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 (DEERS).

If you’re the new spouse of an active duty service member and you live:

  • In a stateside TRICARE Prime Service Area, you will be auto-enrolled in TRICARE Prime. 

  • You have 90 days from the auto-enrollment date to change to a different plan (TRICARE Select or USFHP, if available)

  • Stateside but outside of a TRICARE Prime Service Area, you will be auto-enrolled in TRICARE Select.

  • You have 90 days from the auto-enrollment date to change to a different plan (TRICARE Prime Remote or USFHP, if available)

  • Overseas, you will be auto-enrolled in TRICARE Select Overseas.

  • You have 90 days from the auto-enrollment date to change to TRICARE Prime Overseas or TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, if available and command sponsored

If you’re the spouse of a retiree, and you live stateside or overseas, you need to enroll in a TRICARE plan within 90 days from the date of marriage.

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 necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.. >>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 Guard/Reserves
    • You may be eligible for dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). >>Learn more

Out-of-Pocket Costs

Your health care costs are based on your sponsor's status (active duty or retired) and which health plan option you are using.

Coverage for Children

Biological, adopted and step-children are covered by TRICARE.

Last Updated 4/23/2024