Who Is Eligible for Tricare Standard?

Tricare is the health insurance program of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees and their families. Divided into three geographic regions -- North, South and West -- Tricare is offered to members of all seven branches of the military and their dependents and offers several options including Tricare Standard.

Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard Family Members

• The dependents of military members of any branch are eligible for Tricare Standard. The Standard plan is convenient for those who prefer to stay with their civilian physician rather than changing to a Tricare provider. This plan offers the most flexibility of any of the Tricare plans.

Retired Military Members

• While active duty soldiers are not eligible for Tricare Standard and must use Tricare Prime, retired military members and active duty family members are eligible. This makes Tricare Standard an attractive option for retirees in remote locations where there is no military medical treatment facility or who want the freedom of choosing from a wider base of doctors.

Surviving Spouses and Children of Military Members

• The surviving spouse and children of a military member also are eligible for Tricare Standard. This eligibility continues up to age 65 for the spouse and up to age 21 for the children. The benefit is extended to age 23 for children who are full-time students.