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.

The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
To learn how the lapse in appropriations affects your TRICARE benefit, visit 
tricare.mil/shutdown.

News | July 25, 2024

Your TRICARE Guide to Overseas Travel

By TRICARE Communications

Planning a trip overseas? Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, it’s a good idea to know how your TRICARE plan works outside the United States.

“In most cases, you probably won’t need to get health care during a vacation or short-term trip,” said Michael Griffin, program analyst with the TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency. “But it’s important to know how to get care overseas in case you need it.”

Here are key things to know before getting health care in another country.

Preparing for your trip: a checklist

1. Know what to do in an emergency.
If you reasonably think you have an emergency, call the emergency number of the country you’re in, or go to the nearest emergency department.

The TRICARE Overseas contractor, International SOS, provides 24/7 support if you need emergency care.

Visit the International SOS Contact Us page to find contact numbers for your location. As noted on Page 3 of the TRICARE Contact Wallet Card, only call Medical Assistance numbers to coordinate emergency care overseas.

2. Know your plan’s rules for getting care.
Different TRICARE plans have different rules for getting care when traveling overseas. Go to Getting Care While Traveling for detailed information for your plan.

Note: Active duty service members must seek care at military hospitals or clinics for non-emergency care whenever possible.

3. Identify providers for chronic conditions.

  • If you have a chronic condition that may require care while you’re away, identify providers in the country you’re visiting beforehand.
  • International SOS offers a search tool of approved providers. It’s also wise to note the contact information for hospitals and clinics where you’re traveling.

Tip: Remember to take care of any routine health or dental care before your departure date. Also, check with your provider to confirm you’re up to date on your vaccinations.

4. Pack important documents and information.
Bring the following information with you:

5. Bring your prescriptions.
Do you take prescription medications? Be sure to bring enough of your prescription for your trip. If you need to refill your prescriptions, do so before traveling. If you tell your doctor about your upcoming travel, they can authorize up to a 90-day supply.

Tip: Pack your prescriptions in your carry-on bag so you’ll have them with you if your luggage is delayed or lost.

6. Decide if you want to buy travel health insurance.
You aren’t required to buy travel health insurance to travel overseas. Keep in mind that all private and travel insurance policies pay before TRICARE.

If you receive 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. If you don’t have travel insurance, be prepared to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.

What to do if you get care while traveling overseas

Follow-up care

If you received care while traveling overseas, contact your primary care manager or provider upon returning. You should also keep records to give to your PCM.

Paying for services

Sometimes, you may be required to pay for medical services up front and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to keep receipts and medical records. TRICARE will reimburse you based on the allowable charges for the care received.

If you need to submit a claim, submit it to the claims address for the location where you received care. Be sure to include all required documentation.

By understanding your plan’s rules and planning ahead, you can enjoy your travels with the confidence that TRICARE has you covered. For more information, check out Getting Care While Traveling.

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.
 

Picture of a doctor using a stethoscope on a patient's chest; "Patients needed on Oct. 17 for a focus group discussion about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD."

Share your experiences with COPD care and treatm...

News
Sep. 30, 2025

Have you been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD? Your feedback could play a key...
Read More
Service member presses down on another service member's arm while lying on a medical table.

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if Y...

News
Sep. 25, 2025

Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserve? If so, it’s important to know how TRICARE covers you if you...
Read More
DHA logo and Unlock Your Health logo; Medical professional in scrubs shows man in wheelchair papers on a clipboard.

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic He...

News
Sep. 23, 2025

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers...
Read More
Woman in a dentist's chair holds a mirror and looks at her teeth.

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

News
Sep. 19, 2025

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you crack a tooth or have severe mouth pain,...
Read More
Young boy smiles and hugs mother

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your...

News
Sep. 18, 2025

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have...
Read More
Dental care provider wearing gloves performs dental procedure on patient in dental chair.

Opioids, Pain Management, and Your Oral Health

News
Sep. 17, 2025

If you’ve had certain dental procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or oral surgery, some...
Read More
Woman wearing dental bib opens her mouth as a dentist uses dental equipment.

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Denta...

News
Sep. 16, 2025

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program...
Read More
Unlock Your Health graphic, DHA logo, elderly woman and medical care worker sit together on a couch

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Home Health Care...

News
Sep. 16, 2025

Is leaving home for care a challenge? TRICARE covers solutions that make it easier to get the care—and...
Read More

Sept. 30, 2025

Share your experiences with COPD care and treatment at Oct. 17 Clinical Practice Guideline patient focus group

Have you been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD? Your feedback could play a key role in developing and updating clinical practice guidelines across the military and veteran health care systems.

Sept. 25, 2025

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if You Need Line of Duty Care

Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserve? If so, it’s important to know how TRICARE covers you if you become sick or are injured while activated for 30 days or less. This article explores how, where, and under what circumstances National Guard and Reserve members can get line of duty care.

Sept. 23, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic Health Conditions

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers programs and coverage to help you live better with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.

Sept. 19, 2025

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you crack a tooth or have severe mouth pain, knowing what to do can save your smile and reduce damage.

Sept. 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have trouble paying attention or interacting with others at times. But sometimes, these feelings and behaviors are signs that your child could need mental health care. Learn how TRICARE can support your child’s mental health and find tips and resources for supporting your child’s well-being.

Sept. 17, 2025

Opioids, Pain Management, and Your Oral Health

If you’ve had certain dental procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or oral surgery, some dentists may prescribe an opioid painkiller to help manage your pain. While your comfort is a priority, it’s important to also understand any potential negative side effects posed by opioids and the importance of using opioids responsibly.

Sept. 16, 2025

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Dental Program Benefit To Save You Money

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program covers two routine dental cleanings and examinations each year.

Sept. 16, 2025

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Home Health Care and Pharmacy Home Delivery

Is leaving home for care a challenge? TRICARE covers solutions that make it easier to get the care—and drugs—you may need. Your TRICARE plan may cover certain in-home health services and pharmacy home delivery options. This gives you flexibility and convenience in your care.

Sept. 10, 2025

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health Services

Are you a service member, family member, or survivor? Your TRICARE benefit covers a variety of mental health services. But did you know there are other counseling services available to you? This article explores what services you can access if you need support.

Sept. 9, 2025

Live in the West Region? Learn if You Need To Take Action on Your Referrals Before Oct. 1

Are you a TRICARE Prime beneficiary living in the West Region? Are you currently using a referral to get specialty care? If you used the West Region referral approval waiver to see a specialist between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 and need to continue seeing that specialist, you’ll need to get a new referral to a network specialist before Oct. 1, 2025. If you’re still using a valid referral issued by a previous contractor before Jan. 1, 2025, you also need to get a new referral for any care received starting Oct. 1.