Filing Claims

In most cases, your provider will file your medical claims for you. You’ll receive an explanation of benefits that shows what TRICARE paid.

Sometimes, you’ll need to file your own claims. This may happen:

If you need to file a claim, send your claim form to TRICARE as soon as possible after you get care. 

  • In the U.S. and U.S. territories, you must file your claims within one year of service.
  • In all other overseas areas, you must file your claims within three years of service.

The sooner TRICARE gets your claim and other paperwork, the sooner you or your provider will be paid. TRICARE claims processors process most claims within 30 days. Check with your claims processor for more information.

  • TRICARE will reimburse you for TRICARE-covered services at the TRICARE allowable amount. This amount won’t include any copayments, cost-shares, or deductibles.
  • There are special rules for filing claims if you’re involved in an accident with possible third-party liability.
  • If you need help filing a claim or if your claim is denied, contact your regional contractor.
  • For concerns regarding care received from a network provider, see Grievances. 

Types of Claims

There are different types of claims you can file:

US Family Health Plan

You won’t need to file claims when using the US Family Health Plan. 

If you need care when traveling:

  • Go to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
  • Call your USFHP provider within 24 hours, so your provider can confer with the attending doctor. This is either their 800 number or your primary care provider’s phone number.

TRICARE will cover your costs for everything above your copaymentA fixed dollar amount you may pay for a covered health care service or drug..

  • Show your USFHP membership ID.
  • Have the bill sent to the address on the back.  

Note: You can get emergency care at a military hospital or clinic if it is the nearest emergency facility to you when you become ill or injured.

Same-Sex Spouses

Once your spouse shows as eligible for benefits in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE., they can file claims for the care they received.

  • If you were married before June 26, 2013, you can file claims for any care that you received on that date or after.
  • If you were married after June 26, 2013, you can file a claim for any care that you received starting at the date of your eligibility as listed in DEERS.
Fraud Alert
TRICARE and its contractors will never call to ask for payment, your personal identifying information, or your health information. You should never share personal or financial information with someone you don’t know. You can also report any suspicious activity.

Last Updated 4/17/2025