Telemedicine
TRICARE covers secure video conferencing and audio-only telemedicine visits. To use these, you must connect securely with your provider using a computer or smartphone. Beneficiaries will pay required cost-shares and copayments for telemedicine visits. TRICARE covers:
- Office visits
- Preventive health screenings
- Telemental health services
- Services for end-stage renal disease
As of Mar. 31, 2020, TRICARE covers telehealth care for applied behavior analysis parent or caregiver guidance services under the Autism Care Demonstration.
Using Telemedicine Services
Contact your regional contractor to see if you need a referral or pre-authorization. Active duty service members must have a referral for telemental health care.
Overseas
If you’re overseas, the country where you live must allow telemedicine. Your provider must be licensed to practice where you live. Contact your TOP Regional Call Center for more information, including eligibility of providers.
TRICARE For Life
If you use TRICARE For Life, Medicare should cover your telemedicine visits when your service and your provider are payable by Medicare. This includes audio-only telemedicine visits. If the telemedicine visits aren’t payable by Medicare, TRICARE For Life is the first payer.
Learn more about your Medicare coverage.
This list of covered services is not all inclusive. TRICARE covers services that are medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. and considered proven. There are special rules or limits on certain services, and some services are excluded.
Last Updated 10/30/2024