Health Matters (Overseas) Newsletter

Overseas Health Matters Newsletter header image

This quarterly newsletter provides information about your TRICARE benefit. This edition contains information specific to beneficiaries living overseas.

Get future issues of this newsletter, plus more news and benefit updates, delivered to your email. Sign up for TRICARE email updates.

Issue 3 | 2024

Uniformed Sailor gives flu shot to seated Sailor. 

  • Learn How To Get Your TRICARE Vaccines Overseas
    Flu season is right around the corner—which means it’s time to start thinking about getting vaccines for common respiratory diseases. If you live or travel overseas, it’s important to know where you can get these vaccines.
  • Your TRICARE Guide to Overseas Travel
    Planning a trip overseas? Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, it’s a good idea to know how your TRICARE plan works outside the United States. Here are key things to know before getting health care in another country.
  • Getting Telemedicine Care Overseas With TRICARE
    Do you live overseas and need health care? You might be able to get telemedicine care from home. Before you get telemedicine outside the United States, know what TRICARE covers and doesn’t cover.
  • Know How TRICARE Regions Are Changing in 2025
    On Jan. 1, 2025, there will be changes to the TRICARE regions in the United States as part of TRICARE’s new regional contracts. While there will still be two TRICARE regions, six states currently in the East Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) will move to the West Region.
  • TRICARE Coverage for Your Children: What You Need To Know
    Are you wondering if your child has TRICARE coverage? Most children of service members and retirees can get TRICARE until they turn age 21 (or 23 if they’re in college). TRICARE coverage for children is broad, but there are specific rules about who qualifies.
  • Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Tips for Managing Your DEERS Record
    When was the last time you looked to see if your information in DEERS is up to date? If it’s been a while, it’s extremely important to take time and log in to DEERS to review or update your information.
  • MHS GENESIS Secure Messaging: A Direct Line to Your Military Health Care Team
    Have you ever left your doctor’s office and then realized you forgot to ask an important question? Or had a question about your medication that couldn’t wait for your next appointment? The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal lets you speak to your military health care team at your military hospital or clinic through secure messaging.

FAQ image

Does TRICARE cover urgent care?

Yes. To learn how TRICARE covers urgent care under each plan, visit Urgent Care.

If you have TRICARE For Life coverage, you must follow Medicare's rules. This doesn't apply if you live overseas (not including U.S. Territories).

Will I lose my TRICARE For Life benefits if I sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan?

No. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an "all in one" alternative to Original Medicare.

Private companies approved by Medicare offer these plans. These "bundled" plans include:

  • Medicare Part A (hospital insurance);
  • Medicare Part B (medical insurance); and
  • Additional benefits (for example: dental, prescriptions, fitness)

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. Medicare is still your primary coverage, and TRICARE For Life is the second payer for TRICARE-covered services.

Note: Medicare Advantage claims don’t cross over to Medicare. This means you'll have to file claims for reimbursement of TRICARE-covered services. Visit Filing Claims for instructions and claim form.

Contact Information
TRICARE For Life Contractor (Wisconsin Physicians Service)
866-773-0404 / TDD 866-773-0405
www.TRICARE4u.com

 

TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas Webinar

Do you have TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas? Join International SOS for a webinar on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. ET to learn about your healthcare benefits. Experts will cover enrollment, eligibility, coverage, claims, and more. Register now to attend!

Health Matters (Overseas) Newsletter: 2024—Issue 2

Health Matters (Overseas) Newsletter: 2024—Issue 1

Health Matters (Overseas) Newsletter: 2023—Issue 4

Last Updated 9/10/2024