FALLS CHURCH, Va.   –   Have you ever had to get care while living or traveling overseas? Perhaps you had to pay up front and needed to file a claim for reimbursement. If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s Request for Medical Payment (DD Form 2642). In September 2024, this form was updated to include fields that’ll make it easier when filing claims for care received overseas.

“The recent updates to this form include questions to specific to overseas claims,” said Patsy Capra, senior program analyst, TRICARE Overseas Program Office at the Defense Health Agency. “These updates will help streamline the processing of overseas claims.”

The TRICARE overseas claims processor, International SOS, may accept either the current or obsolete versions of the claim form. However, you should always use the latest version of the form when possible.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about the updated form.

Q: What changed on the form?

A: The primary changes are:

• A new address box to indicate the country where you received services.
• A check box to identify telemedicine services. This will help ensure claims process correctly and meet the requirements for telemedicine coverage overseas.
• A check box to indicate urgent care, as it’s not always clear that services received were urgent. Such services may not be provided in the same way in the United States.  
• New fields in the other health insurance area. For example, if you purchased travel insurance for your overseas vacation, this coverage is considered primary to TRICARE. Also, some Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage when traveling overseas—this coverage is also primary to TRICARE. When you file your TRICARE claim, make sure to include a copy of the explanation of benefits from your other OHI. You also may have OHI if you’re enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs Foreign Medical Program. If VA FMP processed and paid for your services, you should include a copy of your EOB from the VA FMP when filing your TRICARE claim. This ensures TRICARE doesn’t duplicate payments made by the VA FMP for treatment of a service-connected disability.
• A currency field to make sure you’re paid in the correct currency (for example, the U.S. dollar or local foreign currency). It also includes a reminder to submit proof of payment if you paid up front.

Q: How do I submit an overseas claim?

A: You can file a claim through the TRICARE Overseas Secure Claims Portal.

Registered users should also sign up for direct deposit (electronic funds transfer) within the portal to expedite payment. This option is available to anyone with a U.S. bank account.

Q: Where can l learn more about using the secure claims portal? How long do I have to file my claim?

A: You must file claims for care received outside the U.S. and U.S. territories within three years from the date of service or discharge.

Note: Are you planning to request payment in local currency? The currency exchange rate is based on the last date of service or the last date of discharge for an inpatient admission.

Q: Where can l learn more about using the secure claims portal?

A: You can find information on filing overseas claims on International SOS’ website. This site also includes tutorials to familiarize you with the secure claims portal.

Q: Who can I contact if have questions regarding my overseas claim?

A: For more information on how to file your overseas claim, please contact your TRICARE Overseas Regional Call Center.

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