Health Care

Branch Health Clinic, 305-293-4600 / 305-293-4613. and Branch Dental Clinic 305-293-4600 x1362. Key West has an ambulatory care clinic which takes care of active duty and family members. There is a VA clinic that is attached to the clinic which sees retired members and their families. The nearest military hospital is located at NAS Jacksonville. All emergency cases are seen at the Lower Keys Medical Center utilizing TRICARE benefits.

Dental Care through the MTF is available only to active duty personnel and activated reservists.  Family members and retirees will be referred to their insurance carrier for dental care in the local community.

When you move, TRICARE moves with you. No matter where you go in the world, TRICARE is there before, during and when you get to your next duty station.

There are steps you need to take to make sure changes to your TRICARE coverage go smoothly. Understand that when you move, you may have to use a different TRICARE option. Visit TRICARE Moving to learn more.

Before you move, you should take care of any routine medical needs, including immunizations, and fill your prescriptions so you have enough while traveling. If you need care during your move, visit TRICARE Getting Care When Traveling to learn what to do.

Filling prescriptions while traveling

You should refill prescriptions before traveling. But if you run out of a prescription drug while traveling, visit TRICARE Filling Prescriptions When Traveling.

Getting dental care while traveling

Getting dental care while traveling depends on your location and whether you are a service member or family member.

• If you are an active-duty service member within the United States or in U.S. territories, and near a military installation, you may be able to get emergency dental care at the dental treatment facility, or DTF, if available. If not, contact the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Care Program before you see a dentist and tell the contractor about your move. You will need to get an authorization before you see a dentist. The Active Duty Dental Care Program will work with you, so you can get care from a local network dentist.
• If you are an active-duty service member at an overseas location, call the TRICARE overseas regional call center to get authorization before you see a civilian dentist.
• If you are an active-duty family member within the United States, in U.S. territories or at an overseas location, you can find out if any nearby military dental treatment facility treats active-duty family members. If you're enrolled in the TRICARE dental program, call the TRICARE dental program contractor or visit their website to find a provider. You will need to get an authorization before you see the dentist.

With permanent change of station orders, ask for a copy of your medical and dental records from your military treatment facility and the dental treatment facility. Do this at least one month before your PCS date. The MTF should also transfer a copy of your record and any family records to your new duty station or you may be able to hand carry them to your new duty station.

If you want someone else to be able to get medical or dental information on you or your family while you are moving, you need to complete a DD Form 2870, "Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information."

For more information on getting copies of medical records, visit TRICARE Request Copies of Medical Records.

Any military personnel obtaining PCS orders to Key West, along with family members, are required to have an Overseas Screening done prior to transferring.

Medical Care

Key West has an ambulatory care clinic which takes care of active duty and family members. There is a VA clinic that is attached to the clinic which sees retired members and their families. The nearest military hospital is located at NAS Jacksonville. All emergency cases are seen at the Lower Keys Medical Center utilizing TRICARE benefits.

Dental Care

Located within the Naval Branch Health Clinic, the primary mission of the dental division is to treat all active duty military and Coast Guard personnel. Family members and retirees are encouraged to utilize the TRICARE Active Duty Family Member Dental Plan.

Enrollment information and participating providers are listed in the local phone book. When making an appointment, family members should ensure that the dental provider is currently a participating provider in the dental plan.