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Need out-of-area care?

Here’s what you need to know about getting out-of-area care.


You are covered for emergency room and urgent care services outside the San Diego and Riverside county area. You or someone acting on your behalf should notify us or your doctor within 48 hours if you are admitted to a hospital, that way your medical history can be shared and your doctor can help coordinate your care. 

Learn more about the care options for you and your loved ones when you are traveling or temporarily residing out of the San Diego coverage area.

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Emergency travel services

When faced with a medical emergency while traveling 100 miles or more away from home or in another country, we can connect you to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other services.

We partner with Assist America to bring you key services including medical consultation, evaluation and referral, hospital admission assistance, emergency medical evaluation, medical monitoring, prescription assistance, compassionate visits and more.

We're ready to help

  • Call the Assist America hotline: 1.800.872.1414
  • Say you’re a Sharp Health Plan member and use the Sharp reference number:
    01-AA-SHP-09073
  • Staffed 24 hours a day / 365 days a year
  • Out-of-area emergency services do not require an authorization from your PCP

Download the brochure
 

Filling your prescription while traveling

If you're traveling when your prescription runs out, you might have to pay for a refill that is normally covered by your plan. But don't worry, it's easy to request a reimbursement. To get a prescription reimbursement, please send us: 

  • A copy of the pharmacy print out with the name of your medication
  • A copy of your payment receipt
  • A completed copy of the reimbursement form

You can mail or fax these to us within 180 days of your prescription purchase at:

Sharp Health Plan
Attn: Customer Care
8520 Tech Way, Ste. 200
San Diego, CA 92123-1450

Fax 619.740.5871

You will still be responsible for your deductible or copay amount. Contact us if you have any questions about the reimbursement process.

Download the Reimbursement form
 

Convenience with CVS/ MinuteClinic

If you’re traveling and experience minor illness or injury, stop by a CVS/pharmacy®. Select CVS/pharmacies include MinuteClinics that are equipped to care for you. And, you'll only need to pay a $40 copayment (Medicare members pay their urgent care copayment) anywhere in the United States.

Helpful links

Talk to a customer service agent ➜

See frequently asked questions about coverage ➜

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Talk to a nurse after-hours from anywhere

Calling our after-hours hotline might be a good option if a medical question arises during your travels. Compassionate nurses are ready to answer health-related questions or point you in the right direction to get the care you need. Call a nurse at 1.800.359.2002, 5 p.m – 8 a.m., Monday to Friday, or 24 hours on weekends.