARE Plus. TRICARE Plus is a primary care program offered at some military hospitals and clinics, as outlined in the TRICARE Plans Overview Fact Sheet. This includes some military hospitals and clinics overseas. You may be eligible for TRICARE Plus if you have TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life. You can contact your local military hospital and clinic to see if they offer TRICARE Plus and to enroll in this program. Once you’ve enrolled, you can get your civilian health records translated through your military hospital or clinic. Your provider may ask you to sign a ROMIF.

If you have questions about health records collection and translation, call International SOS. You can also learn more about health records translation and other translation services in the MyCare Overseas app.

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.

Woman sits at desk in front of papers, notepad, calculator, glasses, and laptop.

Unlock Your Health: How to Report Fraud and Abus...

News
Jun. 05, 2025

Health care fraud and abuse harms everyone. TRICARE is committed to protecting the health information of...
Read More
Woman writes at a desk.

Your TRICARE Checklist for Moving

News
Jun. 03, 2025

Are you preparing to move to a new location? Now is the best time to make sure your TRICARE benefits are ready...
Read 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

June 5, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How to Report Fraud and Abuse With TRICARE

Health care fraud and abuse harms everyone. TRICARE is committed to protecting the health information of service members, retirees, and their family members. You can help by knowing how to spot fraud or abuse—and by reporting it when you see it.

June 3, 2025

Your TRICARE Checklist for Moving

Are you preparing to move to a new location? Now is the best time to make sure your TRICARE benefits are ready to move with you. Here’s a TRICARE checklist to help you prepare for your move and what you may need to do after you get to your new location.

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.