Wing requires visitors to have medical insurance Published Sept. 20, 2009 TRICARE Service Center YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- When friends and family have serious medical problems while visiting Japan, medical care can be both difficult and expensive. Unless visitors are enrolled in DEERS and authorized care or military aeromedical evacuation, hospitalization and/or aeromedical evacuation can cost from $30,000 to more than $120,000. Visitors should be aware that many U.S. medical insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, will typically not pay for care received outside of the United States. The 374th Airlift Wing is committed to maintaining strong relationships with our host-nation medical facilities, and the safety of our assigned personnel and visitors. To meet this goal, all visitors requesting base passes greater than 24 hours, and not enrolled in DEERS/TRICARE (non-TRICARE beneficiaries) must provide written proof of health care insurance valid for care received in Japan. These traveler's health care insurance policies must include emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage for the duration of their pass. Medical travel insurance plans are relatively inexpensive (typically averaging around $125) and can be purchased online instantly with coverage starting as early as the next day. This policy took effect Sept. 15. and remains in effect until rescinded. Sponsors must coordinate proof of insurance coverage with the TRICARE and Patient Administration (TOPA) office, and are encouraged to do so before their guest has arrived. There are three ways to obtain the appropriate paperwork from TOPA prior to the arrival of guests. Option 1, scan proof of insurance and e-mail it to 374mdss.topaflight@yokota.af.mil. Option 2, fax proof of insurance to DSN 225-6607 or COMM 042-55-22510 (after dial tone dial 6607). Option 3, bring a copy of your insurance to the TOPA office in the base hospital, Bldg. 4408, Room 129. (The insurance policy must be written in English or have the sponsor will be required to have a certified English translation.) Upon validation of insurance coverage, TOPA will issue a verification letter to the sponsor. The sponsor will take the verification letter to the pass and registration office where they will be issued a gate pass in accordance with current visitor policy. For assistance in locating a traveler's health insurance provider where this coverage can be obtained, contact the Yokota TRICARE Service Center at 225-6478. To see the wing commander's policy letter, click here.