TRICARE Guide 2026: Military Health Insurance Explained
TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. Managed by the Defense Health Agency, TRICARE provides comprehensive medical coverage including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. TRICARE offers several plan options: TRICARE Prime (HMO-style with lower costs), TRICARE Select (PPO-style with more flexibility), TRICARE Reserve Select for National Guard and Reserve, and TRICARE For Life for Medicare-eligible retirees. Over 9.6 million beneficiaries receive coverage through TRICARE.
TRICARE Plans at a Glance
TRICARE offers different plans based on your military status and needs. Here's a quick overview of your options.
TRICARE Prime
HMO-StyleManaged care option with lowest out-of-pocket costs. Requires using network providers and referrals for specialists.
- $0 enrollment for active duty families
- Low copays ($26-$39 for retirees)
- $3,000 catastrophic cap (retirees)
TRICARE Select
PPO-StyleSelf-managed option with more flexibility. See any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals.
- No referrals needed
- 20-25% cost-share after deductible
- $4,381 catastrophic cap (retirees)
TRICARE For Life
Medicare + TRICAREMedicare wraparound for retirees 65+. Medicare pays first, TRICARE covers the rest.
- $0 TRICARE enrollment fee
- Near-zero out-of-pocket costs
- Requires Medicare Part A & B
TRICARE Reserve Select
Guard & ReservePremium-based coverage for Selected Reserve members not on active duty orders.
- $57.88/mo individual (2026)
- $286.66/mo family (2026)
- Same benefits as TRICARE Select
TRICARE Young Adult
Ages 21-26Coverage for adult children who age out of regular TRICARE at 21 (or 23 if full-time student).
- TYA Prime: $794/mo (2026)
- TYA Select: $363/mo (2026)
- Compare to ACA marketplace options
TRICARE Overseas
OCONUSCoverage for service members and families stationed outside the continental United States.
- Prime & Select options available
- International SOS partnership
- Managed by TOP regional contractors
TRICARE 2026 Cost Comparison
Compare costs across TRICARE plans for retirees (Group A - retired before 2018).
| Cost Category | TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment (Individual) | $382 | $187 |
| Annual Enrollment (Family) | $765 | $375 |
| Annual Deductible | $0 | $150 / $300 |
| Primary Care Visit | $26 copay | 20% cost-share |
| Specialist Visit | $39 copay | 20% cost-share |
| Emergency Room | $79 copay | 25% cost-share |
| Catastrophic Cap | $3,000 | $4,381 |
| Referrals Required? | Yes | No |
TRICARE Resources & Guides
Everything you need to understand and manage your TRICARE benefits.
Find TRICARE Doctors
How to find providers accepting new TRICARE patients in your area.
TRICARE Pharmacy
Prescription costs, home delivery, and specialty medication coverage.
Mental Health Benefits
Counseling services, therapy coverage, and finding providers near you.
Dental & Vision
FEDVIP dental/vision options and TRICARE Retiree Dental Program transition.
Filing Claims
How to file TRICARE claims and check reimbursement status online.
Update DEERS
How to update your information in DEERS for TRICARE eligibility.
Official TRICARE Resources
Losing TRICARE? Navitize Can Help.
If you're leaving military service, aging off TRICARE, or comparing options, Navitize helps you find the best health insurance alternatives in Minnesota.
Leaving the Military?
Your TAMP coverage ends after 180 days. We'll help you find MNsure plans with potential subsidies.
Transition guideTYA Too Expensive?
At $363-$794/month, TRICARE Young Adult may cost more than marketplace plans with subsidies.
Compare optionsHave Employer Coverage Too?
Comparing TRICARE to your employer plan? We'll help you decide which to use as primary.
Coordination guideFrequently Asked Questions About TRICARE
Common questions about military health insurance coverage.
What is TRICARE?
TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide. Managed by the Defense Health Agency, TRICARE provides comprehensive medical coverage including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care to over 9.6 million beneficiaries.
How does TRICARE work?
TRICARE works by providing health coverage through a network of military hospitals, clinics, and civilian providers. You choose a plan (Prime, Select, or others based on eligibility), enroll through milConnect, and receive care from TRICARE-authorized providers. Costs vary by plan and beneficiary category.
What are the three types of TRICARE?
The three main TRICARE plans are: TRICARE Prime (HMO-style managed care with lower costs but requires referrals), TRICARE Select (PPO-style with more flexibility to choose providers without referrals), and TRICARE For Life (Medicare wraparound coverage for retirees 65+). Additional plans include TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Young Adult.
Does TRICARE still exist?
Yes, TRICARE still exists and remains the primary health insurance program for U.S. military members and their families. It currently covers over 9.6 million beneficiaries including active duty service members, retirees, National Guard, Reserves, and eligible family members.
Why are doctors dropping TRICARE?
Some doctors drop TRICARE due to lower reimbursement rates compared to commercial insurance, administrative requirements, and paperwork burden. However, TRICARE maintains extensive provider networks, and you can find participating doctors through the TRICARE provider directory or by calling your regional contractor.
What is the difference between TRICARE Prime and Select?
TRICARE Prime is an HMO-style plan with lower out-of-pocket costs but requires using network providers and getting referrals for specialists. TRICARE Select is a PPO-style plan offering more flexibility to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals, but with higher cost-sharing (typically 20-25% coinsurance).
Who is eligible for TRICARE?
TRICARE eligibility includes: active duty service members and their families, retired service members and their families, National Guard and Reserve members (with specific plans), Medal of Honor recipients, and surviving family members of deceased service members. Eligibility is verified through DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).
How much does TRICARE cost?
TRICARE costs vary by plan and status. Active duty families pay $0 for Prime. Retirees pay annual enrollment fees ($382-$765 for Prime, $187-$375 for Select in 2026) plus copays/coinsurance. TRICARE Reserve Select costs $57.88-$286.66/month. TRICARE Young Adult costs $363-$794/month depending on plan choice.
Can civilians get TRICARE?
No, civilians cannot get TRICARE unless they are eligible family members of service members or retirees, or fall into specific categories like Medal of Honor recipients. TRICARE is exclusively for military-connected beneficiaries registered in DEERS.
What happens to TRICARE when you leave the military?
When you leave the military, TRICARE coverage changes depend on your separation type. Retirees keep TRICARE for life. Those separating (not retiring) get 180 days of transitional coverage (TAMP), then can purchase CHCBP (18-36 months) or transition to employer coverage, ACA marketplace plans, or VA healthcare.
Need Help Understanding Your TRICARE Options?
Explore our detailed guides or use Navitize to compare health insurance alternatives.
Disclaimer: Navitize is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TRICARE, the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Defense, or any branch of the U.S. military. This guide is compiled from publicly available information for educational purposes only and does not constitute official TRICARE guidance. For official information, visit tricare.mil. TRICARE coverage, costs, and eligibility rules may change. Always verify current information with official sources before making healthcare decisions.