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 | 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.
 

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
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

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.

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.