How To File a TRICARE Claim (2026 Guide)
## Quick answer In most cases, your doctor files claims for you; however, if you see a non-participating provider or receive care overseas, you must file manually. You can submit claims online via your regional contractor’s portal (Humana Military for East, TriWest for West) or by mailing DD Form 2642.
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*
Details
Most TRICARE beneficiaries using **TRICARE Prime** or **TRICARE Select** within the United States will never need to file a claim manually. Network providers are contractually required to file claims on your behalf. However, manual filing is required if you use a non-network provider who does not "accept assignment," or if you are traveling.
### 1. Identify Your Region Claims are processed by regional contractors. As of 2026, the contractors are: * **East Region:** Humana Military * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance * **Overseas:** International SOS
### 2. Methods of Filing There are three ways to file a TRICARE claim:
* **Online (Preferred):** Log into your secure patient portal on the Humana Military or TriWest website. This is the fastest method for tracking status and receiving payouts via electronic funds transfer. * **By Mail:** Download and complete **DD Form 2642** (Patient’s Request for Medical Payment). You must attach itemized receipts from the provider. * **Pharmacy Claims:** For prescriptions filled at non-network pharmacies, you must file via the **Express Scripts** portal.
### 3. Deadlines for Filing Do not wait to file. If you miss these deadlines, your claim will be denied: * **United States and U.S. Territories:** Claims must be filed within **one year** of the date of service or the date of hospital discharge. * **Overseas:** Claims must be filed within **three years** of the date of service.
### 4. Required Documentation When filing manually (DD Form 2642), you must include: * The patient’s name and sponsor’s Social Security Number (or DBN). * The provider's name, address, and tax ID number. * Each service date and the specific CPT or procedure code. * The diagnosis (ICD-10 code). * The amount charged for each service. * An "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) from any other health insurance (OHI) you have. TRICARE is legally the secondary payer to almost all other insurance plans.
### 5. Overseas Claims If you receive care outside the U.S., you will almost always have to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement with International SOS. Ensure the bill is translated into English if possible, though the claims processor can handle most major languages. Reimbursements are typically paid in U.S. dollars.
## Who this affects * **TRICARE Select Beneficiaries:** Frequently see non-network providers and may need to file manually. * **TRICARE Prime Beneficiaries:** Only if using the Point-of-Service (POS) option or seeing an unauthorized non-network provider. * **Retirees and Family Members:** Especially those living in remote areas or traveling. * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Rarely, but may occur if emergency care is received from a provider who refuses to bill the government. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) Users:** Usually, Medicare files the claim to TRICARE automatically, but manual filing is needed for care received overseas (where Medicare does not pay).
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Filing Claims Official Page](https://www.tricare.mil/claims) * **Humana Military (East):** [Claims Submission Portal](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [Provider & Beneficiary Claims](https://www.triwest.com) * **Express Scripts:** [Pharmacy Claims Information](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com)