TRICARE Dental Program vs. FEDVIP MetLife: Which Is Better?
The TRICARE Dental Program covers active duty family members through United Concordia. FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) is available to retirees, Guard/Reserve members, and their families through carriers like MetLife. Active duty family members use TDP; retirees must use FEDVIP.
Eligibility
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)
Active duty family members and Selected Reserve/Individual Ready Reserve members.
FEDVIP (MetLife)
Retired uniformed service members, Guard/Reserve members, and eligible family members.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) | FEDVIP (MetLife) |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier | United Concordia | MetLife (or other FEDVIP carriers) |
| Preventive Care | Covered — cleanings, exams, X-rays | Covered — cleanings, exams, X-rays |
| Orthodontics | Covered with cost share and lifetime max | Varies by plan |
| Annual Maximum | $1,500/person/year | $1,500–$3,500 depending on plan |
| Waiting Periods | 12 months for some services | Varies by plan tier |
Cost Comparison
| Cost | TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) | FEDVIP (MetLife) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium (Single) | ~$12/month | $20–$60/month |
| Monthly Premium (Family) | ~$39/month | $60–$180/month |
| Preventive Cost Share | $0 | $0 in-network |
| Basic Restorative | 20% cost share | 20–50% cost share |
Pros & Cons
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)
Pros
- Very low premiums
- Active duty family members eligible
- Good orthodontic coverage
Cons
- $1,500 annual maximum
- Not available to retirees
- 12-month waiting period for some services
FEDVIP (MetLife)
Pros
- Available to retirees
- Higher annual maximums available
- Multiple carrier options
- Vision plans also available through FEDVIP
Cons
- Higher premiums
- Not available to active duty families
- Plan complexity with multiple carrier choices
Best For
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)
Active duty family members who want affordable dental coverage with solid preventive and orthodontic benefits.
FEDVIP (MetLife)
Military retirees who need dental coverage and want flexibility to choose from multiple carriers and plan levels.