does tricare cover international travel

Tricare is a health care program that provides coverage to active duty military personnel, retirees, and their dependents. While Tricare offers comprehensive health care benefits within the United States, many people wonder whether Tricare covers international travel. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide useful information for those traveling abroad.

Does Tricare Cover Medical Care While Abroad?

Tricare does offer coverage for medical care while abroad, but the extent of the coverage depends on your specific plan. Tricare Standard and Tricare Extra offer coverage for emergency care overseas, but only when it is deemed medically necessary. Tricare Prime is more restrictive, and only covers emergency care for active duty service members and their families.

It’s important to note that Tricare coverage for overseas medical care is limited to urgent or emergency situations. Routine medical care and elective procedures are not covered under Tricare when received outside of the United States.

What Do I Do if I Need Medical Care While Abroad?

If you need medical care while traveling abroad, the first step is to contact Tricare’s Overseas Claims Processor (OCP). The OCP will help you locate a qualified provider and provide you with information on how to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Before receiving any medical care, it’s important to verify that the provider accepts Tricare. In some cases, you may be required to pay for medical services upfront and seek reimbursement from Tricare at a later time.

What About Prescription Medications?

Tricare covers prescription medications obtained overseas, but only if they are deemed medically necessary. In many cases, Tricare may require prior authorization before covering the cost of a medication.

It’s important to note that Tricare does not cover over-the-counter medications or supplements, even if they are prescribed by a qualified medical provider.

Conclusion

While Tricare does offer coverage for emergency medical care received overseas, it’s important to understand the limitations of that coverage. Routine medical care and elective procedures are not covered, and coverage may vary depending on your specific Tricare plan.

If you’re planning to travel overseas and have questions about your Tricare coverage, be sure to contact Tricare’s Overseas Claims Processor before your trip. They can provide you with valuable information on how to access medical care and submit claims for reimbursement.

Question	Answer
Does Tricare cover routine medical care received overseas?	No, Tricare only covers emergency medical care received overseas.
What do I do if I need emergency medical care while traveling abroad?	Contact Tricare’s Overseas Claims Processor for help locating a qualified provider and submitting a claim for reimbursement.
Does Tricare cover prescription medications obtained overseas?	Yes, but only if they are deemed medically necessary and may require prior authorization.