TRICARE Ambulance Coverage & 2026 Costs | TRICARE.com

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE covers emergency ambulance services when medically necessary to transport you to the nearest hospital capable of providing required care. While emergency transport is generally covered, "convenience" transfers or non-emergency transports without prior authorization are typically not.

Details

TRICARE's coverage of ambulance services depends on whether the situation is a life-threatening emergency and which TRICARE plan you are enrolled in.

### Emergency Ambulance Services TRICARE covers ambulance transfers to the nearest appropriate facility in the following cases: * You are experiencing a medical emergency (e.g., heart attack, severe trauma). * The ambulance is licensed by a local or state government. * The transport is for a covered medical condition.

### Non-Emergency Ambulance Services Non-emergency transport is covered only if it is determined to be medically necessary (e.g., a patient must be moved between hospitals because the current facility cannot provide a specific required level of care). * **Authorization:** Most non-emergency transports require prior authorization from your regional contractor (Humana Military in the East; TriWest in the West). * **Air Ambulances:** These are only covered when a ground ambulance cannot reach the patient or the distance/time required for ground transport would endanger the patient’s life.

### 2026 Costs and Copayments For Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs), there is **$0 out-of-pocket cost** for emergency ambulance services.

For other beneficiaries (Group A, network providers), the following 2026 rates generally apply: * **TRICARE Prime:** $0 copayment for emergency transport. * **TRICARE Select (Retirees/Families):** Varies by beneficiary group; typically ranges from $100 to $130 per occurrence (check TRICARE.mil for specific 2026 updates). * **TRICARE Reserve Select:** 20% of the allowable charge after the deductible is met. * **TRICARE For Life:** TRICARE acts as second payor to Medicare. If Medicare covers the ambulance, TRICARE typically covers the remaining deductible and coinsurance.

### What is NOT Covered * **Ambulance Services for Convenience:** Requests for a specific hospital that is not the closest capable facility. * **Medic-on-Standby:** Paying for an ambulance to be present at a public event (e.g., a high school football game). * **Ambulatory Patients:** Transporting someone who could safely travel by car or bus.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Full coverage for emergency and authorized non-emergency needs. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Covered under Prime or Select; costs vary by plan. * **Retirees and their Families:** Subject to plan-specific copayments and cost-shares. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Covered under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TAMP. * **TRICARE For Life (TFL) Users:** Covered as a secondary payer to Medicare.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Ambulance Services Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/AmbulanceServices) * **Humana Military (East Region):** [Emergency Services and Costs](https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/plans-and-programs/benefits/ambulance) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** [Medical Necessity and Claims](https://www.triwest.com/en/beneficiary/) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [TRICARE Costs and Fees Guide](https://www.tricare.mil/costs)