Activation and Deactivation Coverage Scenarios

When you’re activatedCalled or ordered to active duty service for more than 30 days in a row.:

• You’re eligible for the same health and dental benefits as active duty service members. 
• Your eligibility status for TRICARE is updated in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System(DEERS) A database of information on uniformed services members (sponsors), U.S.-sponsored foreign military, DoD and uniformed services civilians, other personnel as directed by the DoD, and their family members. You need to register in DEERS to get TRICARE. by your service personnel. 

Your start dates and coverage after you leave active duty is different based on your active duty orders. See the coverage scenarios below for more information.

Scenario 1

You’re activated, but not in support of a contingency operation, under 12304b orders, or National Emergency declared by Congress or the President.

• Your TRICARE coverage begins on the first day of your orders for you and your family members.
• After serving on active duty for more than 30 days, you leave active duty—or deactivate.
  • You may purchase TRICARE Reserve Select, if you qualify.
  • If you don’t qualify for TRS or choose not to purchase the plan, you may purchase Continued Health Care Benefit Program coverage.
  • You may purchase a civilian health plan—search the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Scenario 2

You’re activated in support of a contingency operation, under 12304b orders, or National Emergency declared by Congress or the President.

• Your TRICARE coverage begins on the first day of your orders for you and your family members.
• After serving on active duty for more than 30 days, you leave active duty—or deactivate.
  • You’re covered by TRICARE for an additional 180 days under the Transitional Assistance Management Program. 
  • You lose eligibility for premium-free TRICARE under TAMP on day 181.
• When TAMP coverage ends:
  • You may purchase TRS to begin on day 181, if you qualify.
  • If you don’t qualify for TRS or choose not to purchase the plan, you may purchase CHCBP coverage.
  • You may purchase a civilian health plan—search the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Scenario 3

You’re activated in support of a contingency operation or under 12304b orders, and you have delayed-effective-date orders.

• You become eligible for active duty benefits up to 180 days before the first day of your orders. Learn more about pre-activation benefits.
• After serving on active duty for more than 30 days, you leave active duty—or deactivate.
  • You’re covered by TRICARE for an additional 180 days under TAMP.
  • You lose eligibility for premium-free TRICARE under TAMP on day 181.
• When TAMP coverage ends:
  • You may purchase TRS to begin on day 181, if you qualify.
  • If you don’t qualify for TRS or choose not to purchase the plan, you may purchase CHCBP coverage.
  • You may purchase a civilian health plan—search the Health Insurance Marketplace.