Using TRICARE For Life

Follow these guidelines to get care when traveling.

If Traveling in the U.S. and U.S. Territories

You can go to any 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 for care. Your best option is to go to a Medicare participating provider.

  • To find a Medicare provider, search the Medicare provider directory or call Medicare at 800-633-4227.
  • Show your Medicare card and your Uniformed Services ID card when you get care.

Do you live overseas? If you live overseas and you’re traveling to the U.S. or U.S. territories, TRICARE is the second payer after Medicare. 

  • Medicare pays its portion.
  • Medicare forwards the claim to TRICARE.
  • TRICARE pays its portion.
  • You pay nothing out of pocket for services covered by Medicare and TRICARE.

If Traveling in All Other Overseas Areas

You can visit any TRICARE-authorized overseas provider. To find a provider, search the TRICARE Overseas provider directory or call International SOS.

Medicare doesn’t cover health care outside of the U.S. or U.S. territories, so TRICARE is the primary payer. This means:

  • You’re responsible for the applicable TRICARE deductible and cost-shares.
  • You may need to pay up front a file a claim with the overseas claims processor for reimbursement. 
    • Ask the provider for an itemized bill.
    • Be sure to keep your receipt as proof of payment.

Need help? Contact International SOS in the area where you’re traveling for assistance.

Filling Prescriptions When Traveling

We recommend that you fill your prescriptions before you travel. But if you need to fill a prescription while traveling, you can:

  • Fill the prescription at the military pharmacy if one is nearby. Call the pharmacy first to see if they have your prescription.
  • Find the closest network pharmacy.
    • Available in the U.S. and most U.S. territories
    • If a network pharmacy isn’t available, you can visit a non-network pharmacy.

Note: TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery isn’t recommended for prescriptions you need right away. If you’re taking a long vacation, you can arrange for any regular prescriptions to be filled via home delivery.

Learn more about your options for filling prescriptions.

Last Updated 8/20/2025