Activation/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 eligiblity status for TRICARE is updated in DEERS by your Service personnel. 

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

Scenario 1

You're Activated, but Not in Support of a Contingency Operation

• Your TRICARE coverage begins on the first day of your orders for you and your family.
• 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 TRICARE Reserve Select or decide not to purchase the plan, you may purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
  • You may purchase a civilian health plan—search the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Scenario 2

You're Activated in Support of a Contingency Operation

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

Scenario 3

You're Activated in Support of a Contingency Operation 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
• After serving on active duty for more than 30 days, you leave active duty—or deactivate.
  • You are covered by TRICARE for an additional 180 days under the Transitional Assistance Management Program—or TAMP.
  • You lose eligibility for premium-free TRICARE under TAMP on day 181.
• When TAMP coverage ends:
  • You may purchase TRICARE Reserve Select to begin on day 181, if you qualify.
  • If you don't qualify for TRICARE Reserve Select or decide not to purchase the plan, you may purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
  • You may purchase a civilian health plan—search the Health Insurance Marketplace.