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While TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select generally have similar benefits, one benefit is unique to TRICARE Prime: payments for travel to receive medically necessary specialty care that isn’t available locally.

The travel benefit is available to all family members and retirees who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Prime Remote and live within the 48 contiguous states. It is not available when using TRICARE Select, and there’s a different program for overseas.

The medical care must meet specific criteria. Care must be deemed medically necessary. A suitable specialist must not be available within 100 miles of the patient’s primary care manager. A referral from the primary care manager and prior authorization from TRICARE are required.

[LEARN MORE: TRICARE.mil/primetravel]

If eligible, TRICARE will cover plane or train tickets or mileage reimbursement for car travel and necessary tolls and parking fees.

The program might also cover expenses related to meals and lodging. Reimbursement might not fully cover all out-of-pocket costs. For example, lodging reimbursements might be limited per diem allowances, and meal reimbursements might have daily limits.

To use this benefit, beneficiaries must coordinate with their TRICARE regional contractor for pre-authorization. The contractor verifies the care qualifies
for travel reimbursement and provides instructions on filing a travel reimbursement claim. After traveling, beneficiaries must submit receipts for all claimed expenses, including lodging and meal receipts if applicable.

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The TRICARE Prime travel benefit is a valuable program for military families needing access to specialized care far from their local area. Beneficiaries should consult with their TRICARE regional contractor to ensure they understand and follow the guidelines for accessing this benefit effectively.