TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit

What is the Prime Travel Benefit?

If your PCM refers you to a specialist more than 75 miles away and no closer provider is available, TRICARE may reimburse your travel expenses (mileage, tolls, lodging, parking, public transportation, and meals).

New for FY26: Pursuant to Section 701 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, signed December 18, 2025 and codified in relevant part at 10 U.S.C. 1074i(b)(2), the dependents of members of the armed forces on active duty are eligible for Prime Travel Benefits for referred specialty care services obtained from a specialist 75 miles from their primary care provider.

Quick Eligibility Check: Do I Qualify?

Answer ALL of these with "Yes" to qualify:
  • Are you a non-active-duty TRICARE Prime enrollee?
  • Are you assigned to a PCM in the United States (within WACH catchment area for WACH to process)?
  • Did your PCM refer you for non-emergency, medically necessary care covered by TRICARE?
  • Is the specialty provider more than 75 miles (one way) from your PCM's office?
  • Was there no suitable provider (military, network, or non-network) available within 75 miles?

If you answered "Yes" to all five, you likely qualify.

Active Duty Service Members

You do NOT use this benefit. Your unit (S1/admin section) is responsible for processing travel reimbursement for off-post medical appointments. Contact your chain of command.

What Is Covered

  • Mileage (at current government rate)
  • Lodging (itemized receipts required)
  • Meals (itemized receipts required)
  • Approved Non-Medical Attendant (NMA) travel (if applicable)

Note: TRICARE will not reimburse the same expense twice. Shared costs (lodging, rental car) are split, not doubled.

Receipt Checklist: What to Save

Keep ALL itemized receipts, even for purchases under $75.00:
  • Gas/fuel receipts
  • Meal receipts (itemized, not just credit card statements)
  • Hotel/lodging receipts
  • Tolls
  • Parking
  • Rental car (if applicable)
  • Any other travel-related expense

How to Submit Your Claim

  1. Gather all itemized receipts
  2. Include a copy of your referral authorization
  3. Include your travel dates
  4. Email your claim to: usarmy.irwin.medcom-wach.mbx.prime-travel-benefit-program@health.mil

There is no phone number for travel benefit claims. Email is the only submission method.

Non-Medical Attendant (NMA) Travel

An NMA (parent, spouse, family member age 21+, or legal guardian) may also be reimbursed if:
  • The patient's trip qualifies for the Prime Travel Benefit
  • The NMA travels with the patient
  • If the patient is 18+, the referring or treating provider must verify in writing that the NMA is medically necessary

More Information

  • TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit
  • WACH Managed Care Division: Building 390, Room 3B168
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1530 (Closed 1130-1300, closed federal holidays)

 

How to Initiate a Reimbursement

Travel reimbursement claims must be filed no later than one year after the qualifying return travel date. It is highly recommended to file for reimbursement within 30 days of travel.

If you have reviewed the above information and believe you qualify please download appropriate forms below. Please allow a minimum of 3-5 business days for your documents to be reviewed by our staff.

A. I have never submitted a Prime Travel claim before.

B. My intake packet has been approved and I am submitting an additional claim(s).

Send all forms and travel correspondence (including all itemized receipts) to:
usarmy.irwin.medcom-wach.mbx.prime-travel-benefit-program@health.mil. 

Please allow a minimum of 3-5 business days for your documents to be reviewed.

If you have additional questions, please visit the Prime Travel Website: https://www.tricare.mil/PrimeTravel.

Don't forget to keep your family's information up to date in DEERS!