TRICARE for Families Explained
See what you actually pay for a checkup, ER visit, or surgery under each TRICARE plan. No jargon — just your cost.
Active duty families pay $0 premiums for TRICARE Prime. This tool breaks down copays, referrals, and pharmacy tiers in plain language.
Select Your Plan
Pick a Scenario
Annual Checkup — TRICARE Prime
$250
Total Bill
$0
You Pay
$250
TRICARE Pays
$0 with TRICARE Prime (with referral for specialists).
Insurance Terms Explained
Premium
Monthly fee to maintain coverage. Active duty families pay $0 for both Prime and Select.
Deductible
Amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Prime: $0. Select: $50/individual, $100/family per year.
Copay
Fixed amount per visit. Prime: usually $0 with referral. Select: varies by service.
Coinsurance
Percentage you pay after deductible. Select uses 15% cost share for some services.
Out-of-Pocket Max
Most you'll pay in a year. Prime: $1,000/family. Select: $1,000/family.
Network
Approved providers. Prime requires referrals. Select lets you see any TRICARE-authorized provider.
Referral
Authorization from your PCM (primary care manager) to see a specialist. Required for Prime, not Select.
VTS Duffle Bag tools are for informational purposes only. All calculations run in your browser — no data is collected or stored. Verify amounts with official sources before making financial decisions.