Military Medical & Insurance Benefits
Your guide to TRICARE, dental, vision, SGLI/FSGLI/VGLI, survivor benefits, and how to access care and coverage as a service member, retiree, or dependent.
TRICARE Medical Plans
- Prime: Managed care with Primary Care Manager (PCM); minimal out-of-pocket for active duty families.
- Select: PPO-style flexibility with cost shares; available to most eligible beneficiaries.
- Reserve Select / Retired Reserve: Premium-based options for Guard/Reserve.
- Young Adult: For dependents up to age 26.
- TRICARE For Life: Wraparound to Medicare for eligible retirees.
Dental & Vision
- TRICARE Dental Program (TDP): For eligible family members; active duty dental is provided separately.
- FEDVIP: Dental/vision available to retirees and eligible family members.
- Vision coverage options vary by status and location.
- Enrollment periods and eligibility rules apply—check annually.
SGLI / FSGLI / VGLI
- SGLI: Up to $500,000 coverage for service members; low premiums; TSGLI rider included.
- FSGLI: Covers spouses (premium paid by member) and dependent children at no cost.
- TSGLI: One-time payments for qualifying traumatic injuries.
- VGLI: Convert SGLI to renewable term coverage after leaving service; time limits apply for guaranteed acceptance.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
- Lifetime monthly annuity to designated beneficiaries based on a percent of retired pay.
- Premiums deducted from retired pay; election made at retirement.
- Provides financial security for survivors after the member’s death.
- Can be combined with VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) in some cases.
Accessing Care & Claims
- Update enrollment in milConnect after life events (PCS, marriage, birth).
- Know referral rules (Prime) and network cost shares (Select).
- Use TRICARE Online or call your regional contractor for appointments and claims.
- Keep copies of orders, EOBs, and receipts for claims and appeals.
- Contact your local medical group or base clinic for help with coverage or claims issues.
FAQ & Resources
- How do I enroll or update TRICARE coverage? Use milConnect or contact your service branch.
- What happens to SGLI after separation? You can convert to VGLI within time limits.
- Can I have both SBP and VA DIC? Some survivors may be eligible for both; check current rules.
- Where do I get help with claims? Contact your TRICARE contractor, base clinic, or local medical group.
- Where can I find official info? See TRICARE, VA, DFAS, and your service branch websites.
This page is for education only. Policies change frequently—verify with TRICARE, VA, DFAS, and your service branch.