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 | April 1, 2025

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

By TRICARE Communications

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.

“Virtual health services help you get the care you need where and when it’s convenient to you,” said U.S. Navy Capt. George Coan, Virtual Health Branch Chief at the Defense Health Agency. “Virtual health visits offer you flexibility. Depending on where you are, your schedule, and your health needs, virtual health is a great option for you and your family members.”

Keep reading to learn more about virtual health care with TRICARE.

Covered services

You can use online visits for many types of care. These include:

Before you book a virtual health visit, call or visit your regional contractor’s web page. Some types of care need a referral or pre-authorization.

Do you get your care at a military hospital or clinic? Many of these virtual health services may be available there. Contact your provider for more information. If you’re an active duty service member, you need a referral and pre-authorization from your primary care manager for virtual health care.

As described in the TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet, virtual mental health services have the same referrals and pre-authorization requirements as your in-person mental health care.

Costs

Virtual health costs are similar to in-person costs. Your costs depend on who you are, health plan, and type of appointment. Note that you’ll need to pay your usual cost-shares and copayments for virtual visits.

What you need

To use virtual health services, you need:
  • A computer or smartphone (for video care)
  • A telephone (for telephone-only care)
  • A secure phone or internet connection
  • Referrals or pre-authorizations (if required)

Overseas

Do you live outside the U.S.? You can still use virtual health services if:
  • The care is a TRICARE-covered benefit and is appropriate for virtual health.
  • The country where you receive care allows virtual health.
  • The provider is licensed and TRICARE-authorized and has a license to practice in the country where you receive care.
  • The provider knows your location and how to contact help in a medical or mental health emergency.
  • The provider follows all local healthcare and virtual health rules.

TRICARE will cover your virtual health care if you meet these requirements.

TRICARE For Life and Medicare

Do you have TRICARE For Life? Medicare usually pays first for virtual visits. This includes phone calls with your doctor. Remember to check what Medicare and TRICARE cover before scheduling an appointment. TRICARE pays first if Medicare doesn’t cover a service.

Autism Care Demonstration

TRICARE covers services for parents of children with autism. This includes applied behavior analysis guidance. These services are under the Autism Care Demonstration.

Want to learn more about virtual health coverage? Contact your TRICARE regional contractor or visit tricare.mil. Medicare members can also check Medicare.gov for additional details about their coverage.

TRICARE’s virtual health options make it easier for you to access healthcare services. It’s a great way to get care when can’t visit a doctor’s office in person. With health care delivery under TRICARE’s new contracts already underway, you have expanded access to virtual health services in the new year. This includes a wide range and greater availability of virtual health services for all beneficiaries, but especially for those in rural or remote areas.

TRICARE remains committed to helping you unlock your health through accessible care options for you and your family.
 

A hand places white flowers on a stone grave

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICAR...

News
Aug. 12, 2025

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional...
Read More
Female teacher leads a group of young students into school

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A ...

News
Aug. 07, 2025

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus...
Read More
Service member pours pills into a pill counter machine

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: Wha...

News
Aug. 05, 2025

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling...
Read More
Two service members laugh together in dressed in uniform

TRICARE Coverage for National Guard and Reserve ...

News
Jul. 31, 2025

Are you or your sponsor in the National Guard or Reserve? Your health coverage changes when activating or...
Read More
Uniformed service member stands outside and holds infant in his arms.

Unlock Your Health: Check Your TRICARE Informati...

News
Jul. 29, 2025

When was the last time you looked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting...
Read More
Uniformed service member uses mouse and keyboard, looking at desktop screen.

TRICARE Logins: Know How To Access Portals and M...

News
Jul. 24, 2025

Whether you need to make an appointment, check a claim, or download forms, knowing where to log in can make...
Read More
Service member holds a brown paper bag next to ScriptCenter automated machine.

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Program Benefit: Creating ...

News
Jul. 22, 2025

Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies...
Read More
Woman in white lab coat speaks on a laptop.

Unlock Your Health by Getting Virtual Health Car...

News
Jul. 17, 2025

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care services via virtual health?...
Read More

Aug. 12, 2025

How a Death in the Family May Affect Your TRICARE Coverage

When a family member passes away, it can feel overwhelming to deal with paperwork on top of the emotional burden. This article provides a few steps you should take in the weeks following your family member’s death. Taking these steps can help ensure your coverage continues without interruption.

Aug. 7, 2025

Get Your Child Ready for the New School Year: A TRICARE Parent’s Guide

Getting your child’s health care needs taken care of before school starts helps ensure they’re ready to focus on learning. TRICARE covers the essential services that parents need to check off their back-to-school list.

Aug. 5, 2025

TRICARE Coverage of Weight Loss Medications: What To Know

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling your prescription. There are different rules about how TRICARE covers these drugs based on your plan.

July 31, 2025

TRICARE Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Members: Know Your Options

Are you or your sponsor in the National Guard or Reserve? Your health coverage changes when activating or deactivating. Here’s what you need to know.

July 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Check Your TRICARE Information in DEERS Today

When was the last time you looked to see if your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is up to date? If it’s been a while, it’s extremely important to take time and log in to DEERS to review or update your information.

July 24, 2025

TRICARE Logins: Know How To Access Portals and Manage Your Benefit

Whether you need to make an appointment, check a claim, or download forms, knowing where to log in can make using your TRICARE benefits easier. Today’s Military Health System relies on multiple online platforms—each with a specific purpose. Understanding them, and how they’re evolving, can help you make the most of your health coverage.

July 22, 2025

Your TRICARE Pharmacy Program Benefit: Creating a Patient-Centered Military Pharmacy Experience

Have you recently filled a prescription at a military pharmacy? If so, you may know that military pharmacies have different procedures than civilian pharmacies. When a provider issues a new prescription to a military pharmacy, you need to activate the prescription before a pharmacist fills it. Recently, the Defense Health Agency has developed and updated two tools—Q-Anywhere and ScriptCenters—to make this prescription pickup process easier and more convenient.

July 17, 2025

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

Did you know that TRICARE beneficiaries can receive a variety of health care 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.

July 15, 2025

New to TRICARE? Here’s How To Get Started With Your Benefit

Have you recently enlisted in or received a commission to a uniformed service? Or, have you just married a uniformed service member? If you’re new to TRICARE, you may have some questions about how to enroll in a plan, get care, and learn more about your coverage.

July 11, 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.