At a Glance
TRICARE Prime
Managed care with a Primary Care Manager (PCM) who coordinates your care. Lowest out-of-pocket costs but requires referrals for specialists.
- PCM assigned, referrals required
- Must use MTFs and network providers
- Lowest copays and no deductible
- Active duty automatically enrolled
TRICARE Select
Self-managed care with freedom to choose your own providers. No referrals needed but higher copays and an annual deductible.
- No PCM needed, no referrals
- See any TRICARE-authorized provider
- More flexibility, higher copays
- Great for families far from MTFs
How They Work
Understanding the fundamental difference between Prime and Select:
Prime: HMO-Style
- Primary Care Manager (PCM) assigned to coordinate your care
- Referrals required for specialist visits
- Must use military treatment facilities and network providers
- Point of Service option available at higher cost
Select: PPO-Style
- No PCM needed — you manage your own care
- No referrals required for any provider
- Can see any TRICARE-authorized provider (network or non-network)
- Lower costs when using network providers
Costs for Active Duty Family Members (2026)
What active duty family members pay under each plan:
| Feature | TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Select |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $0 | $0 |
| Annual Deductible | $0 | $150/individual, $300/family (E-5+) |
| Primary Care Visit | $0 | $30 (network) |
| Specialist Visit | $0 | $40 (network) |
| Urgent Care | $30 | $40 (network) |
| ER Visit | $65 | $65 (network) |
| Inpatient Hospital | $0 | $175/day |
| Catastrophic Cap | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Costs for Retirees & Families (2026)
What retirees under 65 and their families pay:
| Feature | TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Select |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $33.43/ind, $66.85/family | $49.42/ind, $98.84/family |
| Annual Deductible | $0 | $150/ind, $300/family |
| Primary Care Visit | $24 | $30 (network) |
| Specialist Visit | $40 | $40 (network) |
| Catastrophic Cap | $3,500 | $3,500 |
Costs shown are for network providers. Non-network costs are typically 25% of allowed charges plus any balance billing. Always verify current rates at our costs page or tricare.mil.
Provider Access
Prime Provider Access
- Primary Care Manager (PCM) assigned at enrollment
- Must use military treatment facilities when available
- Network civilian providers used when MTF is unavailable
- Referrals from PCM required for specialist care
Select Provider Access
- See any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals
- No PCM needed — choose your own doctors
- Network providers offer lowest costs
- Non-network providers available at higher cost
Who Should Choose Prime
- Families who live near a military treatment facility (MTF)
- Those wanting the lowest out-of-pocket costs
- Families who don't mind referral requirements
- Active duty families (it's automatic)
Who Should Choose Select
- Families who want provider freedom
- Those who live far from MTFs
- People who see specialists often
- Those willing to pay slightly more for flexibility
Can You Switch Plans?
TRICARE Open Season
The annual Open Season runs from November 11 through December 9 each year. During this window, eligible beneficiaries can switch between Prime and Select for coverage starting January 1.
Active duty service members cannot switch from Prime, but their family members can change plans during Open Season.
Qualifying Life Events
You can also switch outside of Open Season after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Changes take effect the first of the month following enrollment. You must enroll within 90 days of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from TRICARE Prime to Select (or vice versa)?
Yes. You can switch during the annual TRICARE Open Season (November 11 - December 9) for coverage starting January 1. You can also switch after a Qualifying Life Event such as a PCS move, marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage. Changes take effect the first of the month following the event.
Is TRICARE Prime really free for active duty families?
Active duty service members are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime at $0 cost. Their family members can also enroll in Prime with no premiums and $0 copays for most services at military treatment facilities. The only costs families may see are copays for certain civilian network services.
Do I need a referral with TRICARE Select?
No. TRICARE Select does not require referrals or a Primary Care Manager. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider directly, including specialists. However, using network providers will save you the most money compared to non-network providers.
Can different family members be on different plans?
Yes. Each eligible family member can be enrolled in a different TRICARE plan. For example, a spouse could be on TRICARE Prime while a dependent child is on TRICARE Select, depending on what works best for each family member.
Which plan is better for retirees?
It depends on your situation. TRICARE Prime is better if you live near an MTF and want lower out-of-pocket costs with coordinated care. TRICARE Select is better if you want flexibility to choose your own providers and don't mind paying slightly higher copays and a deductible.
Not Sure Which Plan Is Right for You?
Our free Benefits Audit analyzes your specific situation and recommends the best TRICARE plan for your family — Prime, Select, or another option you may not have considered.