Avoid insect bites on vacation with these TRICARE tips

It is common to see an increase in bugs during the summer months, which can be embarrbading. But more than that, some insects, like mosquitoes and ticks, carry harmful diseases. If you travel to areas where the risk of getting malaria from mosquitoes or tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease may be higher, take steps to avoid these and other insects. And learn what your TRICARE benefits cover if you encounter crawling robots and flying pests this summer.

When planning a trip, here's what you should do before you go:

• Check the health risks of your destination: On the CDC website, you can select your destination to search for health information.
• Protect yourself from insects: The CDC recommends consulting your doctor at least a month before your trip to get any vaccines or medications you may need. The yellow fever vaccine is available for travelers, but not for tick-borne diseases. TRICARE covers age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the CDC. There may be other vaccines recommended by the CDC depending on your travel plans. However, TRICARE may not cover these vaccines. Confirm that your routine vaccinations are up to date, especially before traveling abroad.
• Discover your benefits: You can use your TRICARE benefits while traveling. Coverage depends on your plan, your destination and the purpose of your trip. Do not forget that you must follow the rules of your plan to get urgent care. If you receive emergency care while traveling, keep all receipts in case you need to make a claim later. If you need health care advice, you can contact the 24/7 Medical Nurse Helpline if you are traveling to the United States or a country with a health care system. hospital or an established military clinic.
• Plan for routine care: Make sure you and your family get routine care before you go. And fill in all the prescriptions you may need when traveling in advance. If you need to make a prescription abroad, go to a military pharmacy if it is nearby or in a retail pharmacy. For a retail pharmacy, you may have to pay the full amount first and then apply for a refund.

During your trip, follow these tips to avoid insect bites:

• Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): According to the EPA, using the right insect repellent can discourage mosquitoes, ticks and other insects from touching and biting you.
• Apply protection: If you use sunscreen, apply it first, let it dry, then apply an insect repellent.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear pants and long sleeves as much as possible.
• Avoid insect bites when sleeping: sleep in air-conditioned or insect-proof areas.

This is insect week in the military health system. Learn more about the risks of insect-borne diseases and preventative measures to take control of your health. And learn more about what your TRICARE benefit covers.