Is a spouse eligible for TRICARE?

Direct answer: A spouse can be eligible when the sponsor registers that spouse in DEERS. A marriage certificate by itself does not create the enrollment.

Applies to: All TRICARE plans · All regions

Details

The sponsor adds the spouse in DEERS. Eligibility rules for spouses are on the official TRICARE eligibility page. After DEERS is current, enrollment follows the sponsor’s plan and the qualifying life event window.

What to do next

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