Comprehensive health coverage for active duty service members, military retirees, and their eligible family members — worldwide.
TRICARE is the worldwide health care program for uniformed service members and their eligible family members, managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
Your eligibility and location determine which plans are available to you. Most TRICARE health plans feature comprehensive health care coverage and a pharmacy benefit.
To see which plans you qualify for, use the official TRICARE Plan Finder. Your uniformed service records eligibility in the DEERS system.
Similar to an HMO — health care is managed by a Primary Care Manager (PCM). Generally features use of military hospitals and clinics.
Similar to a PPO — choose your own TRICARE-authorized provider and manage your own care. No referral required in most situations.
A TRICARE Prime plan administered by not-for-profit health care systems in six areas of the U.S. Care exclusively through their networks.
Individual or family plan available for purchase by qualified Selected Reserve members when not on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days.
Individual or family plan available for purchase by qualified Retired Reserve members and their eligible family members and qualified survivors.
Qualified adult children can purchase TYA after regular TRICARE coverage ends at age 21 (or age 23 if enrolled in college full-time).
Medicare-wraparound coverage that begins automatically once you have Medicare Part A and Part B — no enrollment required.
| Plan | Type | How to Get Care | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRICARE Prime HMO-Style | Standard | Primary Care Manager; PCM refers to specialists | Required |
| TRICARE Select PPO-Style | Standard | Any TRICARE-authorized provider; save with network | Required |
| US Family Health Plan | Prime Variant | Designated USFHP provider; PCP refers specialists | Required |
| TRICARE Reserve Select Premium | Premium-Based | Any TRICARE-authorized provider | Required |
| TRICARE Retired Reserve Premium | Premium-Based | Any TRICARE-authorized provider | Required |
| TRICARE Young Adult Premium | Premium-Based | TYA-Prime → PCM; TYA-Select → any authorized provider | Required |
| TRICARE For Life Auto | Medicare Wrap | Any Medicare provider; also military hospitals (space-available) | Automatic |
| TRICARE Plus | Primary Care | Military hospital/clinic only; no civilian coverage | Required |
You have the same prescription drug coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, regardless of your health plan. (Note: US Family Health Plan has separate pharmacy coverage.)
Fill your prescriptions at any of these locations:
Primary care program offered at select military hospitals and clinics. Enrollment is only for the specific facility. Does not cover civilian providers.
tricare.mil/plus →TAMP — 180 days of premium-free coverage upon separation from active duty. CHCBP — Premium-based plan for 18–36 months after TRICARE eligibility ends.
tricare.mil/tamp → | tricare.mil/chcbp →Our free comparison tool helps you find the right coverage for your situation — no pressure, no cost.
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