Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) is the emergency transport of a patient from an overseas or remote location to a medical facility capable of providing the level of care required. TRICARE covers medically necessary medical evacuations for eligible beneficiaries when local medical facilities cannot provide adequate treatment.

When medical evacuation may be needed: • Serious illness or injury overseas where local care is insufficient • Complications requiring specialized care not available locally • Trauma cases needing advanced surgical intervention • Critical conditions requiring ICU-level care • Conditions requiring medical expertise not available in-country

TRICARE medical evacuation coverage: • Coordinated through International SOS for overseas beneficiaries • Air ambulance or aeromedical evacuation as needed • Transport to nearest appropriate TRICARE-covered facility • Medical escort and monitoring during transport • May include evacuation to Continental U.S. (CONUS)

Process for medical evacuation: • International SOS assesses the situation and coordinates transport • Military medical authorities may be involved in decision-making • Patient stabilization occurs before transport • Receiving facility is notified and prepared • Family notification and travel assistance may be provided

Medical evacuations are most relevant for overseas beneficiaries, where local medical capabilities may not match U.S. standards. International SOS provides 24/7 support for evacuation coordination.