How do I enroll my newborn in TRICARE?

Direct answer: Register your child in DEERS within 90 days of birth (120 days overseas) — your child can't have a TRICARE plan until they're in DEERS, and if you miss the deadline, TRICARE won't pay claims starting on day 91 (day 121 overseas).

Applies to: All TRICARE plans · All regions

Details

What happens next depends on the sponsor’s status: if you’re active duty, your child is automatically enrolled in a TRICARE plan once added to DEERS, and you get 90 days from that automatic enrollment date to switch to a different plan if you want to. If you’re a retiree, there’s no automatic enrollment — you have to actively enroll your child yourself. Either way, DEERS registration is the first, non-negotiable step; nothing else can happen until that’s done. Register the child in DEERS first. Spouse and child eligibility rules are on the official TRICARE eligibility page.

What to do next

Confirm this with your Primary Care Manager or regional contractor before scheduling — rules can vary by region and by service.