Getting Married

Spouses of service members are eligible for TRICARE. This includes:

• Active duty spouses
• Retired spouses
• Guard/Reserve spouses
• Same-sex spouses

In the following situations, getting married causes TRICARE benefits to end:

• Surviving (widowed) spouse remarries
• Former spouse remarries
• Adult child using TRICARE Young Adult gets married

Step-child(ren) are also eligible for TRICARE as long as the parent of the child and sponsor are married.

Update DEERS

Your spouse and step-child(ren) must be registered in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). 

• Go to any ID card-issuing office to add your spouse to DEERS. 
• You'll need the following documents (originals or certified copies):
  • Marriage certificate
  • Spouse's birth certificate
  • Spouse's Social Security card
  • Spouse's photo ID

Spouse and Family Health Care Options

Your spouse’s TRICARE plan depends on where you live and your military status.

• TRICARE Prime* (If you're currently enrolled in TRICARE Prime and paying individual enrollment fees, you’ll begin paying family enrollment fees when your spouse enrolls in TRICARE Prime.)
• TRICARE Select
• US Family Health Plan*
• TRICARE Select Overseas
• TRICARE For Life

Active duty spouses may also be able to enroll in one of these Prime plans with their active duty sponsors:

• TRICARE Prime Remote*
• TRICARE Prime Overseas*  
• TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas*

When two active duty service members get married, they'll each have their own DEERS record. If they have children, only one parent is the sponsor in DEERS. For more information, call 1-800-538-9552 or log in to milConnect. 

*You must enroll. If overseas, family members must be command-sponsored.

Dental Options

TRICARE has a dental plan your spouse can purchase. This dental plan is separate from TRICARE's health plans.

• TRICARE Dental Program: For family members of active duty and Guard/Reserve service members

If you’re retired, you and your family members may qualify to purchase dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). For more information, visit BENEFEDS.com.

Vision Options

Now, eligible beneficiaries enrolled in a TRICARE health plan can also enroll in a vision plan through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

Eligible beneficiaries include:

• Family of active duty service members
• National Guard members and their family
• Reservists and their family
• Retirees and their family
• TRICARE For Life members

Learn more about plans, eligibility, and costs at BENEFEDS.com.

Pharmacy Coverage

TRICARE provides a robust pharmacy benefit.

Costs

Health care costs depend on your health plan and sponsor's military status.

Learn more about other Qualifying Life Events