New Spouses

When you marry an active duty or retired service member, you become entitled to military benefits, including TRICARE. Your sponsor must register you in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

Are you the new spouse of an active duty service member? You’ll be automatically enrolled in a TRICARE plan based on where you live. If you live:

In a stateside Prime Service Area:

You’ll be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime.
You have 90 days from the automatic enrollment date to change to a different plan (TRICARE Select or USFHP, if available).

Stateside but outside of a Prime Service Area:

You’ll be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Select.
You have 90 days from the automatic enrollment date to change to a different plan (TRICARE Prime Remote or USFHP, if available).

Overseas:

You’ll be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Select Overseas.
You have 90 days from the automatic enrollment date to change to TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, if available and command-sponsored.

Are you the new spouse of a retiree? To enroll in a TRICARE plan, you must do within 90 days from the date of marriage, regardless of where you live.

Your Health Plan Options

You may be eligible for the following health plans:

Active duty spouses can also enroll in one of these Prime options with their active duty sponsors:

What if I already have health insurance? TRICARE pays after your other health plan in most cases. Compare TRICARE to your health plan and decide which best meets your needs.

Your Benefits

TRICARE covers most inpatient and outpatient care that is medically necessary. See what’s covered.
TRICARE provides a robust pharmacy benefit.
You can enroll in one of TRICARE’s dental plans:
- TRICARE Dental Program, if your sponsor is on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserve
- You may be eligible for dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.