TRICARE Overseas Emergency Care: Coverage & Rules | TRICARE.com

*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the official TRICARE program or the Department of Defense. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer If you have a medical emergency while overseas, go to the nearest emergency facility immediately—you do not need prior authorization. Once admitted or treated, you must contact the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Regional Call Center within 24 hours to ensure your care is coordinated and covered.

## Details TRICARE defines an emergency as a medical, maternity, or psychiatric condition that would lead a "prudent layperson" to believe that a person’s life, limb, or sight is in jeopardy.

### How to Get Care 1. **Go Immediately:** Don't wait for a referral. Go to the closest hospital or emergency room. 2. **Notification:** Contact International SOS (the overseas contractor) as soon as possible. This allows them to monitor your care, coordinate with the facility, and arrange for "cashless/claimless" billing if possible. 3. **Payment:** In many foreign countries, you may be required to pay upfront and file a claim for reimbursement later. If you are an Active Duty Service Member (ADSM), International SOS will attempt to coordinate payment directly with the facility.

### Coverage by Plan (2026 Rates) * **TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Prime / Prime Remote:** You have $0 out-of-pocket costs for emergency care, provided you notify International SOS within 24 hours (or the next business day) of the emergency. * **TRICARE Select Overseas:** You are subject to your annual deductible and a cost-share. For Group A retirees in 2026, the cost-share for emergency room visits typically involves a flat fee or 25% of the covered charge, depending on specific plan updates. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL):** TRICARE is the primary payer overseas (since Medicare does not provide coverage outside the U.S.). You will pay the TFL deductible and 25% cost-shares for emergency services.

### Medical Evacuation If the local facility cannot provide the necessary level of care, International SOS handles medical evacuations. **Caution:** Never self-arrange a medical evacuation. It must be pre-authorized and coordinated by the TOP Regional Call Center, or you may be responsible for the entire cost, which can exceed $50,000.

### Pharmacy Needs If your emergency requires immediate medication, you can use a local pharmacy. You will likely pay the full price upfront and then file a claim with Global Remote Support (managed through the overseas contractor or Express Scripts, depending on the specific location) for reimbursement.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Stationed overseas or traveling. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Living with sponsors abroad or traveling. * **Retirees and their families:** Living permanently overseas or on vacation. * **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) / TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) members:** Traveling or residing outside the U.S. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries:** Traveling internationally.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil (Emergency Care):** https://www.tricare.mil/HealthWellness/Emergency * **TRICARE Overseas (International SOS):** https://www.tricare-overseas.com * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil * **Express Scripts (Pharmacy):** https://www.express-scripts.com/tricare