TRICARE Options After Retirement

Last reviewed February 10, 2025

Retirees generally shift from active-duty TRICARE coverage to TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, with different enrollment fees and cost-shares than active-duty families pay.

Health coverage changes at retirement. While on active duty, most families use TRICARE Prime at no enrollment cost; after retirement, retirees and their families typically choose between TRICARE Prime (where available) and TRICARE Select, and pay enrollment fees and cost-shares that differ from active-duty coverage. Enrollment choices and effective dates matter: a gap in TRICARE enrollment at the moment of separation can create a coverage gap, so retirees should complete their TRICARE enrollment decisions before their separation date, not after. Retirees should also review dental and vision coverage separately, since TRICARE Dental Program eligibility and enrollment rules differ from medical coverage.

General educational information only — not financial, legal, tax, medical, or individualized benefits advice. Confirm current details with DFAS, the VA, TRICARE, or your service's official retirement office before making decisions.

Official sources

Retired Service Members — TRICARE / Defense Health Agency
TRICARE Compare Plans — TRICARE / Defense Health Agency

Benefits information is educational only and does not replace official guidance from your service, DFAS, VA, or TRICARE. Checklists are planning aids and do not replace official service requirements. This platform does not provide tax, investment, legal, medical, or individualized claims advice, and does not predict disability ratings or VA outcomes.