TRICARE Overseas PCS Move Guide: Enrollment & Checklist | TRICARE.com

Moving overseas (OCONUS) is a **Qualifying Life Event (QLE)** that changes your TRICARE region and plan options. Because you are leaving the United States, you must enroll in a TRICARE Overseas program to ensure you have coverage at your new duty station and avoid out-of-pocket costs at civilian clinics.

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

## What changes When you move overseas, you transition from the East or West regions to the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP). Your primary coverage options shift to **TRICARE Prime Overseas** (for active duty and their families) or **TRICARE Select Overseas**. If you do not update your enrollment within 90 days of your move, you may lose access to civilian care or be stuck with "space-available" status at military hospitals.

## What to do — checklist 1. **Update DEERS:** As soon as you arrive, update your new physical and mailing address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) via [milConnect](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/). **Deadline: Within 10 days of arrival.** 2. **Contact International SOS:** Once DEERS is updated, contact the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Regional Call Center for your new area (Eurasia-Africa, Latin America/Canada, or Pacific) to enroll in a new plan. **Deadline: Within 90 days of your move.** 3. **Transfer Prime Enrollment:** If you are Active Duty, you *must* enroll in TRICARE Prime Overseas. Family members can choose Prime Overseas (if near a military clinic) or Select Overseas. **Deadline: Before your first medical appointment.** 4. **Transfer Prescriptions:** If you use the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, update your address with Express Scripts. Note that some countries have restrictions on shipping medications; check with your local MTF pharmacy. **Deadline: 30 days before departure.** 5. **Secure Medical Records:** Obtain hard copies or digital transfers of medical and dental records for every family member. **Deadline: 30 days before departure.** 6. **Dental Enrollment Check:** Ensure family members are enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) via United Concordia. Active duty dental is handled through the military dental clinic overseas. **Deadline: Before departure.** 7. **Verify EFMP Status:** If a family member has special needs, ensure your Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) paperwork is completed and the overseas location is cleared to support those needs. **Deadline: Before accepting orders.**

Timeline

| Timing | Action Required | | :--- | :--- | | **60 Days Before Move** | Verify EFMP status and obtain copies of all family medical records. | | **30 Days Before Move** | Contact Express Scripts to refills 90-day supplies of maintenance meds. | | **Day 1–10 of Arrival** | Update address in DEERS (milConnect). | | **Within 90 Days** | Complete enrollment in TRICARE Overseas Prime or Select. | | **Post-Enrollment** | Receive primary care manager (PCM) assignment at the local MTF or via International SOS. |

## Common pitfalls * **Assuming it's automatic:** Many families think their TRICARE coverage "follows" their military ID. It does not. If you don't affirmatively enroll in the Overseas program, you remain enrolled in your US region, and local overseas claims will be denied. * **Wait times for EFMP:** Failing to clear EFMP before moving can result in a "compassionate reassignment" back to the States if the overseas location cannot support your family member's medical needs. * **Paying upfront without authorization:** TRICARE Select Overseas users often have to pay the full bill upfront and file for reimbursement later. If you are Prime Overseas and seek civilian care without a referral from International SOS, you will face high "point-of-service" fees. * **Ignoring the 90-day window:** If you miss the 90-day QLE window to change your enrollment, you must wait until the next open enrollment season (usually late fall) or another QLE to switch plans.

## Sources * TRICARE Overseas Program: [https://www.tricare-overseas.com/](https://www.tricare-overseas.com/) * TRICARE Moving Guide: [https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Moving](https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Moving) * DEERS/milConnect: [https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/) * International SOS (Overseas Contractor): [https://www.internationalsos.com/](https://www.internationalsos.com/)