fers retirement classes, federal government retirement seminars

TRICARE Doesn’t Cover Everything—Here’s What Military Families Are Asking in 2025

Missy E
November 14, 2025

Key Takeaways

TRICARE continues to provide strong healthcare coverage in 2025, but there are significant gaps military families need to understand.
Knowing which services and expenses fall outside of TRICARE’s coverage can help you prepare financially and make smarter decisions during retirement planning.

Why TRICARE Isn’t a Complete Solution

TRICARE plays an essential role in the lives of military retirees and their families. In 2025, the program still offers robust coverage options tailored to active-duty members, retirees, and their dependents. However, it’s important to understand that TRICARE does not cover everything. If you are relying solely on TRICARE in retirement, you may face unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

For government employees who transition into retirement with military service or as dependents of retired service members, it’s critical to explore where the boundaries of TRICARE coverage lie. Gaps in dental, vision, long-term care, and alternative therapies are among the top concerns raised by military families this year.

1. Dental Coverage Still Requires Separate Plans

TRICARE does not include comprehensive dental benefits for retirees. In 2025:

Retired service members and their families must enroll in a separate dental plan, often through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Dental emergencies, routine cleanings, crowns, and orthodontic services are not covered under standard TRICARE plans for retirees.
Costs for private dental coverage vary significantly, and the coverage often includes waiting periods and annual caps.

For retirees on fixed incomes, not anticipating these costs can strain budgets.

2. Vision Coverage Remains Limited

Vision care continues to be a common concern for military families in 2025. TRICARE offers some coverage, but it is quite limited, especially for retirees:

Annual eye exams may be covered, but glasses and contact lenses typically are not.
Specialized vision services, such as cataract surgery or diabetic eye care, may be covered under specific TRICARE plans but with conditions.
Comprehensive vision coverage is available through FEDVIP but comes with separate premiums and coverage limits.

This limited coverage creates a gap that many military families must fill through additional plans or out-of-pocket payments.

3. Long-Term Care Isn’t Included

TRICARE does not provide long-term care coverage. This means:

Custodial care, assisted living, adult day care, and in-home support services are not covered.
Nursing home care, unless medically necessary and short-term, falls outside of TRICARE’s responsibilities.
You may need to explore long-term care insurance or personal savings to cover these services.

In 2025, with increased life expectancy and rising elder care costs, this gap can become a serious issue for retirees planning for their future needs.

4. Mental Health Services Have Restrictions

Mental health awareness has grown significantly, but TRICARE’s coverage still has limitations:

TRICARE covers mental health counseling, therapy, and psychiatric services, but only from authorized providers.
There may be referral requirements and pre-authorizations depending on your plan.
Alternative treatments such as art therapy or non-traditional counseling methods are generally not included.

Families who need flexible access to mental health care must plan around these constraints.

5. Alternative Therapies and Holistic Services Are Excluded

In 2025, TRICARE still does not cover many alternative treatments, even as these services grow in popularity:

Acupuncture, chiropractic care (except for active-duty members), naturopathy, and massage therapy are not included in standard coverage for retirees.
Some exceptions exist under specific conditions, but these are limited and vary by location.

You should be aware of these exclusions if you rely on such therapies for chronic conditions or preventive health.

6. Pharmacy Coverage Has Limitations

TRICARE includes a pharmacy benefit, but you may still encounter out-of-pocket costs:

Tiered pricing applies based on whether you use a military pharmacy, TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery, or a retail pharmacy.
Not all medications are covered, and some require prior authorization.
In 2025, there is continued concern about coverage for newer, high-cost medications.

Understanding the formulary and possible copayments is essential for managing your prescription costs.

7. Overseas Coverage May Not Be Complete

If you live or travel outside the U.S., TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) provides some coverage, but with caveats:

You may need to pay up front and file for reimbursement, which can take time.
Access to TRICARE-authorized providers varies by country.
Emergency services are typically covered, but routine or preventive care might involve higher costs.

For retirees moving abroad or frequently traveling, this limited overseas support can create financial uncertainty.

8. Coverage for Dependents Has Age Limits

In 2025, age limits for dependent children remain unchanged:

Coverage for dependent children typically ends at age 21, or 23 if they are full-time students.
Special provisions apply for children with disabilities.

After losing TRICARE eligibility, your child may need to find separate health coverage, which can be costly.

9. Coordination With Medicare Is Essential for Retirees 65 and Older

When you reach age 65, TRICARE requires enrollment in Medicare Part B to maintain TRICARE For Life (TFL) eligibility:

TRICARE For Life acts as a secondary payer to Medicare.
Failure to enroll in Part B results in losing TRICARE coverage.
Out-of-pocket costs may still apply, particularly if a service isn’t covered by either program.

This coordination is crucial, and misunderstanding it can lead to coverage gaps and financial surprises.

10. Preventive Care Is Covered but Not All-Encompassing

TRICARE covers many preventive services, but the coverage isn’t absolute:

Immunizations, cancer screenings, and annual physicals are generally covered.
Not all preventive screenings or lab tests may be included.
Coverage also depends on provider network participation.

It’s wise to double-check which preventive services are fully covered to avoid unexpected costs during routine check-ups.

Planning Ahead for TRICARE Gaps in 2025

To effectively plan for your retirement as a government employee with access to TRICARE, you should:

Review your specific TRICARE plan details annually.
Consider enrolling in supplemental dental and vision insurance through FEDVIP.
Evaluate whether long-term care insurance is appropriate for your situation.
Maintain awareness of changes to TRICARE benefits, which can shift due to policy or budget updates.

Doing so can protect you from the financial strain of services that fall outside of TRICARE’s scope.

What Military Families Want to Know in 2025

This year, the top questions from military retirees and their families include:

What are the best options for dental and vision insurance beyond TRICARE?
How do we prepare for long-term care costs that TRICARE doesn’t cover?
What happens to our TRICARE coverage when we enroll in Medicare?
How do we access mental health care without facing referral delays?
Can we use TRICARE while living overseas full time?

By asking the right questions now, you can avoid confusion and be ready for any health expense surprises that may come your way.

Understanding TRICARE’s Limits Helps You Plan Smarter

TRICARE provides valuable support, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re relying on it during retirement, make sure you understand what it covers and what it doesn’t. The gaps in dental, vision, long-term care, and alternative therapies can add up over time.

You don’t need to navigate these complexities on your own. Reach out to a licensed agent listed on this website for professional advice tailored to your retirement healthcare needs.