COVID Symptoms and Testing
COVID Symptoms
COVID-19 affects people in different ways. Infected people have reported a wide range of symptoms–from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Do you think you may have COVID-19? Use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Coronavirus Self-Checker.
If your assessment instructs you to seek emergency care:
- Dial 911. Tell the 911 dispatcher that you may have COVID-19.
- Go to the emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention.. If you can, call ahead to tell them you may have COVID-19.
Your assessment may also show you have symptoms associated with COVID-19. If you’re concerned about these symptoms or any non-COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have other health questions, you can:
- Call the MHS Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
- Contact your primary care manager or your regional contractor. You can use secure messaging, if available. Call your military hospital or clinic hotline for advice.
- Call your military hospital or clinic appointment line and ask to speak with your team nurse.
- Schedule a virtual appointment with your primary care manager using your patient portal. Many civilian providers offer virtual telehealth appointments, too.
Testing for COVID
- TRICARE covers COVID-19 tests at no cost, when ordered by 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 or a provider at a military hospital or clinic.
- Don't show up at a hospital or clinic and ask to be tested without a medical order.
- Your health care provider decides if you need a test based on your exposure risk, symptoms, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- The test must be FDA-approved (including emergency use authorization).
Under the Test to Treat Initiative, TRICARE covers:
- Free COVID-19 testing, and
- A prescription for a COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment
Still have questions about testing for COVID-19? >>Learn more.
At-Home Testing
TRICARE covers the cost of at-home test kits that are both:
- FDA-approved, and
- Ordered by a TRICARE authorized provider for a medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. purpose, such as exhibition of symptoms.
The federal government is offering free at-home COVID-19 tests. >>Learn more.
At the time of posting, this information is current.
Additonal COVID-19 Resources
Monoclonal Antibodies Available to Treat Eligible High-Risk COVID-19 Patients
Coverage for Service Members
If you're | Does TRICARE cover? | Additional details |
---|---|---|
An active duty service member with or without COVID-19 symptoms or recent prolonged exposure. This includes an activatedCalled or ordered to active duty service for more than 30 days in a row. National Guard/Reserve member called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days.*
|
Yes |
|
A National Guard or Reserve member called or ordered to active duty for less than 30 days. |
No. You aren't TRICARE-eligible. |
You'll need to get guidance from your unit regarding testing and payment. |
An active duty service member or an active duty family member on Permanent Change of Station orders to an overseas location. | No |
|
* TRICARE may cover tests for active duty service members if it's required for mission readiness or deployment.
Coverage for all other TRICARE Beneficiaries (not Service Members)*
If you're | Does TRICARE cover? | Additional details |
---|---|---|
A TRICARE beneficiary with COVID-19 symptoms. | Yes | Provider order required. |
A TRICARE beneficiary with no COVID-19 symptoms, but had prolonged exposure. | Yes | Provider order required. |
A TRICARE beneficiary who's having surgery. | Yes | Provider order required. |
Overseas and having testing done. | Yes, based on applicable guidelines |
|
A TRICARE For Life beneficiary. | See Medicare |
|
Having a test done that's not primarily intended for diagnosis and/or treatment of COVID-19. This includes:
|
No |
|
*This includes TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Young Adult, and TRICARE Retired Reserve enrollees.
More Information About Testing
- CDC info on COVID-19 Testing
- CDC info on Diagnostic Tests
- CDC info on Antibody/Serology Tests
Most military hospitals and clinics are distributing at-home COVID-19 tests to any eligible TRICARE beneficiaries. Contact your nearest military hospital or clinic about availability. >>Learn more
Last Updated 5/27/2022