TRICARE for College Students

Given the fact that TRICARE-eligible college students often attend school out-of-state and even in a different TRICARE region, different TRICARE benefits and procedures may apply. This can be confusing, which may result in higher out-of-pocket costs or denied claims that can be avoided if armed with a clear understanding of the benefit and your options.

For instance:

• DEERS records must remain updated for your college-age student to maintain TRICARE eligibility.
• Your dependents may be eligible for TRICARE Prime, Standard and Extra programs up to the age of 21, or until age 23 if enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher education and are dependent upon their sponsor for at least 50 percent of their financial support.
• Your eligible college-age student remains eligible for TRICARE benefits regardless of where your student lives.
• Students enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Member (TPRADFM) that move away from home to go to college no longer qualify for TPRADFM but are eligible for TRICARE Prime, Standard and Extra if in a Prime area.
• A split enrollment option is available that allows retired sponsors to pay one family enrollment fee that covers their eligible dependent attending college in a Prime area in another region. 
• TRICARE-eligible college students are entitled to dental benefits.
• TRICARE benefits end when your college student reaches age 23 or when full-time student status ends, whichever comes first.

For a more detailed overview of TRICARE benefits for college students, refer to the following resources:

• TRICARE Choices for College Students flyer
  (www.triwest.com » beneficiary services »handbooks, brochures & flyers)
  • Downloadable PDF
• TRICARE Benefits for College Students online: www.tricare.mil/collegestudents
• Beneficiary FAQs
  1. Go to the advanced search section of: http://www.tricare.mil/faqs/default.aspx
  2. Select "TRICARE" for the category
  3. Select "College Students" for the subcategory
  4. Click "Go" for a full list of FAQs to help you answer bene questions
• Call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378)