Virtual Health

Telemedicine Coverage

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. You’ll 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

Important: 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.

Using Telemedicine Services

Contact your regional contractor to see if you need a referral or pre-authorization. Note: Active duty service members must have a referral for telemental health care.

As of Mar. 31, 2020, TRICARE covers telehealth care for applied behavior analysis parent or caregiver guidance services under the Autism Care Demonstration.

Medicare and 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.