TRICARE Plan Comparison Tool
Compare TRICARE plans side-by-side and estimate your costs based on your status and family size
Your Information
Plan Comparison Results
Based on Retired, 1 covered member, 6 visits/yr, 2 Rx/mo, 0 planned surgeries
Note: Rates shown are 2026 estimates. Actual rates are published annually by the Defense Health Agency. Verify current rates at tricare.mil.
| Plan | Enrollment | Deductible | Est. Copays | Cat. Cap | Est. Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TRICARE Prime | $387.36 | $0 | $492 | $3,500 | $879 |
TRICARE Select | $508.44 | $300 | $365 | $3,500 | $1,173 |
TRICARE Reserve SelectNot Eligible | $694.56 | $300 | $365 | $3,500 | -- |
TRICARE For Life | $2,220.00 | $0 | $222 | N/A | $2,442 |
VA HealthcareBest Value | $0.00 | $0 | $252 | N/A | $252 |
TRICARE Prime
Enrollment
$387.36
Deductible
$0
Est. Copays/Costs
$492
Est. Annual Total
$879
TRICARE Select
Enrollment
$508.44
Deductible
$300
Est. Copays/Costs
$365
Est. Annual Total
$1,173
TRICARE Reserve Select
Not EligibleTRICARE For Life
Enrollment
$2,220.00
Deductible
$0
Est. Copays/Costs
$222
Est. Annual Total
$2,442
VA Healthcare
Best ValueEnrollment
$0.00
Deductible
$0
Est. Copays/Costs
$252
Est. Annual Total
$252
Savings vs. Civilian Healthcare
Average civilian employer-sponsored health insurance costs ~$8,400/yr (individual) or ~$23,000/yr (family). Here is how your TRICARE options compare:
(90% less)
(86% less)
(71% less)
(97% less)
Compared to avg. civilian individual plan at $8,400/yr. Your TRICARE benefit is a significant part of your total compensation.
Plan Details & Notes
TRICARE Prime
- •Retired enrollment: $387.36/yr (individual)
- •Civilian provider copays: $15-30 primary care, $29-51 specialist
- •Civilian ER: $95 per visit
- •Civilian hospitalization: $230/day (max $695/admission)
TRICARE Select
- •Retired enrollment: $508.44/yr (individual)
- •Deductible: $300/yr (individual)
- •Cost share: 20-25% of negotiated rate after deductible
- •Catastrophic cap: $3,500/yr (out-of-pocket max excluding enrollment)
TRICARE Reserve Select (Not Eligible)
- •Monthly premium: $57.88 ($694.56/yr)
- •Benefits similar to TRICARE Select
- •Deductible: $300/yr (individual)
- •Catastrophic cap: $3,500/yr
TRICARE For Life
- •Must be age 65+ and enrolled in Medicare Part B
- •Medicare Part B premium: ~$185/mo ($2,220/yr)
- •TRICARE For Life wraps around Medicare -- most services fully covered
- •$0 TRICARE enrollment fee
- •Very low out-of-pocket for most services after Medicare pays
VA Healthcare
- •Eligibility based on VA Priority Groups 1-8
- •Priority Group 1 (50%+ service-connected): $0 copays
- •Priority Groups 2-6: $0-$15 primary care copays
- •Priority Groups 7-8: $15 primary care, $50 specialist copays
- •Can be used alongside TRICARE for comprehensive coverage
2026 TRICARE Rate Reference
| Cost Category | Prime | Select | Reserve Select | For Life (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment (Retired, Individual) | $387.36/yr | $508.44/yr | $57.88/mo | $0 (+Medicare B) |
| Enrollment (Retired, Family) | $774.72/yr | $1253.88/yr | $286.66/mo | $0 (+Medicare B) |
| Deductible (Retired, Ind/Fam) | None | $300 / $600 | $300 / $600 | Medicare applies |
| Primary Care (Civilian) | $15-$30 | 20-25% | 20-25% | $0-$12 |
| Specialist (Civilian) | $29-$51 | 20-25% | 20-25% | $0-$12 |
| ER Visit (Civilian) | $95 | 20-25% | 20-25% | Medicare rates |
| Hospitalization (Civilian) | $230/day (max $695) | 20-25% | 20-25% | Medicare rates |
| Catastrophic Cap (Retired) | $3,500 | $3,500 | $3,500 | N/A |
| Catastrophic Cap (AD Family) | $1,000 | $1,000 | N/A | N/A |
| MTF Care | $0 copays | $0 copays | $0 copays | $0 copays |
Important Disclaimer
This tool provides estimates only based on 2026 published TRICARE rates and typical usage patterns. Actual costs may vary based on specific services, providers, geographic location, and individual circumstances. Prescription costs depend on formulary tier (generic, brand, non-formulary) and pharmacy type (MTF, retail, mail order). Always verify current rates at tricare.mil or contact a TRICARE benefits advisor. This tool does not store or transmit any of your information.