Does TRICARE Cover Telehealth? Coverage & 2026 Costs | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer Yes, TRICARE covers telehealth services (also known as telemedicine) for most medical and mental health needs that would normally be covered in an office visit. While you may have a copay depending on your plan, the coverage generally matches the same rules and costs as in-person care.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current updates, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*

Details

TRICARE covers secure video conferencing and audio-only telephone calls for a wide range of services. The primary requirement is that the provider must be a **TRICARE-authorized provider** and the service must be medically necessary and appropriate for remote delivery.

### Covered Telehealth Services In 2026, TRICARE covers the following via telehealth: * **Routine office visits:** For follow-ups or non-emergency symptoms. * **Mental Health:** Telemental health is one of the most widely used benefits, including therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. * **Teledermatology:** Sending photos of skin conditions for specialist review. * **Specialist Consultations:** If a local specialist isn't available, your primary doctor may coordinate a remote consult.

### Costs and Copays (2026 Rates) Copays for telehealth visits generally align with the cost of an in-person office visit for your specific plan: * **TRICARE Prime (Active Duty):** $0 out-of-pocket for all covered telehealth. * **TRICARE Prime (Retirees & Families):** Costs vary — for Group A retirees, the 2026 copay is typically around $25–$37 per visit depending on the provider type. * **TRICARE Select:** Subject to annual deductibles. Once met, beneficiaries pay a fixed copay or a percentage of the allowable charge (e.g., $15–$50 per visit for 2026). * **Note on Referral Requirements:** If you are in a Prime plan, you usually need a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) for specialty telehealth (like a cardiologist), but you generally do not need a referral for office-based mental health telehealth.

### Regional Contractors and Virtual Networks The regional contractors provide access to "Virtual Provider Networks" to help you find doctors who specialize in telehealth: * **East Region (Humana Military):** Offers access to specialized telehealth platforms. * **West Region (TriWest Healthcare Alliance):** Under the T-5 contract (effective 2025), TriWest provides a robust network of digital health options. * **Overseas (International SOS):** Telehealth availability depends on local country laws and internet infrastructure.

### Limitations * **Equipment:** TRICARE does not pay for your computer, smartphone, or internet connection. * **Exclusions:** TRICARE typically does not cover "asynchronous" care (like texting a doctor or using a chat bot) unless it is a specific teledermatology or tele-ICU program.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** 100% coverage; usually requires PCM coordination. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Covered under Prime or Select; great for those living in rural areas. * **Retirees and Families:** Covered, subject to standard plan copays. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Covered under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). * **Survivors and Medically Retired:** Full access to telehealth benefits.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Telemedicine Policy](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/Telemedicine) * **Humana Military (East):** [Telehealth Services Portal](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [Provider Network Information](https://www.triwest.com) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Beneficiary Education & Support](https://health.mil)