TRICARE Plans

TRICARE Overseas

TRICARE benefits can be used while a military family is stationed overseas. The dependents of active duty servicemembers have the option of using either TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Standard. Retirees and their dependents are only entitled to TRICARE Standard.

Highlights

• Active duty dependents must have a sponsoring servicemember enroll them in TRICARE Prime to be covered.

• Most care will be provided by a primary care manager (PCM) at a military treatment facility (MTF), but beneficiaries also have the option of seeing authorized civilian doctors.

• TRICARE Overseas offers four separate health care plans: TRICARE Overseas Program—Prime (TOP), TRICARE Standard, TRICARE for Life Overseas and TRICARE Global Remote Overseas:

  • TRICARE Overseas Program—Prime (TOP)
    • Patients will see a primary care manager, who will provide most of their care.
    • There are no fees, deductibles or cost-sharing for TRICARE Prime overseas.
    • Beneficiaries can see approved civilian physicians and out-of-network physician without any penalties or cost-sharing. To see an out-of-network physician, beneficiaries must be referred by their primary care manager and approved by the regional military service center.

    • Beneficiaries are also eligible for specialized care with a referral from their primary care manager.

  • TRICARE Overseas Program—Standard

    • The same rules and regulations that apply to TRICARE Standard in the states apply overseas. See our section on TRICARE Standard for more information.

  • TRICARE Global Remote Overseas (TGRO)
    • Reserve Component members (National Guard, Reservists and Individual Ready Reservists), active duty servicemembers and their dependents are eligible for TRICARE benefits if called to active duty for more than 179 days in a designated remote area.
    • TGRO also provides dental, emergency and urgent care for active duty servicemembers in designated remote areas.

    • Eligible TGRO beneficiaries are not required to make any up-front payments or file claims for their care.

  • TRICARE for Life Overseas (TFL Overseas)
    • TFL beneficiaries living overseas are eligible for the same health care benefits that are available under TRICARE Standard while residing abroad.

    • To use this benefit, contact the nearest military treatment facility or American embassy.

Drawback

• Enrollees seeking civilian care in the United States while enrolled in TRICARE Overseas Program—Prime will be responsible for cost-sharing and deductibles.