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No matter how much pre-trip planning we do, sometimes the inevitable happens. It might be an unexpected illness that requires medical attention or an accident requiring emergency care.For active duty military members and their families, your TRICARE health coverage travels with you, but there are established guidelines for those insured with Tricare on what to do if you need to use it outside of your assigned coverage area.
Emergency and Urgent Care When Traveling Overseas
Before traveling, look up the Tricare International SOS Medical Assistance number for the countries you will be visiting. These can be found at www.tricare-overseas.com/contact-us. Store the numbers in your cellphone.
In the case of a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call the local national emergency hotline. In Europe, the number is 112. Click here for a complete list from the State Department. Note: you may end up needing to pay out of pocket up front, and file for reimbursement with Tricare later. Be sure to gather receipts for payment.
Next, contact International SOS Medical Assistance. If you have not yet gone to an emergency room, they can advise you on which one is the best choice in the area. It will be easiest to use the hospital they recommend, as it will most likely have translators available and can often handle direct billing to Tricare. They can also determine if you need to be transferred to another facility and will coordinate emergency transport if needed.
For urgent care, contact International SOS Medical Assistance, or use the Nurse Advice Line website first. You must get prior authorization to seek non-emergent care. They will discuss your symptoms and determine which facility you should go to, be it a clinic, doctors office or emergency room. Again, their recommendation will determine if the care you recieve is fully covered. Be prepared to pay up front, however, and file a claim later. Get all receipts for payment and paperwork about treatment.
Note: If possible, seek care at a nearby military treatment center.
Traveling in the United States
You have priority access to military hospitals and clinics. So try to receive care at a military facility first, if possible. Find a military hospital or clinic on the Tricare website.
In an emergency, call 911. If a admitted to an emergency room, call your regional call center to notify Tricare.
- Tricare EAST (Humana Military): 1-800-444-5445
- Tricare WEST (Health Net): 1-844-866-9378
If you need urgent care, first call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1. You can also use the web-based version at www.mhsnurseadviceline.com. The nurse will discuss your situation and symptoms, and recommend the type of care you should pursue. They will provide a referral, and transfer you to a Tricare representative to help you find the nearest appropriate clinic, urgent care center or hospital.
Note: Those on Tricare Prime may seek treatment at an Urgent Care center without a prior referral, as long as it is in-network. However, it is often quicker and easier to get the proper medical advice and locate a treatment center by using the Nurse Advice Line.
- Search here if traveling in the Tricare EAST area (Humana).
- Search here if traveling in the Tricare WEST area (Health Net).
