Blog│Government Employees Association

Stay Covered on Summer Vacation: Why GEA’s TRICARE Supplemental Insurance Matters While You Travel

Written by GEA USA | Jun 5, 2025 2:30:00 PM

Summer is the perfect time for government employees, military retirees, and their families to embark on well-deserved vacations. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip, a beach getaway, or an international adventure, ensuring your health coverage travels with you is crucial. GEA’s TRICARE Supplemental Insurance offers peace of mind, filling the gaps that TRICARE alone might not cover during your travels.

Understanding TRICARE’s Travel Coverage:

TRICARE provides robust healthcare coverage, but when you're away from home, certain limitations may apply:

  • Domestic Travel: With TRICARE Select, you can visit any TRICARE-authorized provider. However, you might need to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later.
  • International Travel: You can seek care from any overseas provider, but it's essential to keep all receipts for reimbursement purposes.
  • TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit (PTB): This benefit reimburses reasonable travel expenses when a beneficiary needs medical care over 100 miles away from their Primary Care Manager's office.

How GEA’s TRICARE Supplemental Insurance Enhances Your Coverage:

GEA's TRICARE Supplemental Insurance is designed to complement your existing TRICARE plan, especially during travel:

  • Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses: It helps cover co-pays, cost shares, and other expenses that TRICARE doesn't fully reimburse, ensuring you're not burdened with unexpected medical bills while on vacation.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Whether you're dealing with an emergency room visit, urgent care, or prescription needs like Ozempic, the supplemental plan provides added financial protection.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have additional coverage allows you to enjoy your travels without constant worry about potential healthcare costs.

Tips for Traveling with TRICARE and GEA’s Supplemental Insurance:

  1. Carry Essential Documents: Always have your TRICARE and supplemental insurance cards with you.
  2. Know Your Network: Before traveling, research TRICARE-authorized providers in your destination area.
  3. Keep Receipts: For any medical services or prescriptions obtained during your trip, retain all receipts to facilitate reimbursement.
  4. Emergency Contacts: If traveling overseas, have the appropriate International SOS contact information handy.

Vacations are meant for relaxation and creating lasting memories, not for dealing with unexpected medical expenses. By enrolling in GEA’s TRICARE Supplemental Insurance, you ensure that you and your family have comprehensive coverage that travels with you, providing financial protection and peace of mind wherever your summer adventures take you.

Learn More:

To explore the benefits of GEA’s TRICARE Supplemental Insurance and how it can enhance your travel plans, visit our TRICARE Supplement page.