Military Healthcare
TRICARE is the Department of Defense health program for the uniformed services community. Pick your status to see the topics that usually matter most — every card links to the official TRICARE page.
TRICARE and VA Healthcare are not the same healthcare system. Your eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and care options depend on your military status and circumstances.
TRICARE regional contractors
TRICARE is the Department of Defense health program. Humana Military, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, and International SOS are regional contractors that administer TRICARE — they are not separate plans and they do not set the rules. Verify plans, costs, and eligibility at tricare.mil.
TRICARE East
Humana Military
1-800-444-5445
Contractor site (opens in a new tab)TRICARE West
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
1-888-874-9378
Contractor site (opens in a new tab)TRICARE Overseas
International SOS
1-877-678-1207
Contractor site (opens in a new tab)
Which Healthcare System Is Right for Me?
A few questions about your service and family situation. Your answers stay on this device — nothing is saved to your account or sent anywhere.
This check is educational and is not an eligibility determination. The Murray Standard is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Only DEERS and TRICARE can confirm military health coverage, and only VA can confirm VA health care eligibility, your priority group, and your benefits.
Military Healthcare Navigator
Choose the status that fits you. This filters the topic list only — it is not an eligibility decision.
TRICARE topics
- Active DutyHow care works while you are on active orders, including your assigned plan and command-directed care.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- National Guard & ReserveCoverage shifts with activation status. Different plans apply on active orders than in drilling status.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- Military FamiliesSpouse and dependent coverage depends on the sponsor's status and on current DEERS records.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- RetireesRetiree plan options, enrollment fees, and how Medicare eligibility changes which TRICARE plan applies.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- TRICARE PlansCompare the plan families side by side before you choose or change coverage.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- EnrollmentEnrollment windows, qualifying life events, and keeping DEERS current so coverage is not interrupted.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- DEERS recordsDEERS is the eligibility database behind TRICARE. Outdated records are a common cause of denied claims.milConnect (opens in a new tab)
- Finding CareMilitary hospitals and clinics, network providers, and urgent care rules by plan.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- Referrals & AuthorizationsWhen a referral or prior authorization is required, and what happens to a claim without one.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- PrescriptionsPharmacy options, home delivery, and formulary rules that decide your cost.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- DentalDental coverage is separate from medical, and the program depends on your status.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- OverseasOverseas care has its own plan, its own contractor, and different claim steps.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- Claims & AppealsFiling deadlines, explanation of benefits, and how to appeal a TRICARE denial. This is separate from VA appeals.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
- Separating or retiringTransitional coverage is time-limited. Check the deadlines before your current coverage ends.TRICARE.mil (opens in a new tab)
Official links last verified .
Looking for VA Healthcare instead?
VA Healthcare is a separate system with its own application, facilities, and appeals. If you have separated or retired from service, start there too.
Official TRICARE contacts
Only TRICARE and your regional contractor can confirm your plan, your enrollment, and your costs.
Important: we are not TRICARE or the DoD
The Murray Standard is an independent educational and navigation resource. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of TRICARE, the Defense Health Agency, or the Department of Defense. We do not make eligibility determinations and we do not state what TRICARE will cover. Confirm every detail with TRICARE directly at TRICARE.mil.
Educational information only — this is not an eligibility determination. Eligibility for VA health care, TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace coverage depends on your individual circumstances and official program rules, which can change. Confirm your own eligibility and coverage with the official source or the agency directly.