Summer is here, and for many military families, retirees, and federal employees, that means vacation season. Whether you're taking a road trip, visiting family, or flying across the country, it's worth taking a few minutes to review your healthcare coverage before you leave.
A little preparation can help you avoid headaches if you need medical care while traveling.
1. Make Sure Your Information Is Up to Date
Before you hit the road, confirm that your information in DEERS is current. Keeping your records updated helps ensure you can access your TRICARE and TRICARE Supplement benefits when you need them.
It's also a good idea to save important phone numbers and account information before traveling.
Related Resource: https://www.geausa.org/tricare-supplement-faqs
2. Know Where to Go If You Need Care
No one plans to get sick or injured on vacation, but it happens.
If you experience a medical emergency, seek care immediately.
For less serious issues, such as minor illnesses, infections, or injuries, urgent care may be the right option. Depending on the TRICARE plan you're enrolled in, referral requirements may vary.
Taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the surrounding areas can help you act quicker if need be.
3. Review Your Plan Before You Leave
Many beneficiaries assume their healthcare coverage works exactly the same everywhere they go.
While TRICARE coverage travels with you, certain rules regarding referrals, specialty care, and provider networks may still apply depending on your plan.
Understanding how your coverage works before departure can help you make informed decisions if care becomes necessary during your trip.
4. Don't Forget Your Prescriptions
One of the easiest travel mistakes is running out of medication while you're away.
Before leaving:
- Check refill dates
- Pack enough medication for your entire trip
- Bring prescriptions in their original containers
- Keep medications in your carry-on bag when flying
If you use maintenance medications, consider reviewing your pharmacy options before traveling.
5. Keep Important Information Handy
Having key healthcare information available can save time during an unexpected situation.
Consider keeping a list of:
- Current medications
- Emergency contacts
- Healthcare providers
- TRICARE customer service numbers
- Insurance identification cards
Many people store this information electronically, but having a backup copy can be helpful.
6. Understand Your Potential Out-of-Pocket Costs
TRICARE provides comprehensive healthcare coverage, but there may still be out-of-pocket expenses depending on the care you receive.
Medical costs can be difficult to predict, especially when you're away from home. Understanding your coverage and expenses ahead of time can make travel less stressful.
Many military retirees and families choose supplemental coverage to help reduce eligible out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Find out more about the TRICARE Supplement Insurance Plan offered through GEA here.
Related Resource: https://www.geausa.org/insurance/tricare
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