TRICARE Plan Comparison
Compare TRICARE Prime, Select, Reserve Select, and For Life side-by-side. See premiums, copays, deductibles, and estimated annual costs based on your family size and expected healthcare usage.
Your Situation
Expected Usage
Data Sources
TRICARE costs: TRICARE.mil 2026 plan year. Enrollment fees, copays, and catastrophic caps per plan type.
Understanding TRICARE Plans
Which plan is cheapest?
For active duty families, both Prime and Select are free. For retirees, TRICARE Select has no enrollment fee but higher copays, while Prime costs $61.70–$123.40/month with lower copays. If you rarely visit the doctor, Select may save more. If you have frequent visits, Prime's lower copays often win.
Can I switch plans?
Yes. During TRICARE Open Season (typically November–December each year), beneficiaries can switch between Prime and Select. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year. Qualifying life events (PCS, birth, marriage) also allow mid-year changes.
