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.
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
- See the list of overseas numbers for the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line.
- View the list of TRICARE numbers.
- Download the TRICARE Overseas Contact Wallet Card.
Verify Your Information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
- Log into milConnect.
- Or Call 1-800-538-9552
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
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Tags: benefits, filing a claim, health insurance, health insurance coverage, pcs, travel, Tricare, tricare and you, vacation