TRICARE Telehealth Coverage: Costs, Providers & Rules (2026)

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current directives, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE covers most telehealth services—including primary care, specialty consults, and mental health—at the same cost-share as in-person visits. You can see a provider via secure video or phone as long as the service is medically necessary and the provider is TRICARE-authorized and licensed in the state where you are receiving care.

Details

Telehealth under TRICARE is not a separate "plan" but a method of delivery. Most procedures that are covered in an office setting are also covered via telehealth if the technology allows for a high-quality clinical encounter.

### Covered Services and Care Types TRICARE covers a wide range of virtual health services: * **Mental Health:** One of the most common uses of TRICARE telehealth. Includes individual therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. * **Teledermatology:** Remote diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. * **Specialty Care:** Consultations with specialists (e.g., cardiologists or neurologists) when referred by your Primary Care Manager (PCM). * **Primary Care:** Routine appointments for non-emergency issues like allergies or sinus infections.

### Referral and Authorization Requirements Requirements for telehealth follow the same rules as in-person care for your specific plan: * **TRICARE Prime:** You generally need a referral from your PCM for specialty telehealth services. Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) must have a referral for any care sought outside of a Military Hospital or Clinic. * **TRICARE Select:** You do not need a referral for most telehealth services, provided you see a TRICARE-authorized network provider.

### 2026 Costs and Copays As of 2026, TRICARE telehealth costs are generally the same as in-person visits. Examples of costs based on 2026 rates include: * **Active Duty:** $0 for all authorized telehealth services. * **TRICARE Prime (Retirees/Families):** Typically a $20–$30 copay for network outpatient visits. * **TRICARE Select (Group A Retirees):** Approximately $35–$40 for a specialist visit. * **Point-of-Service (POS) Fees:** If you have TRICARE Prime and see a telehealth provider without a referral, you may be subject to POS charges, which include a $300 deductible and a 50% cost-share.

### The Regional Contractors To find a telehealth provider, use the directory provided by your regional contractor: * **East Region:** Humana Military. * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance. * **Overseas:** International SOS (Note: Telehealth availability overseas is subject to host-nation laws and may be more limited).

### Doctor on Demand and Telemynd TRICARE works with several designated telehealth partners to streamline access: * **Doctor on Demand:** Provides urgent care and mental health. * **Telemynd:** Focuses specifically on mental health services for TRICARE beneficiaries.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Requires a referral and must use secure military or network systems. * **Active Duty Family Members:** No referral needed for most mental health; referral required for specialty care if on Prime. * **Retirees and Families:** Covered under Prime and Select guidelines. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Covered under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). * **Young Adults:** Covered under TRICARE Young Adult (TYA).

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil (Telemedicine):** https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/Telemedicine * **Humana Military (East Provider Directory):** https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/find-care * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** https://www.triwest.com/ * **Health.mil (Defense Health Agency):** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Technology/MHS-Video-Visit