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 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

By TRICARE Communications

Note: This article was updated July 1 to clarify the processes for getting care and filing claims.

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

“Most travelers won’t need medical care during their trip, but if you do, you don’t want to be caught off guard by the process,” said Danielle McCammon, Chief, TRICARE Overseas Program, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Taking time to understand your coverage and prepare before leaving will save you stress and confusion if you need care while traveling.”

Get all routine care before you travel. TRICARE may not cover routine care after you leave for your trip. This preparation can save you time, money, and convenience while you travel. Here’s what you need to know to get care when you need it.

Getting care while traveling in the U.S. or U.S. territory

When traveling, your TRICARE coverage travels with you. However, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in getting timely care and avoiding unexpected costs.

Emergency care

If you reasonably believe you have an emergency, always call 911. Or, go to the nearest emergency room. TRICARE covers emergency care while you’re away from home.

If you have a TRICARE Prime option, call your primary care manager or regional contractor within 24 hours or the next business day after getting emergency care. This step ensures your care stays coordinated and covered under your plan.

Finding urgent care

You can get urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider. The network depends on which region you’re in. To find a network provider, use the Find a Doctor Tool to search the provider directory for the region you’re visiting, or contact the regional contractor for assistance.

For health advice, call the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line. Nurses are available 24/7. This service can help you decide if you need immediate care or if your condition can wait until you return home.

Filing claims

Understanding the claims process before you travel can prevent delays in reimbursement later.

  • If you live in the U.S. and see a network provider in the U.S.: They’ll file claims on your behalf.
  • If you live overseas and see a network provider in the U.S.: They’ll file claims on your behalf.

If you have other health insurance or travel insurance, you must file with them before submitting to TRICARE.

If you get a medical bill and are unsure what to do, contact your TRICARE regional contractor.

Getting care while traveling overseas

International travel requires additional preparation, but TRICARE still has you covered. The key difference is understanding the unique requirements and resources available. Knowing how to get health care, based on your TRICARE plan, can provide peace of mind.

Emergency care

If you need emergency care, go to the closest emergency facility. If you don’t know where one is located or are unsure what to do, you can call the TRICARE Overseas Program contractor, International SOS, 24/7, 365 days a year for assistance.

Finding care

To find a TRICARE overseas network provider, use the TRICARE Overseas Provider Search Tool. You can also call the TRICARE Overseas Program contractor, International SOS, 24/7, 365 days a year for help finding a network provider.

Filing claims

Financial procedures work differently overseas. You may be required to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement. To file for reimbursement, you’ll need a completed DD2642, an itemized bill, and proof of payment. Submit all claims for care received overseas to International SOS. Proper documentation from the start makes the reimbursement process much smoother.

If you have other health insurance or travel insurance, you must file with them before filing with TRICARE.

You have three years from the date of service to submit an overseas claim. Keep all receipts, itemized bills, and medical records.

Note: If you get care while on a cruise ship in international waters, this is considered overseas care. You may be required to pay upfront and file a claim with International SOS for reimbursement.

Follow-up care 

Your care doesn’t end when your trip does. If you got care while traveling, keep your records and contact your PCM or your primary doctor when you return home. This continuity of care helps ensure any treatment you received while traveling integrates properly with your ongoing health care.

Prescriptions while traveling

Don’t let prescription needs catch you off guard during your trip. Fill all prescriptions before you travel. If you fly, keep medications with your carryon bag. If you need medication while away, you have options:

TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery may work for long trips, but don’t use it for medication you need right away. Planning around your prescriptions ensures you stay healthy and comfortable.

Your coverage extends everywhere

Plan ahead, know your options, and travel with confidence knowing TRICARE covers you wherever you go. With the right preparation and understanding of your benefits, you can focus on enjoying your travels instead of worrying about potential health care needs. For more information, visit Getting Care When Traveling.
 

Doctor checks a patient's vitals

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different ...

News
Jul. 01, 2025

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident...
Read More
Older man and woman smile at each other

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Elig...

News
Jun. 26, 2025

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible...
Read More
Uniformed service member holds thermometer in a patient's mouth.

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Sta...

News
Jun. 24, 2025

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or...
Read More
Man in white shirt reads papers while smiling.

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dent...

News
Jun. 16, 2025

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you...
Read More
Woman in dental chair, gums being examined by dentist wearing pink gloves

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier...

News
Jun. 13, 2025

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the...
Read More
Older woman sits at desk looking at monitor with a doctor. TRICARE logo. Text reads, "Patients Needed on June 27 for a Focus Group Discussion about Osteoarthritis. Sign-up deadline is June 26. Learn if you qualify."

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guideline...

News
Jun. 12, 2025

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re...
Read More
Man in white shirt smiling

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effec...

News
Jun. 11, 2025

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently...
Read More
Service member stands behind optometry equipment

Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health With TRICARE

News
Jun. 10, 2025

About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one...
Read More

July 1, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Learn When To Get Different Types of Care

When a health issue comes up, knowing where to go for care can make a big difference. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, TRICARE covers a range of health care services—but the type of care you need determines where you should go.

June 26, 2025

Unlock Your Health as You Approach Medicare Eligibility

Are you approaching the age of 65? Unlock your health by signing up for Medicare as soon as you’re eligible. Medicare Part A and Part B are required to remain eligible for TRICARE, with limited exceptions. Knowing how and when to sign up for Medicare will help you avoid gaps in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

June 24, 2025

4 Ways You Can Use Your TRICARE Benefits and Stay Healthy This Summer

What’s on your to-do list this summer? Maybe you’re planning to spend time at the pool, go to a barbecue, or take a vacation. But don’t take a vacation from your health this summer. Here are four suggested ways you can use your TRICARE benefits this summer.

June 17, 2025

Getting Care While You Travel: A TRICARE Guide for the U.S. and Overseas

Do you have an upcoming trip? TRICARE covers you whether you travel across the country or around the world. Whether you’re heading out for business or taking a family vacation, understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might arise.

June 16, 2025

A Quick Guide to Understanding Your TRICARE Dental Program Dental Explanation of Benefits

Understanding your TRICARE Dental Program dental explanation of benefits is important because it helps you track your coverage. This allows you to avoid any unexpected costs.

June 13, 2025

The Dentist Is In: Healthy Gums Mean a Healthier You — What You Should Know

Did you know there is a profound connection between gum health and serious medical conditions throughout the body? From heart disease to diabetes, the state of your gums can significantly impact your long-term health. This article explores the surprising links between oral hygiene and whole-body wellness, offering simple, practical steps you can take today to protect both your smile and your future health.

June 12, 2025

Provide Feedback for Clinical Practice Guidelines in Joint DOD, VA Patient Focus Groups: Osteoarthritis on June 27

Did you know you can help improve health care for service members, veterans, and their family members? You’re invited to join virtual focus groups! The next focus group will discuss osteoarthritis care on June 27 at 2 p.m. ET.

June 11, 2025

Mouth Taping: A New Trend–But What Are Its Effects on Oral Health?

Mouth taping is the practice of using surgical tape to keep your mouth closed during sleep. It’s recently gained popularity as a potential solution for mouth breathing and its related health issues. But is it supported by science or is it just another viral trend?

June 10, 2025

Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health With TRICARE

About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one of them? Getting routine eye exams to monitor your eyesight can help detect and prevent eye diseases early.

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.