TRICARE and You: Coverage while traveling

Posted by Jasmine Mieszala, Tuesday, October 23, 2018

This blog is the most recent in a series helping members of the Coast Guard family understand how to use their TRICARE benefits.

Chief Petty Officer William Porter, lead dog handler at Marine Safety and Security Team 91101 Seattle, drives past a ferry tollbooth on his way to conduct canine vehicle sweeps at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in Seattle, April 8, 2015.

Getting Care While Traveling

As a TRICARE beneficiary, you’re covered while traveling on business, vacation or when moving. As a general rule, it is prudent to get all of your routine and specialty care before you travel.

Your rules for getting care depend on your plan and travel destination. Before you travel, follow these steps:

Get Prescriptions Filled or Refilled

  • Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage.
  • Find a network pharmacy where you’re traveling (just in case).

 

Pack a List of Phone Numbers

 

Verify Your Information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

 

Emergency Care

In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency care facility. Remember these additional points:

  • Air evacuation is only covered when medically necessary to the closest safe location.
  • You may need to pay up front and file a claim for reimbursement.
  • Keep all receipts and file claims in the region where you live, not where you get the care.
  • If enrolled in a Prime option, call your primary care manager or regional contractor within 24 hours or the next business day.

 

Traveling Overseas or on a Cruise

If you receive medical care while traveling overseas or on a cruise ship (in international waters), call your overseas regional call center within 24 hours or on the next business day. You may need to pay upfront for services and file a claim to get money back. Keep all receipts and file claims with the TRICARE Overseas Program claims processor, not with your regional contractor in the U.S. If enrolled in the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan or Continued Health Care Benefit Program, file claims with your respective contractor regardless of where you received care.

For More Information

For more information, please click here.

 

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