FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
If you live outside the U.S., you can get high quality health care through several TRICARE overseas health plans. These plans serve active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, and family members living overseas.
“Getting care while living overseas doesn’t have to be difficult,” said Michelle Donnelly, health system specialist, TRICARE Area Office – Latin America and Canada, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “It’s important to know which health plan options you’re eligible for, so you can ensure a smooth process for getting care.”
Here’s what you should know about getting and using TRICARE health plans overseas.
Plan options
TRICARE Prime plans for active duty families
There are two TRICARE Prime health plans for ADSMs and their command-sponsored family members overseas:
These plans work like health maintenance organizations in the U.S. You receive most of your health care from your primary care manager. For those enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, the overseas contractor, International SOS, serves as your PCM. Key features include:
But there are different requirements for ADSMs and active duty family members:
- ADSMs stationed overseas must use TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, as described in the TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook.
- Eligible command-sponsored ADFMs can enroll in TRICARE Prime Overseas, TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas (based on your location), or TRICARE Select Overseas.
Families can split their coverage when some family members live in the U.S. and others live overseas. This allows each family member to have the most appropriate plan for their needs and location.
TRICARE Select plans
TRICARE Select Overseas is available to:
- ADFMs
- Retired service members and their family members
- National Guard and Reserve members and their family members
- Survivors of deceased service members
- Medal of Honor recipients and their family members
- Some former spouses who qualify for benefits
TRICARE Select plans typically allow you to visit health care providers of your choice. However, you should know that:
- You need to pay for care at the time you receive it.
- You must file claims for reimbursement.
- Some countries have rules that might limit provider choice.
You don’t need referrals for most medical care with a TRICARE Select plan. However, some treatments and procedures need approval before you receive care. You might also have the option to get care at a military hospital or clinic if space is available.
Other TRICARE plan options
You or your family members may qualify for other TRICARE plans overseas. These other health coverage options include:
National Guard and Reserve members can enroll in these plans at any time during the year. If you’re activated for more than 30 days, you automatically receive active duty health benefits.
How care overseas differs from care in the U.S.
Getting medical care overseas differs in several important ways from care in the U.S.:
If you live overseas, you may have access to some additional tools to help you get care. These include:
- Beneficiary Support Center: The Beneficiary Support Center is available 24/7. They’ll connect you with telephonic language assistance, answer questions about enrollment, claims, and more. Call the TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center to contact the BSC.
- MyCare OverseasTM Beneficiary App: The MyCare OverseasTM app helps you access information about your health plan. You can explore your options for overseas providers, appointments, referrals, claims, and more. You can download the mobile app for free. Visit the International SOS website to learn more.
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Near Patient Program: If you have TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, the NPP can help facilitate your health care in ten overseas locations. The program uses teams of in-country medical professionals who speak the local language to help you navigate your local health care system. If you aren’t in an NPP location, the TOP Regional Call Center can provide support. Visit the International SOS website to learn more.
Preparing to move overseas
If you receive orders overseas:
- Complete a thorough health screening before your departure.
- Update your personal address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System after you’ve arrived at your overseas address.
- Get recommended vaccinations.
- Bring enough medication to last throughout your move and initial weeks.
- Take care of routine health needs before moving overseas.
When you complete your permanent change of station overseas, you have 90 days to change your TRICARE health plan, as this counts as a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event. Update your personal address in DEERS after you’ve arrived at your overseas address.
Note: You need to see a certified or preferred provider if you live or travel in the Philippines. Use the Philippine Provider Search Tool to locate a provider near you.
How to change your enrollment
You can enroll in a TRICARE plan through these methods:
To learn more about costs, eligibility requirements, and plan details overseas, visit the TRICARE website or contact International SOS for assistance.