Getting Married
Event: |
Qualifying Life Event? |
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Getting Married |
Yes. You have 90 days from the date of marriage to make changes to your TRICARE health plan. |
Spouses of service members are eligible for TRICARE. This includes:
- Active duty spouses
- Retired spouses
- National Guard and 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.
- Go to any Uniformed Services 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 TRICARE Prime plansTRICARE Prime plans include: TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, TRICARE Prime Overseas, TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas and TRICARE Young Adult-Prime with their active duty sponsors:
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 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 National Guard and 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. For more information, visit BENEFEDS.com.
Vision Options
Eligible beneficiaries enrolled in a TRICARE health plan can also enroll in a vision plan through the FEDVIP.
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Active duty service members' family members
- National Guard members and their family members
- Reserve Component members and their family members
- Retirees and their family members
- TRICARE For Life members
Learn more about FEDVIP vision plan options, eligibility, and costs at BENEFEDS.com.
Pharmacy Coverage
TRICARE provides a robust pharmacy benefit through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.
Costs
Health care costs depend on your health plan and sponsor's military status.
Learn more about other QLEs
Your spouse must be command-sponsored to enroll in an overseas Prime option.
Last Updated 5/12/2025