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emergency
Does TRICARE cover ambulance services?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini, gpt-4o)
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers ground and air ambulance when medically necessary. Emergency transport needs no authorization; non-emergency requires prior approval.
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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