TRICARE Nurse Advice Line: 24/7 Medical Support Guide | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer The MHS Nurse Advice Line (NAL) provides 24/7 access to registered nurses who can answer urgent health questions, provide care advice, and help you decide if you need to see a doctor. It is a free service for all TRICARE beneficiaries in the U.S. and those with TRICARE Prime overseas.

## Details The Nurse Advice Line is designed to reduce unnecessary ER visits by helping you manage minor injuries or illnesses at home or directing you to the appropriate level of care.

### How to Access the NAL * **Phone (U.S.):** Call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273) and choose option 1. * **Online:** Visit [MHSNurseAdviceLine.com](https://mhsnurseadviceline.com) for secure web chat or video chat. * **Overseas:** Contact the local International SOS Medical Assistance Center or use the web chat feature.

### Services Provided * **Symptom Assessment:** Nurses use evidence-based protocols to determine the severity of your condition. * **Referrals:** If you are a TRICARE Prime enrollee and the nurse determines you need urgent care, they can often coordinate a referral to a local urgent care center (UCC) to ensure your claim is processed correctly. * **Primary Care Scheduling:** If you are enrolled in a Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), the NAL may be able to book an appointment for you if it is during business hours or the next available slot. * **Pediatric Care:** Specialist nurses are available to handle calls regarding infants and children.

### Costs and Requirements As of the 2026 plan year, there is no cost to call or use the NAL. It is a benefit included with your TRICARE coverage. * **Referral Rules:** Most TRICARE Prime active duty family members and retirees do not need a referral for urgent care at a network provider. However, calling the NAL first is highly recommended to avoid "point-of-service" charges if you are unsure of your plan's specific rules for that year. * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** ADSMs should always attempt to call the NAL or their primary care manager before seeking off-base care to ensure medical readiness records are updated and authorizations are in place.

### When NOT to Use the NAL The Nurse Advice Line is for non-emergency guidance. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe chest pain, major trauma, or difficulty breathing), call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

## Who this affects * Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) and their families. * Retirees and their families (pre-65 and TRICARE For Life). * National Guard and Reserve members (enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select). * Survivors and Medal of Honor recipients. * Note: Those with TRICARE For Life can use the NAL, but if they have other primary insurance (like Medicare), they should follow that program's guidance first.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil: [MHS Nurse Advice Line](https://www.tricare.mil/nurseline) * Defense Health Agency: [MHS Nurse Advice Line Portal](https://mhsnurseadviceline.com) * Humana Military (East Region): [Urgent Care Guidance](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): [Care Coordination and Support](https://www.triwest.com)

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*Disclaimer: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not an official government or TRICARE program website. For official policy and the most current rates, visit TRICARE.mil.*