TRICARE for College & Young Adults
Turning 21? Graduating? Understand your TRICARE options as a young adult, including TRICARE Young Adult coverage and alternatives when you age out.
Know Your Deadline
TRICARE coverage as a dependent ends at age 21 (or 23 for full-time students). TRICARE Young Adult must be purchased before coverage ends to avoid gaps. Plan ahead - enrollment can take time.
TRICARE Coverage by Age
Children of service members/retirees are covered under parent's TRICARE plan at no additional cost.
Full-time college students can remain on parent's TRICARE until age 23. Must maintain full-time enrollment.
Separate premium-based plan available. Must not be married and not eligible for employer coverage.
Must obtain coverage through employer, marketplace, or other means.
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)
TYA is a premium-based plan for unmarried adult children of eligible sponsors. You must purchase TYA - it's not automatic.
TYA Prime
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
- Requires PCM enrollment
- Referrals needed for specialists
- Best for near MTF
TYA Select
- More provider flexibility
- No PCM required
- Direct specialist access
- Higher premiums, lower restrictions
TYA Eligibility Requirements:
- Unmarried
- Under age 26
- Not eligible for employer-sponsored coverage
- Sponsor is eligible for TRICARE
Compare Your Options
TRICARE Young Adult
Pros:
- Military network familiar
- Pharmacy benefits
- Established care history
Cons:
- Monthly premium required
- Geographic limitations
- Must meet eligibility
Campus Health Insurance
Pros:
- Convenient on-campus care
- Often included in fees
- Peers use same system
Cons:
- May have limited coverage
- Only valid during enrollment
- May not cover home visits
ACA Marketplace
Pros:
- Subsidies available
- Comprehensive coverage
- Nationwide options
Cons:
- Complex enrollment
- Premiums vary widely
- May have high deductibles
Employer Coverage
Pros:
- Often subsidized
- Comprehensive plans
- Stable coverage
Cons:
- Job-dependent
- Part-time may not qualify
- Varies by employer
Full-Time Student Extension
Stay Covered Until Age 23
Full-time college students can remain on their parent's TRICARE plan until age 23 at no additional cost. This is NOT TRICARE Young Adult - it's an extension of dependent coverage.
Requirements:
- Enrolled full-time at accredited institution
- Unmarried
- Must verify enrollment status in DEERS
- Dependent of eligible sponsor