Think TRICARE Covers Everything? These Retirement Details Still Catch People by Surprise

Missy E
November 14, 2025

Key Takeaways

TRICARE does not eliminate the need to understand Medicare, survivor benefits, or long-term care planning in retirement.
Your military health benefits may shift significantly once you or your spouse become Medicare-eligible, separate from active service, or pass away.

You May Have TRICARE, But That Doesn’t Mean You’re Fully Covered

TRICARE is a robust military health benefits program, and if you’re a public sector retiree with a military background or married to someone who served, you likely depend on it for comprehensive care. But even though TRICARE offers wide-ranging coverage, many people assume it will handle all retirement-related medical needs without surprises. That’s not always the case.

Whether you’re currently serving in a civilian military role, approaching retirement, or already drawing a pension, understanding the limits and transitions of TRICARE can help you avoid unexpected costs or lapses in coverage.

TRICARE and Medicare: What Changes at Age 65

When you turn 65, Medicare becomes a central part of your healthcare picture. If you’re eligible for Medicare Part A, you must enroll in Medicare Part B to keep your TRICARE coverage.

Here’s how it works in 2025:

TRICARE For Life (TFL) acts as your secondary payer after Medicare, but only if you’re enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B.
If you skip Part B, you lose TFL coverage.
You’ll pay a monthly premium for Part B, which increases with your income. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185.

Failing to enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period can lead to a permanent late enrollment penalty. TRICARE won’t pick up those costs or act as your only insurance.

TRICARE Doesn’t Include Long-Term Care Coverage

One of the most common misunderstandings is the assumption that TRICARE will cover long-term care. It does not.

In retirement, especially as you age, the chance of needing help with activities like bathing, dressing, or eating increases. These types of services fall under custodial care, which isn’t covered by TRICARE or Medicare.

To plan ahead:

Consider long-term care insurance or other funding options
Look into state-run programs or veteran-specific support services
Set aside financial resources if you anticipate long-term support needs

Not addressing this gap early can lead to heavy out-of-pocket costs later on.

Survivor Benefits: What Happens to TRICARE When You Die

Your retirement plan should include detailed provisions for your spouse or dependent survivors, particularly regarding TRICARE eligibility.

Survivor access to TRICARE depends on several factors:

Whether they were eligible dependents at the time of your death
Whether you were retired from military service
Their own Medicare status if over age 65

Survivors of military retirees may retain TRICARE coverage, but civilian military employees may not offer the same continuation. Ensure your spouse understands what coverage, if any, remains and whether alternate options may be needed.

Also, remember:

TRICARE premiums may increase for survivors
Enrollment rules may shift if the surviving spouse remarries

Having a plan in place can prevent your loved ones from being left uninsured.

Dental and Vision Coverage: Separate From TRICARE Medical

While TRICARE covers a wide range of medical services, dental and vision care are generally not included for retirees. Many assume otherwise.

As of 2025:

Retirees may enroll in separate dental and vision plans through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
Eligibility is separate from TRICARE, and premiums apply
Enrollment is only allowed during specific periods or qualifying life events

Without separate coverage, you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket for most routine dental and vision services.

TRICARE for Civilian Military Employees Is Different

If you are a civilian employed by the Department of Defense or another military branch, your health coverage likely comes through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, not TRICARE.

Here are key differences:

Civilian employees do not automatically receive TRICARE upon retirement
Retiree FEHB coverage continues if you meet eligibility rules and maintain premium payments
You may qualify for Medicare at age 65, and coordination with FEHB becomes important

Even if you work in a military setting, don’t assume TRICARE will play a role in your retirement unless you are a uniformed service member or retiree.

TRICARE Eligibility After Divorce

Divorce often creates unexpected complications for TRICARE beneficiaries. If you are currently covered as a spouse of a military member or retiree, your eligibility may end when the marriage does.

There are specific conditions under which a former spouse may retain TRICARE:

The 20/20/20 rule: At least 20 years of marriage overlapping with 20 years of military service
The 20/20/15 rule: Provides one year of transitional coverage

If you don’t meet these rules, you may lose TRICARE eligibility upon divorce and need to secure alternative coverage. This is especially important to consider in retirement, where options narrow with age.

Prescription Drug Coverage and Cost Changes in Retirement

TRICARE includes prescription drug coverage, but your costs may shift depending on your retirement status and Medicare enrollment.

In 2025:

If you are eligible for TRICARE For Life, your drug coverage runs through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program
Prescription copayments vary based on whether the medication is generic, brand-name, or non-formulary
Mail-order services are encouraged for cost savings

If you don’t coordinate Medicare and TRICARE correctly, you could face gaps in prescription coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs.

Overseas TRICARE Use in Retirement

Retirees living or traveling abroad often assume TRICARE will work the same as in the U.S. That isn’t always true.

TRICARE For Life is available overseas but acts as the primary payer since Medicare does not cover care outside the U.S.
You’ll need to pay up front for care and submit claims for reimbursement
Finding TRICARE-authorized providers overseas may be difficult

If retiring abroad is part of your plan, be sure to research healthcare systems in your destination country and whether TRICARE support will be practical.

Annual Enrollment Requirements and Deadlines

Even if you’re used to automatic renewals while working, retirement shifts the enrollment process.

Each year, there are specific enrollment windows for TRICARE dental and vision plans and Medicare-related programs:

Open Season for FEDVIP occurs each fall, typically from mid-November to mid-December
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7
Failing to enroll or make changes during this time can delay or limit your options

Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure continued, seamless coverage.

Getting the Retirement Support You Actually Need

Even with TRICARE in place, retirement comes with healthcare decisions that require attention to detail. From Medicare coordination to survivor planning and long-term care considerations, the assumption that TRICARE “covers it all” could leave you exposed.

It’s wise to speak with a licensed agent listed on this website who can guide you through the complexities of military-related retirement health coverage. Their expertise can help you protect your benefits and stay ahead of potential pitfalls.