FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
TRICARE has you covered worldwide. Understanding your coverage options helps you stay prepared for any health issues that might come up.
“Taking time to understand your coverage can save a lot of stress if a healthcare need arises while you’re away from home,” said Michelle Donnelly, Program Analyst, TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency.
Read on to learn more about how TRICARE works differently in the U.S. and overseas.
General advice for traveling
It’s important to know that how you get care differs when you’re
traveling overseas versus living overseas. TRICARE covers emergency care when traveling overseas, but depending on your TRICARE plan, may not fully cover routine care. It’s always best to get routine care and fill prescriptions before you travel. This can save you time, money, and convenience while you travel.
If you’re headed overseas, take a moment to write down the International SOS contact information for the region you’re in. 911 isn’t the number for emergencies everywhere. Learn the emergency phone numbers for the countries you’re going to.
Prescriptions
Filling a prescription overseas is generally the same as filling one in the U.S. However, there are no network pharmacies overseas, and TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery is unavailable in certain countries.
All TRICARE plans have four options (except for the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan, which has its own pharmacy coverage):
Filing claims
In the U.S. and U.S. territories,
network providers file any claims on your behalf. If you see a
non-network provider and need to
file your own claim, you have one year from the date of service to do so.
If you get care overseas, you may have to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement. This depends on your plan, and whether the provider is part of the overseas network. To find a TRICARE overseas network provider, use the TRICARE Overseas Provider Search Tool. You can also call International SOS any time for help.
You have three years from the date of service to submit an overseas claim, as described in the TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook. Keep all receipts, itemized bills, and medical records.
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.
If you have other health insurance or travel insurance, file with them before filing with TRICARE.
Note: Care on a cruise ship in international waters is overseas care. You may have to pay upfront and
file a claim with International SOS for reimbursement.
Emergency care
Emergency care means care for an illness or injury that threatens your life, limb, sight, or safety. If you reasonably believe you have an emergency, always call 911 in the U.S., or your international emergency number if overseas. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
For all TRICARE beneficiaries, go to the closest emergency room if you need emergency care. Be aware that some countries allow hospitals to turn you away. If you don’t know where to go, or run into problems, call the TRICARE Overseas Program contractor, International SOS, 24/7, 365 days a year for assistance.
Urgent care
In the U.S., rules for getting
urgent care depend on your plan. This is also true overseas.
If you have TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, you can get care from any military hospital or clinic, where available. Otherwise, you can go to any overseas civilian provider. Call International SOS to avoid paying up front and filing a claim for reimbursement later.
If you have most other TRICARE plans, including TRICARE Select Overseas, you can usually get urgent care from any provider. If you’re covered under USFHP, visit USFHP to learn how to get urgent care. The same is true if you’re covered under the TRICARE Prime Demo.
Virtual care
TRICARE virtual health lets you see a doctor, nurse, or mental health professional without leaving home. You can use secure video calls, phone appointments, or other technology to get care. To learn how to get virtual care in the U.S., visit
Virtual Health.
Overseas beneficiaries can access a network of overseas virtual health providers. The country where you live must allow virtual health visits. Your provider must have a license to practice where you live. U.S.-based providers can’t provide virtual health visits overseas. Contact your TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center to see if you need a referral and to find a provider who offers virtual visits.
Special rules for the Philippines
Beneficiaries who live or travel in the Philippines must see a
Philippines certified provider for care. TRICARE Select Overseas beneficiaries who live in the Philippines and seek care within the designated Philippine locations are encouraged to see a TRICARE Preferred Provider. If you need help, go to
International SOS.
Moving overseas?
If you’re
moving or living overseas,
TRICARE Prime Overseas,
TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, or
TRICARE Select Overseas are available to those under age 65, depending on duty status and location. If you’re over age 65, you may be eligible for
TRICARE For Life. (Note: If you live overseas, you must have Medicare Part A and B to remain eligible for TRICARE, even though Medicare doesn't provide coverage outside the U.S. and U.S. territories.)
Keeping your Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System record up to date is vital to accessing your TRICARE benefits. An old address can cause issues with eligibility, claims, billing, authorization letters for referrals, and filling prescriptions.
Follow-up care
Whether you’re based overseas or in the U.S., if you got care away from home, keep your records and contact your PCM when you return. This ensures that any treatment you received while traveling is in your record for future needs.
Your coverage goes everywhere you go
Plan ahead, know your options, and take comfort that TRICARE covers you around the globe.
Remember that the Global Nurse Advice Line can help you no matter where you are. 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. In some cases, you may be able to get virtual urgent care. If you’re overseas and need care, the Global Nurse Advice Line will coordinate with the TRICARE overseas contractor.
For more information, visit Getting Care When Traveling or check out the TRICARE Overseas Program Handbook.
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