Answers on TRICARE Overseas, FEHB International, and Security & Privacy.
TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP)
Do I have to pay upfront for medical care overseas with TRICARE?
Yes. Depending on your plan and the provider, you should expect to pay upfront for medical care and submit a claim to the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) claims processor for reimbursement.
Can non-network providers charge me more than the TRICARE-allowable amount?
Yes. Outside the U.S. and U.S. territories, nonparticipating non-network providers can charge any amount for their services. You are responsible for paying any amount that exceeds the TRICARE-allowable charge, in addition to your usual deductible and cost-shares.
How do I get reimbursed if I pay out of pocket at an overseas pharmacy?
If you pay out of pocket at an overseas pharmacy, you must file a claim with International SOS, the TRICARE Overseas claims processor. Always include your itemized receipt and proof of payment to avoid delays.
Will TRICARE cover over-the-counter medications purchased overseas?
No. Over-the-counter drugs are not covered overseas. This includes medications that might require a prescription in the country you are visiting but are considered over-the-counter in the U.S.
Do deductibles apply to my TRICARE overseas coverage?
Yes. A deductible is a set amount of money you must pay out of pocket before TRICARE starts paying for your medical services. However, deductibles are waived for preventive services.
What is the difference between copays and cost-shares?
Copays are flat-rate payments owed at the time a medical service is received, usually applying to in-network providers. Cost-shares are a percentage of the bill owed when receiving care, typically applying to out-of-network providers. You pay both only after your deductible is met.
Can I use Medicare overseas with TRICARE For Life?
Medicare provides coverage in the U.S. and U.S. territories, but it does not provide coverage in other overseas locations. When using TRICARE For Life overseas, TRICARE becomes the primary payer, and you are responsible for the annual deductible and cost-shares.
Who should I contact if I have a medical emergency abroad?
If you have a medical emergency while abroad, you should contact International SOS. They are the TRICARE overseas contractor and provide emergency medical support, assist with claims, find providers, and manage authorizations.
Does TRICARE limit how much it will reimburse for a claim?
Yes. TRICARE will only reimburse up to the allowable rate for listed services, based on CHAMPUS Maximum Allowable Charge (CMAC) rates, or amounts that are customary and reasonable for that region.
Should I get my prescriptions filled before traveling?
Yes. The most important step is to fill all your prescriptions before leaving the country, as finding the same medication abroad can be difficult. TRICARE recommends bringing enough supply for your entire trip plus a few extra days.
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) International
Will my FEHB coverage work outside of the United States?
Yes. Whether you are traveling for work, on vacation, or living overseas, your federal employee health benefits travel with you.
Do I always have to pay upfront for care with FEHB overseas?
Most overseas providers require payment upfront. However, certain FEHB plans offer a "guarantee of benefits" (GOB) or direct billing arrangements which allow providers to directly bill the plan's Overseas Assistance Center, meaning you do not have to pay upfront or file a claim.
How do I set up a guarantee of benefits so I don't pay upfront?
Before receiving care, you can contact your plan's Overseas Assistance Center to arrange a guarantee of benefits. They will work with the provider to directly handle the billing for covered services.
What if my overseas doctor does not accept direct billing?
If your provider does not accept a guarantee of benefits, you will need to pay for your care upfront. You will then submit a claim with your itemized bills and medical records for reimbursement.
Are there dedicated overseas provider networks for FEHB plans?
Yes. Many FEHB plans have extensive international provider networks. For example, FEPBlue has over 11,000 providers who participate in their overseas network.
Will my pharmacy coverage work overseas?
Yes, your FEHB pharmacy coverage generally works outside the U.S. However, because there are typically no preferred retail pharmacies overseas, you need to pay for your prescriptions out of pocket and then submit your receipts and a claim form to get reimbursed.
How long do I have to submit an overseas prescription claim?
For most plans, overseas prescription drug claims must be submitted within one year of the purchase date.
What if my overseas medical bill is in a foreign language or currency?
Many FEHB plans offer free translation services and currency conversion for members overseas. If you receive a bill in a different language, your plan's assistance center can translate it, and you can often choose to receive your reimbursement in U.S. dollars or local currency.
Are there mobile apps to help me file claims while traveling?
Yes. Certain plans offer mobile apps, such as the BCBS FEP Overseas app, which allows you to submit claims securely from your mobile device, locate providers, and access translation tools.
How do FEHB deductibles and copays work overseas?
In most cases, your copays and coinsurance amounts remain the same as they would be in the U.S. However, some plans waive deductibles for overseas care entirely, and waive copays for inpatient care when you are outside the U.S.
Security & Privacy
Does OBG have access to my medical records?
Absolutely not. We deploy immediate financial guarantees directly to foreign providers so you don’t front the cash. Treatment details remain strictly between you, your provider, and the authorized TPA processing the government claim.
Who processes my variable cost-shares or copays?
Our chosen TPA acts as the sole Merchant of Record for standard government cost-shares up to your annual catastrophic maximum. OBG never touches your personal medical credit cards.
How do you handle small, out-of-pocket claims?
For minor claims ($500 or less), you pay upfront at the point of care, then submit receipts directly to our secure, isolated TPA for fast reimbursement. OBG stays completely out of the data loop.
