Overseas PCS Move
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to an overseas location transitions your TRICARE coverage to the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP). Service members and command-sponsored family members stationed overseas can use TRICARE Prime Overseas (enrolled to a military treatment facility or TRICARE-authorized overseas provider) or TRICARE Select Overseas. Coverage overseas includes care at military hospitals and clinics, authorized civilian providers in the host country, and the overseas pharmacy program. Ensure all family members are command-sponsored and registered in DEERS with the overseas address. Non-command-sponsored family members remaining stateside keep their current TRICARE region coverage.
Timeline
Receive PCS orders to overseas location
Ensure command sponsorship for dependents traveling overseas
Complete OCONUS (overseas) screening for all family members
Update DEERS with overseas address upon arrival
Enroll in TRICARE Prime Overseas or Select Overseas
Register with nearest military treatment facility
Set up overseas pharmacy access
Action Checklist
- Verify PCS orders include command sponsorship for dependents
- Complete OCONUS medical screening for all family members
- Update DEERS with overseas address upon arrival
- Enroll in TRICARE Prime Overseas or Select Overseas
- Register with the nearest military treatment facility
- Obtain list of TRICARE-authorized overseas providers
- Transfer prescriptions to overseas pharmacy program
- Understand host-nation emergency care procedures
- Keep International SOS contact information accessible
- Review claims process for care from host-nation providers
Plan Impact
Stateside TRICARE Prime or Select coverage transitions to TRICARE Overseas Program upon arrival. TRICARE Prime Overseas assigns a PCM at the nearest military treatment facility or overseas provider network. TRICARE Select Overseas allows seeing any TRICARE-authorized overseas provider. The regional contractor changes to International SOS for most overseas locations. Host-nation provider care may require claims filing for reimbursement.
Cost Impact
Active duty members and families pay no enrollment fees overseas. Copayments for Prime Overseas are similar to stateside Prime. Select Overseas cost-shares vary by provider type (military facility vs. host-nation provider). Overseas pharmacy copayments follow stateside TRICARE pharmacy formulary rates. Retirees overseas pay standard retiree enrollment fees.
Required Forms & Documents
- PCS orders with overseas assignment
- DD Form 1172-2 (DEERS update with overseas address)
- TRICARE Overseas Program enrollment form
- OCONUS screening documents for all family members
- Command sponsorship authorization
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