I am going on leave to Mexico shortly. I will be participating in sports activates that pose a moderate risk of injury, possibly life threatening. If I am injured where I will be participating in said sports, the only medical coverage is via a small town ambulance to a larger city about 45 minutes away.

Clearly there are no military hospitals in Mexico so if I get injured I will have to go to a "pay in cash" type commercial hospital. If I am injured will the Navy cover the expenses? And if so, how would they go about doing so? Since active duty sailors don’t actually have medical "insurance" I would be expected to pay in cash or via a credit card. Would the Navy expect me to front a $5k bill on my credit card and then promise to pay me back sometime in the next year…?

I did some digging. It appears that you would be covered under TriCare Prime. I could not find where initial payment would come from TriCare or you. I suggest that you call the Health Benefits Advisor (HBA) at the nearest military treatment facility (MTF) to you.

It would be under International SOS Latin America and this is the # to call when you are there 001-800-877-8000 or 95-800-877-8000 if outside Mexico City.

You will probably have to pay up front and then submit the bill but if you talk to them first you might not have to. Call 1-888-777-8343 before you go to get more info.

all that being said: be prepared to have to fight it.. if this activity you are particiapting in is deemed unecessarily dangerous they CAN deny payment altogether as you are not supposed to be doing stupid stunts.


People can and do get into trouble for engaging in things like motocross and drag racing when injured and their mecial costs are NOT covered as the military thinks you don't need to be putting your life and limb in danger like that.