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How does TRICARE cover urgent care visits?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini)
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers urgent care for non-emergency situations needing same-day care. Network urgent care centers are preferred with lower copays.
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Key Takeaways
- For non-emergency urgent needs
- Lower cost than ER
- Network preferred
- No referral needed (Select)
Detailed Answer
Urgent care is for situations needing prompt but not emergency care.
When to Use Urgent Care
- Minor injuries
- Fever or flu symptoms
- Ear or sinus infections
- Minor burns or cuts
- Sprains and strains
- UTI symptoms
Coverage
- Network urgent care covered
- Non-network with higher cost
- Same-day visits available
- No referral needed (Select)
Costs
- Prime: $20-$30 copay
- Select: 15-20% cost share (network)
- Non-network: Higher costs
- Counts toward cap
Prime Members
- Some urgent care without referral
- Check if center is approved
- MTF may have urgent care
- After-hours options
Tips
- Use network centers
- Call nurse advice line first
- Save ER for true emergencies
- Keep receipts for non-network
Related TRICARE Terms
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Supplemental health insurance is the most common addition — it covers dental, vision, and out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE leaves uncovered. Life insurance and a legal will are also highly recommended.
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