Emergency Care

Emergency care means care for an illness or injury that threatens your life, limb, sight, or safety. If you reasonably believe you have an emergency, always call 911 or your international emergency number. Or, go to the nearest emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention..

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Make sure you visit an emergency room. Urgent care clinics offer quick walk-in services without an appointment, but these facilities are not considered to be "emergency rooms." If you go to an urgent care clinic, make sure you follow your plan's rules for getting urgent care. 

What's an Emergency?

A medical emergency is defined as the sudden and unexpected onset of a medical condition that: 

  • is threatening to life, limb or eyesight
  • requires immediate medical treatment or
  • manifests painful symptoms that requires immediate reponse to alleviate suffering

>>Learn More about What's Covered

Still not sure?

Call the Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-TRICARE, Option 1

  • Talk to a registered nurse
  • Get health care advice
  • Ask urgent care questions
  • Get help finding a doctor

Enrolled in a Prime Plan?

If you're enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan, contact your primary care manager within 24 hours or the next business day after you receive emergency care.

Prime plans include:

Looking to book an appointment online at a military hospital or clinic? Visit the Secure Patient Portal for more information.

Last Updated 4/25/2024