Urgent care bridges the gap between emergency room visits and routine doctor appointments. It’s the medical attention you need for illnesses or injuries that aren’t life-threatening but require prompt attention, typically within 24 hours and ideally within a 30-minute travel distance. You should seek urgent care when you experience a health issue that:
- Is not an immediate danger to life, limb, or eyesight.
- Requires timely intervention to prevent it from escalating into a more serious health risk.
Common examples of conditions requiring urgent care include high fevers, sprains, minor cuts, and infections.
The MHS Nurse Advice Line: Your 24/7 Resource
When unexpected health concerns arise outside of regular clinic hours, or if you’re unsure about the urgency of your condition, the MHS Nurse Advice Line is readily available 24/7. By calling 800-TRICARE (874-2273) and selecting option 1, you can connect with a registered nurse who can:
- Address your urgent care inquiries.
- Provide professional health advice.
- Assist in locating a doctor if necessary.
- Schedule next-day appointments at military medical facilities when appropriate.
Who Can Benefit from the MHS Nurse Advice Line?
The MHS Nurse Advice Line is a valuable resource for all TRICARE beneficiaries within the United States, with the exception of those enrolled in the US Family Health Plan.
For beneficiaries residing overseas, the MHS Nurse Advice Line can still offer healthcare guidance while traveling in the U.S. However, it’s essential to coordinate ongoing care with your Overseas Regional Call Center for international medical needs.
Accessing Urgent Care in the U.S.: A Plan-Based Guide
Navigating urgent care access depends on your specific TRICARE plan. Here’s a breakdown for U.S.-based beneficiaries:
TRICARE Prime Plans (Including TRICARE Prime, Prime Remote, Prime Overseas, Prime Remote Overseas, and Young Adult-Prime, excluding US Family Health Plan)
| If you are… | To get urgent care… |
|---|---|
| An active duty service member in a TRICARE Prime Service Area | Prioritize military hospitals or clinics if available. Contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line for guidance. |
| An active duty service member enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote | You can seek urgent care at any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider. |
| An active duty family member | No referral is needed for urgent care visits. |
| A retiree or retiree family member | Access urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider. |
Note: Family members and retirees opting for non-network urgent care outside of authorized centers may incur point-of-service cost-shares.
US Family Health Plan Enrollees
If you are enrolled in the US Family Health Plan, please consult your designated provider’s website for specific instructions on accessing urgent care services within your plan.
TRICARE Select and All Other TRICARE Plans
| If you are… | To get urgent care… |
|---|---|
| An active duty family member | Referrals are not required for urgent care. |
| A retiree or retiree family member | Obtain urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider. Network or non-network copayments or cost-shares will apply based on the provider type. |
Urgent Care for Overseas Residents and Travelers
Accessing urgent care while overseas or traveling internationally differs slightly:
| If you are enrolled in… | To get urgent care… |
|---|---|
| A stateside TRICARE plan | No referral is necessary for urgent care when traveling abroad. |
| A TRICARE overseas plan | Overseas: While referrals aren’t needed, pre-authorization from the TRICARE overseas contractor is recommended for cashless and claimless visits. Otherwise, upfront payment and claim submission for reimbursement may be necessary. Stateside while traveling: No referral needed. Access urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider.* |
Note: TRICARE Prime enrollees using non-network urgent care outside authorized centers may face point-of-service cost-shares. Active duty service members must follow up with their Primary Care Manager (PCM) after receiving care outside of military facilities as per regulations.
Disclaimer: This information is not exhaustive. TRICARE coverage is subject to medical necessity and proven treatments, with specific rules and exclusions for certain services.
Call Ahead for Urgent Care Walk-in Availability: If the Nurse Advice Line directs you to an urgent care clinic, it’s advisable to confirm walk-in availability beforehand.
Last Updated: 11/20/2024
