Travel Reimbursement
Non-active duty TRICARE Prime/TRICARE Prime Remote enrollees may be eligible to have "reasonable travel expenses" reimbursed by TRICARE if they are referred by their primary care manager (PCM) for non-emergency specialty care more than 100 miles (one way) from the PCM's office. Reasonable travel expenses are the actual costs incurred while traveling, including meals, gas, tolls, parking and tickets for public transportation (i.e., airplane, train, bus, etc.).
You must submit all receipts. The benefit is limited to those specialty referrals when no other specialist (i.e., military treatment facility [MTF], network or non-network specialists) is available within 100 miles (one way) of the PCM's office. Travel expenses will not be authorized for elective procedures or non-covered benefits.
In some cases, a non-medical attendant (NMA) may also be authorized for travel reimbursement. The NMA can be a parent, spouse, another adult family member (age 21 years or older) or a legal guardian. The referring provider must verify in writing that an NMA is medically necessary and appropriate to travel with the patient. When approved, the NMA is authorized reimbursement of actual travel expenses.
Note: If the NMA is an active duty service member, he/she is entitled to TDY allowances (per diem and mileage), not actual expenses.
Getting Travel Orders & Submitting Travel Claims
- If your PCM is at an MTF, you must have a valid referral and travel orders from your MTF travel representative to qualify for the travel benefit. Contact your local MTF for details.
- If you have a civilian PCM, you must have a referral from your PCM and authorization from your regional contractor before requesting travel orders.
Submitted travel claims are processed using the Defense Travel System, and you must submit receipts for each claim. Government rates are used to estimate the reasonable cost. You are expected to use the least costly mode of transportation. The actual costs of lodging (including taxes) and the actual cost of meals (including taxes and tips, but excluding alcoholic beverages) may be reimbursed up to the government rate for the area concerned. >>Click Here for Government Rates
You'll submit your travel claims using these forms, however each travel office may have additional paperwork and requirements.
Please enter your profile now for the most accurate information about getting a travel reimbursement in your region or contact your regional travel office for more information.
North | North Region Prime Travel Office 1-866-307-9749 or 1-703-588-1865/1869 |
South | South Region Prime Travel Office 1-800-576-0375 |
West |
West Region Prime Travel Office |
Last Modified:October 18, 2012
Contact
North Region Contractor
Health Net Federal Services
1-877-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273)
South Region Contractor
Humana Military, a division of Humana Government
1-800-444-5445
West Region Contractor
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378)