Making TRICARE work for you


There is nothing worse than starting a trip, only to have the plans interrupted with an illness or accident.  

Part of any travel plans should include the question “what if?”    

Your plans should include a review of your medical coverage and what steps you must take if the need should arise.

Travel preparations

• Pack your TRICARE Europe Passport

• Keep your Defense Enrollment eligibility Reporting System information for you and your family current.

• Get any routine care before you travel and obtain adequate routine medications, which you should carry with you (not in your checked baggage).  Any routine care obtained while traveling for Prime beneficiaries must be pre-approved by your Primary Care Provider or TRICARE Service Center.

• It is recommended that any non-TRICARE beneficiary traveling to Europe check with their insurance carrier to see what is covered overseas and/or obtain travelers insurance.

• If traveling to a foreign country, it is important to see if there are any recommended immunizations that you should get before you travel.

• Know the number for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in countries you will be traveling in, along with local emergency phone numbers.

Emergency care

TRICARE defines an emergency as a medical, maternity or psychiatric condition that would lead any prudent layperson to believe that a serious medical condition exists for which immediate medical treatment is needed to save life, limb, or eyesight.

Seek treatment immediately at the nearest military treatment facility or host nation hospital emergency room. 

Active Duty personnel traveling on TDY/TAD or leave and Prime-enrolled family members should contact the TRICARE Global Remote Alarm Center immediately for assistance at civilian 0044-208-762-8429. 

The alarm center can assist with locating appropriate medical care and emergency medical transportation, and provide a guarantee of payment to the treating facility whenever possible.

This is an expanded benefit — keep the phone number with you.

Standard beneficiaries should also seek care immediately at the nearest emergency room, but be aware that most facilities in Europe will require payment up-front. You would have to pay for the services received and file a claim with TRICARE for reimbursement in the region where you live.

Urgent care

TRICARE defines an urgent medical need as one for an illness or injury which does not require immediate treatment to avoid further disability or death, but requires professional attention and has the potential to become more serious if treatment is delayed longer than 24 hours. 

TRICARE Prime beneficiaries should contact their TRICARE Service Center for guidance.

TRICARE Standard beneficiaries can seek care locally and pay as usual.

For more information, visit www.tricare.mil.