Traveling with Tricare

Traveling with Tricare is easier than you think!

With all the traveling that happens during the holiday season, it’s great to know that Tricare will follow you anywhere and you won’t have to visit the ER or wait until you can get back home so you can see your PCM for a simple cold.

If you get sick on the road or away from home, but not sick enough to visit the ER, Tricare allows you to visit an urgent care clinic instead. Beware, you must get prior authorization to do so if you have Tricare Prime, but doing so is quite simple.

For Tricare Prime Beneficiaries, before you hit the open road, contact your MTF for the proper procedure on obtaining authorizations for Urgent Care. Most of the time you will only need to call the clinic number during regular hours and let the receptionist know that you are traveling, sick, and need an authorization to go to an Urgent Care Clinic. For after hours another number may be given for you to call to obtain authorization. Once you have the authorization, call Tricare for a list of Urgent Care clinics in your area. If you must visit the ER remember to call your PCM or regional contractor immediately after receiving treatment.

For Tricare Standard beneficiaries, you may visit any Tricare authorized providers but will save money if you find a network provider.

Don’t forget to take your Military ID with you along with the number to Tricare and your local MTF. Make sure to keep them in an easily accessible location. Get a refill of all prescriptions before leaving, and get a health check and any routine care out of the way.