Does TRICARE cover a COVID-19 test?

Yes if it’s medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.. A TRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS must order the test. You must get the test at a TRICARE-authorized lab or facility to get it for free.

TRICARE doesn’t cover a test if the main reason is:

• Personal or leisure travel
• Return to school
• General workplace health and safety
• Research
• Mass transportation (bus, train, and vanpool)
• Curiosity or personal interest
• Offer by a third party for "free" testing unrelated to medical necessity
• To determine a donor's ability to donate blood or plasma
• Public health surveillance

Note: If you’re an active duty service member, TRICARE may cover tests if you need it for mission readiness or deployment.

To learn more visit the COVID Guidance page.

If you have TRICARE For Life coverage and live in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory, you must follow Medicare’s rules.