Health Matters (Overseas) Newsletter

This quarterly newsletter provides information about your TRICARE benefit. This edition contains information specific to beneficiaries living overseas.

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Issue 1 | 2025

 

• TRICARE Pharmacy Network Expands With Addition of Kroger Pharmacies
  On Feb. 5, the Kroger Family of Pharmacies rejoined the TRICARE Pharmacy Program network. This means that TRICARE beneficiaries now have access to over 2,200 additional network pharmacies across 35 states. These pharmacies are in rural, suburban, and urban locations.

• DHA Hospitals Earn Top Honors From the Leapfrog Group
  The Leapfrog Group has named two Defense Health Agency hospitals among the best in the nation. This shows the military's strong focus on keeping patients safe and providing high-quality care.

• Check Out the Updated TRICARE Publications Suite
  Are you looking for the latest details about your TRICARE health plan? You’re in luck! TRICARE has updated its entire publications suite with the latest information about your health plan. The new publications now include current details like how to find your TRICARE region, how to contact your regional contractor, and what you’ll pay for care. These updates make it easier to understand and use your TRICARE benefit.

• Unlock Your Health Through the MHS Nurse Advice Line
  Do you know what to do when you or a family member feels sick, but it’s outside of business hours or it’s the weekend? Should you go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention., or wait until your doctor’s office is open? Luckily, TRICARE has a service called the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line that can help when you need healthcare guidance. 

• How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider
  If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.

• Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE Explanation of Benefits
  Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a statement from your health plan that details what action TRICARE has taken on your claims.

 

I'm a retiree and I plan to move overseas. Will I have TRICARE coverage?

Yes. TRICARE Select Overseas and TRICARE For Life Overseas are available overseas. You must update your address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). 

If you:

• Don’t have Medicare you must enroll in TRICARE Select Overseas. To learn more, visit the TRICARE Select Overseas page.

• Have Medicare you must keep Part B even though Medicare doesn’t cover care overseas. TFL will be your primary payer. To learn more, visit the TFL Overseas page. 

Moving is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Visit the QLE page to learn more.

How do I get proof of medical coverage for overseas travel?

You may request a basic coverage letter from the TRICARE Service Center of the overseas location you’re traveling to: 

• Eurasia-Africa
• Latin America and Canada
• Pacific

If the country you’re traveling to needs proof of coverage for COVID-19, contact the overseas contractor for help. To find country specific contact information, visit Overseas Resources page.

If you are active duty and stationed at a base with a military hospital or clinic, contact their TRICARE office for help.

Note: TRICARE doesn’t cover a COVID-19 test for personal travel. If you’re an active duty service member, TRICARE may cover tests if you need it for mission readiness or deployment. To learn more COVID-19 care, visit the COVID Guidance page.

Contact Information
TRICARE For Life Overseas Contractor (International SOS)
Country-Specific Toll-Free Numbers
http://www.tricare-overseas.com

TRICARE Overseas (including U.S. Territories) International SOS (Overseas Contractor)
Country-Specific Toll-Free Numbers
https://www.tricare-overseas.com/

How do I find a TRICARE phone number?

Use the Call Us Wizard to find the number you need. If you live overseas, visit the Overseas Resources page.

To see a list of all phone numbers, visit the View All Phone Numbers page. 

  

What Features Are Available on the MyCare OverseasTM Beneficiary App?  The MyCare OverseasTM Beneficiary App lets you manage referrals, authorizations, and appointments. It also has features that include: Health Care Provider Search Automated ChatBot FAQs Direct Live Chat with the TRICARE Overseas Program Beneficiary Support Center Translation Help and Language Support For more information on the app, including instructions on how to download it on your mobile device, visit tricare-overseas.com/beneficiary-app or watch this short overview video. REMINDER: TRACK YOUR APPOINTMENTS ON THE APP AND SUBMIT FEEDBACK! Once you have scheduled an authorized medical appointment with your provider, be sure to record it in the app for easy tracking and Clinical Quality feedback purposes, as the app will then remind you after your appointment to submit a care experience feedback survey. Recording your scheduled appointment in the app will also help facilitate the collection of your medical records, ensuring your seamless continuity of care.