Ambulance Services

Ambulance services include emergency ground and air medical transportation covered by TRICARE when medically necessary. Coverage applies when the beneficiary's condition requires professional medical monitoring or treatment during transport that cannot be safely provided by other means.

Types of ambulance services covered: • Emergency ground ambulance (BLS and ALS) • Emergency air ambulance (helicopter or fixed-wing) • Non-emergency ambulance transport (when medically justified) • Inter-facility transfers when medically necessary

When TRICARE covers ambulance services: • Medical emergencies requiring immediate transport • Patient's condition prevents transport by private vehicle • Specialized equipment or monitoring needed during transport • Transfer between facilities for higher-level care

TRICARE ambulance coverage rules: • Transport must be to the nearest appropriate facility • Prior authorization not required for emergency ambulance • Non-emergency transport may require prior authorization • Standard cost-sharing applies based on plan • Network vs. non-network cost differences may apply

Cost-sharing for ambulance services: • TRICARE Prime: Copay per ambulance trip • TRICARE Select: Percentage-based cost-share • Active duty: No cost for ambulance services • All ambulance cost-sharing counts toward catastrophic cap

If you or a family member requires emergency transport, call 911 without hesitation. TRICARE will cover medically necessary emergency ambulance services regardless of network status.