Summer Skin Health: TRICARE Supports Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment

PHOENIX (June 5, 2026) – Summer often means spending more time outside and greater sun exposure. TRICARE beneficiaries should know skin protection is essential to avoid visiting a doctor about a problem.

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) emphasizes TRICARE is there when beneficiaries need skin cancer exams and other resources for prevention and treatment.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it is also often preventable with proper protection, and treatable if screened early, according to DHA.

Under TRICARE, a beneficiary’s provider determines skin cancer risks. TRICARE covers skin cancer exams for beneficiaries:

• With a family or personal history of skin cancer,
• Increased occupational or recreational exposure to sunlight, or
• Clinical evidence of precursor lesions (unusual spots noticed by your provider)

In general, TRICARE covers one exam annually and there are no copayments for these screenings. 

Learn more: This TRICARE Newsroom article explains how TRICARE covers skin cancer screening and treatment.