Air Evacuation

TRICARE covers air evacuation only if:

  • A regular “land” ambulance can’t get to you.
  • The nearest facility is far away or there are other obstacles.
  • You must be seen quickly for your medical condition.
  • You can’t safely get the care you need in your location.

You must go to the closest medical facility. You may be sent to the nearest military hospital or clinic.

TRICARE won’t cover air evacuation in the following scenarios:

  • The care isn’t medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition..
  • You don’t go to the nearest location to get the care.

Air Evacuation in Overseas Areas

Active Duty Families in a TRICARE® Prime Plan

If it’s determined that the air evacuation is medically necessary (as described above), the TRICARE Overseas contractor, International SOS, will provide cashless, claimless air evacuation services for active duty service members and active duty family members enrolled in: 

  • TRICARE Prime
  • TRICARE Prime Remote
  • TRICARE Prime Overseas
  • TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
  • TRICARE Young Adult-Prime

If you need assistance, please contact the Regional Call Center in the overseas area where you’re living or traveling overseas.

All Other Beneficiaries

For all other beneficiaries, which includes:

  • Active duty family members using TRICARE Select
  • Retired service members and their families in all plans
  • Beneficiaries using TRICARE Reserve Select
  • Beneficiaries using TRICARE Retired Reserve

We understand that if you’re overseas and need care, you or your family may prefer you to be at home with your regular doctor. But if you decide to take an air evacuation back to the U.S.:

  • You must pay up front for the air evacuation.
  • TRICARE may not reimburse any amount.  
  • You may want to consider other options for coverage of air transport for circumstances not covered by TRICARE.

Still not sure if the air evacuation is covered?

If you have questions about air evacuation services and if it’s covered, contact the TRICARE Overseas contractor, International SOS, before you’re transported.

Last Updated 9/16/2024