TRICARE Telehealth: Everything You Need to Know (2026) | TRICARE.com

TRICARE telehealth services allow you to see a doctor or specialist via video or phone from your home instead of driving to a clinic.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the official TRICARE program or the Department of Defense. Visit TRICARE.mil for official policy updates.*

## Definition Telehealth is the use of secure video conferencing or telephone calls to receive medical care, mental health counseling, or consultations from a healthcare provider without an in-person office visit.

## What it means in practice For TRICARE beneficiaries, telehealth has become a permanent and integrated part of the benefit. Whether you are using TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, you can access care for common illnesses (like allergies or the flu), skin conditions, and particularly mental health services through a screen or phone. In 2026, most telehealth services are covered as long as the provider is TRICARE-authorized and the service would be covered if it were delivered in person.

The logistics of telehealth depend on your plan and the provider. If you are enrolled in **TRICARE Prime**, you generally still need a referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) for specialty telehealth visits, just as you would for an in-person specialist. For **TRICARE Select**, no referral is required for most telehealth services, provided you see a network doctor. However, active duty service members (ADSMs) must always seek a referral for any care received outside of a Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), including telehealth.

Cost-shares for telehealth typically mirror the costs of an in-person office visit. Under the 2026 rate structure, if a TRICARE Select Group A retiree has a $38 copay for a primary care visit, that same $38 applies to the telehealth session. Notably, many telehealth services are facilitated through regional contractors: **Humana Military** in the East Region and **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** in the West Region. Both contractors maintain directories of "teledermatology" and "telebehavioral" health providers specifically equipped for virtual care.

There are limitations. You cannot use telehealth for procedures requiring physical intervention (like vaccinations or blood draws). Additionally, while the pharmacy benefit manager **Express Scripts** handles prescriptions resulting from these visits, certain controlled substances may still require an initial in-person evaluation due to federal and state regulations.

## Related terms * **Teledermatology:** The use of secure images and video for a dermatologist to diagnose skin conditions remotely. * **Network Provider:** A healthcare professional who has a contract with Humana Military or TriWest to provide care at negotiated rates. * **Point-of-Service (POS) Option:** An additional cost for Prime members who see a specialist (via telehealth or in-person) without a referral. * **Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF):** A military hospital or clinic located on a base, many of which now offer their own internal "Virtual Health" platforms. * **Nurse Advice Line (NAL):** A 24/7 service where TRICARE beneficiaries can speak to a registered nurse for medical sorting before booking a telehealth visit.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil Official Telehealth Policy: https://www.tricare.mil/telehealth * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): https://www.triwest.com * Humana Military (East Region): https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/health-and-wellness/telehealth