Kadena legal, TRICARE offices offer tips for safe, stress-free travel Published May 14, 2013 By 1st Lt. Michael T. Chen 18th Wing Judge Advocate office KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- "Afoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose." Excerpt from Song of the Open Road, Walt Whitman. Summer will soon be upon us and Airmen in Okinawa possess a unique advantage and opportunity to travel and explore the rich culture and traditions throughout Japan and Asia. As Airmen, their families and eligible beneficiaries contemplate foreign travel, they should be aware of the potential monetary and legal effects of overseas medical care. If a medical emergency arises, seek care at the nearest medical facility. TRICARE defines an emergency as a medical, maternity, or psychiatric condition that would lead a "prudent layperson" (someone with average knowledge of health and medicine) to believe that a serious medical condition exists; that the absence of immediate medical attention would result in a threat to life, limb or sight; when a person has severe, painful symptoms requiring immediate attention to relieve suffering, or when a person is at immediate risk to self or others. If urgent care is required, members should go to the nearest military hospital/clinic or call the regional TRICARE office at 65-6338-9277 for a list of local providers. Urgent care services are medically necessary services required for an illness or injury that would not result in further disability or death if not treated immediately, but does require professional attention within 24 hours. For routine care, members should wait until they return to their region or members will be responsible for the bill. It is imperative for members to tell the billing department which region they belong to so the correct region receives the bill. TRICARE's website lists toll-free and emergency medical contact numbers for countries around the world. Prior to traveling, Airmen should visit http://www.tricare-overseas.com/ContactUs/default.htm and write down emergency medical contact information and even consult a healthcare representative if they have any pressing medical concerns that might affect their travel. Another issue Airmen should be aware of is that their friends, siblings and parents are not automatically considered dependents and thus are not entitled to military healthcare. The United States Navy Hospital Okinawa will see personnel on an emergency basis only, and will possibly charge emergency room rates. Further, USHNO is only authorized to provide medical treatment and hospitalization to eligible beneficiaries. In general, friends and relatives are not entitled to care at military treatment facility for non-emergency conditions. Additionally, military treatment facilities do not sell medication. It is highly recommended for visiting civilians to purchase appropriate travel health insurance prior to visiting Japan or any other overseas location. Local civilian physicians and medical facilities generally do not recognize or accept stateside health insurance plans for payment. Full payment in Japanese currency (yen) for medical services must usually be made by the patient when services are rendered, so plan accordingly. Finally, if Airmen encounter an emergency while traveling overseas and is beyond the reach of a U.S. military installation, they can contact the nearest U.S. embassy and seek assistance. A listing of all U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions is here: http://www.usembassy.gov/. Hopefully, with foresight and preparation, Airmen and their families can enjoy a safe and stress-free vacation. (Information from the 18th Medical Support Squadron contributed to this article.)