Travel Authorization

The Patient Travel Office assists with non-emergency outpatient medical travel authorization and travel reimbursement.

To be eligible for reimbursement, all travelers are required to have an outpatient medical authorization from the Tricare Regional Contractor.

Family Members and Retirees: For specialty appointments not available at GLWACH and for locations farther than 100 miles from the MTF, travel reimbursement may be authorized.  If care is available within 100 miles of the MTF but it is the patient’s choice to request a provider greater than 100 miles from the MTF then travel is NOT authorized.

Active Duty Service Members: Specialty appointment reimbursement is determined the Service Members unit
Patients and Non-Medical Attendants (NMA) are authorized reimbursement for reasonable expenses per the Joint Travel Regulation and local policy.

Before Travel Assistance

Before traveling to an out-of-area appointment, patients can receive assistance with authorization for travel reimbursement at the Patient Travel Office.
A TRICARE authorization letter for specialty care must first be issued to the patient.

After Travel Documents

After traveling to an out-of-area appointment, patients can visit the Patient Travel Office to submit documents.  Required documents include itemized receipts for authorized expenses (i.e. meals, tolls, if authorized lodging, and if authorized a rental vehicle)

To avoid delays in reimbursement, travelers should report to their Prime Travel representative to file their travel voucher within seven calendar days following their specialty care appointment.

Active-Duty Soldiers report to their unit DTS representative to submit vouchers. Family Members and retirees report to the GLWACH Patient Travel Office to submit vouchers.