TRICARE Select
Review first-contact guidance, referral expectations, payment flow, and common issues for this insurance situation.
Who is this for?
- Military family members
- Military retirees
- Some reserve members
What should I know?
- No PCM is usually required
- More flexibility in choosing providers
- You may have deductibles or copays
Common frustrations
- Not knowing what is covered
- Claim submission confusion
- Unexpected medical bills
When should I choose this category?
- You know you are enrolled in TRICARE Select
Can I use Japanese clinics?
- Usually yes
- Coverage and reimbursement depend on the service received
Who should I contact first?
Any clinic, or the TRICARE Overseas Program / International SOS if you need help finding care.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on the clinic or hospital.
Many Japanese clinics accept new patients without a referral. However, some clinics and many hospital specialists may require a referral letter before accepting an appointment.
In addition, some facilities may have limited English support and may ask patients to bring an interpreter or a Japanese-speaking companion.
Before visiting any clinic or hospital, it is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance to confirm:
- Whether new patients are being accepted
- Whether a referral is required
- Whether English support is available
- Whether an interpreter is needed
- Whether direct billing is available through your insurance
Confirming these details beforehand can help avoid delays, unexpected fees, or cancelled appointments.
Who pays?
You often pay first and submit a claim later if reimbursement is available.
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