TRICARE Overseas Prescriptions: How to Get Meds Abroad
*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy, please visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer When living or traveling overseas, your easiest way to get prescriptions is usually through a **military pharmacy** or the **TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery** (Express Scripts), though delivery is limited in certain countries. If you must use a local civilian pharmacy, you will likely pay the full cost upfront and file a claim for reimbursement.
Details
Managing prescriptions outside the United States depends on your location, your TRICARE plan, and whether the drug is available at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF).
### 1. Military Pharmacies This is your most cost-effective option. If you have access to a military base, you can fill prescriptions for free at the MTF pharmacy. Note that the drug must be on the facility's formulary. If an overseas MTF does not carry your medication, you may need to use Home Delivery or a local civilian pharmacy.
### 2. TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery (Express Scripts) This service is available to beneficiaries in many overseas locations, but there are strict legal restrictions: * **Availability:** Generally available in U.S. Territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, etc.) and most APO/FPO/DPO addresses. * **Restrictions:** You cannot use Home Delivery in Germany, the Philippines, or any country where local laws prohibit the importation of prescription drugs. * **Prescriptions:** The prescription must be written by a U.S.-licensed provider or a provider at an MTF. * **2026 Rates:** Copayments for Home Delivery depend on drug tier (Generic, Brand, Non-Formulary). Active duty service members always pay $0.
### 3. Local Civilian Pharmacies If you are enrolled in **TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Prime** or **TOP Prime Remote**, you can visit a local civilian pharmacy. * **Payment:** In most cases, you must pay the full price of the medication at the counter in local currency. * **Reimbursement:** You must file a claim with **International SOS** (the overseas contractor). You will be reimbursed for the cost minus any applicable copayments based on your sponsor's status. * **Philippines:** You must use a "Certified Provider" to ensure your claim is processed correctly.
### 4. Filing Claims To get your money back for a civilian pharmacy purchase, you must submit: 1. **DD Form 2642** (TRICARE DoD Beneficiary Claim Form). 2. An itemized receipt. 3. Medical documentation if the drug is a "non-covered" or specialty item. Submit these to International SOS via the TOP Beneficiary Secure Claims Portal or by mail.
## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs)** stationed abroad. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs)** accompanying sponsors overseas. * **Retirees and their families** living in foreign countries. * **TRICARE Reserve Select** members living or traveling abroad. * **Survivors** residing overseas.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Pharmacy Overseas:** [https://www.tricare.mil/Pharmacy/FillPrescriptions/Overseas](https://www.tricare.mil/Pharmacy/FillPrescriptions/Overseas) * **International SOS (TRICARE Overseas):** [https://www.tricare-overseas.com/](https://www.tricare-overseas.com/) * **Express Scripts TRICARE:** [https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/](https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [https://health.mil/](https://health.mil/)