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What TRICARE coverage is available for surviving spouses?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini)
Quick Answer
Surviving spouses retain TRICARE eligibility indefinitely or until remarriage before age 55, with coverage matching their deceased sponsor's status.
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Key Takeaways
- Surviving spouses keep TRICARE indefinitely
- Remarriage before 55 ends eligibility
- Three years no-cost coverage after AD death
- Children remain eligible until age limits
Detailed Answer
Surviving spouses of military members maintain TRICARE eligibility under specific circumstances.
Survivors of Active Duty Deaths
- Retain TRICARE Prime or Select eligibility
- Three years of no-cost coverage (Transitional Survivor status)
- After 3 years, pay regular retiree rates
- Indefinite eligibility if not remarried before 55
Survivors of Retiree Deaths
- Retain same TRICARE eligibility as when sponsor alive
- Continue as retiree family member
- Pay retiree cost shares and enrollment fees
TRICARE For Life (Age 65+)
- Surviving spouse eligible when Medicare-entitled
- Must have Medicare Part A and B
- Same benefits as other TFL beneficiaries
When Coverage Ends
- Remarriage before age 55 ends eligibility
- Remarriage at 55+ does not affect eligibility
- If later marriage ends, eligibility may be restored
Children of Deceased Sponsors
- Remain eligible until age 21 (or 23 if student)
- May qualify for TRICARE Young Adult after
- Special rules for children with disabilities
Related TRICARE Terms
Related Questions
Who is eligible for TRICARE?
Active duty members, retirees, National Guard/Reserve members, their families, survivors, and Medal of Honor recipients.
What is TRICARE For Life and who qualifies?
TRICARE For Life is Medicare wraparound coverage for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65+ who have Medicare Parts A and B.
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