Does TRICARE cover ambulance services?

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Quick Answer

TRICARE covers ground and air ambulance when medically necessary. Emergency transport needs no authorization; non-emergency requires prior approval.

Key Takeaways

Emergency ambulance covered
Air ambulance for critical needs
Non-emergency needs authorization
Cost-shares may apply

Detailed Answer

TRICARE covers emergency medical transportation:

Ground Ambulance

Emergency transport covered
Non-emergency transport with authorization
Local and long-distance
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced (ALS)

Air Ambulance

Emergency air transport covered
When ground transport inadequate
Critical care transport
Search and rescue (certain situations)

When Covered

Medical emergency
Nearest appropriate facility
Patient's condition requires ambulance
Other transport would endanger health

Authorization Requirements

Emergency: No prior authorization
Non-emergency: Prior authorization required
Scheduled transport for dialysis, etc.

Cost

Active duty: No cost
Prime: Low copay
Select: Cost-share applies
Non-network may cost more

What's NOT Covered

Transportation for convenience
When patient could safely use other transport
Excessive mileage beyond nearest appropriate facility

Helpful Tips

Call 911 for true emergencies
Keep records of transport
Request authorization for scheduled transport

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