Make your military health benefit work for you: Know how to get care

All this month, we’re providing information for those new to the European theater or who have recently had a change in their family – such as a move or a new baby – about keeping their military health benefit up-to-date. So far, we’ve discussed
• Step 1: Verify Eligibility by ensuring your DEERS information is updated (see www.tricare.osd.mil/DEERS for details).

• Step 2: Check Your Coverage by contacting your local TRICARE Service Center (see www.europe.tricare.osd.mil and click “TRICARE Service Centers”).

Step 3: Know how to get care
If you are enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you have a primary care manager who will provide your routine care and oversee any specialty care. To make an appointment with your PCM, call the TRICARE Service Center appointment line at 486-5762 or 06371-86-5762.

Using Host Nation Providers
If you are covered under TRICARE Standard, you can use military medical facilities on a space-available basis or see a host-nation provider of your choice. TRICARE Prime enrollees may sometimes be referred to host-nation providers for specific services.

In either case, it is strongly recommended that you use the TRICARE Preferred Provider Network. PPN providers are carefully screened and their performance is monitored by military providers. They are used to working with TRICARE, are required to speak English and will often file claims on your behalf. You can locate a PPN provider online at www.europe.tricare.osd.mil/ppn.

Emergency Care
If you have an emergency, get care immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
• On-Base Emergency: Air Force Base: 112     
Army Post:116
• Off-Base Emergency:112
• Nearest Emergency Room: Landstuhl
Regional Medical Center, Munson Circle,
Bldg. 3711
As soon as possible after getting care at a host-nation facility, contact your local TRICARE Service Center.

When You Travel
If you have an emergency while traveling, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room – you do not need approval for care. Be aware, though, that you may have to pay for care up front and file a claim with TRICARE for reimbursement. Be sure to contact your TRICARE Service Center as soon as possible after receiving care.

There are special rules for non-emergent care when traveling, so contact your local TRICARE Service Center for important
information before you go.

(Courtesy of TRICARE Area Office – Europe)