What is the difference between TRICARE and TRICARE Select?
Asked by: Mrs. Elyssa Johns | Last update: January 18, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (12 votes)
Is TRICARE Select the same as TRICARE?
“TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select are different health plans that reflect the different needs of TRICARE beneficiaries,” said Shane Pham, program analyst with TRICARE Health Plan's Policy and Programs Section at the Defense Health Agency.
Is TRICARE Select worth it?
Tricare is dirt cheap and the family deductibles and catastrophic cap are unbelievably low. Not to mention that it is accepted nearly anywhere. If you have a baby or surgery, your costs are almost nil, unlike most other Insurances. After the deductable is met, most medications are free. It's fabulous and hard to beat.
What does TRICARE Select not cover?
In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that aren't medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.
What's better, TRICARE Prime or Select?
If you're on active duty, you have to enroll in TRICARE Prime. All others can choose to enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. TRICARE Prime offers fewer out-of-pocket costs than TRICARE Select, but less freedom of choice for providers. If you have other health insurance, TRICARE Prime might not be right for you.
Choosing Between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select Webinar
Do spouses get TRICARE Prime or Select?
New active duty family members are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, depending on their location. If eligible for other plans, these family members have 90 days from the date of your marriage to change their plan. Family members of retirees aren't automatically enrolled in TRICARE.
What is the best type of TRICARE?
- There's no required PCM.
- You manage your own health care and can receive care from any TRICARE-authorized provider. ...
- If you need specialty care, referrals and pre-authorizations aren't required in most situations.
Are er visits covered by TRICARE Select?
TRICARE covers emergency care to include professional and institutional charges and services and supplies that are ordered or administered in an emergency room The hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention..
Who isn t eligible for TRICARE Select?
Tricare Select is a fee-for-service insurance plan that lets you see any doctor. Everyone eligible for Tricare with the exception of active-duty members can enroll in the Tricare Select plan.
Do I have a copay with TRICARE Select?
When you see a TRICARE-authorized network provider, you'll pay a copayment. If you see a TRICARE-authorized non-network provider, you'll pay a cost-share after you meet your annual deductible.
Why does no one take TRICARE?
The problem stems from the fact that most Tricare managed care support contractors have negotiated physician reimbursement rates that are even lower than those paid by Medicare.
How long can you stay on TRICARE Select?
If they're enrolled in college and their sponsor provides at least half of their financial support, they can keep their TRICARE coverage until they turn 23 or graduate—whichever comes first. After aging out at 21 or 23, they may qualify for TRICARE Young Adult. This will cover them until they turn age 26.
Can I be seen at military hospital with TRICARE Select?
There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS, network or non-network. Care at military hospitals or clinics is available only if space is available. You don't need a referral for any type of care but some services may require pre-authorization.
Can I go anywhere with TRICARE Select?
With TRICARE Select and most TRICARE premium-based plans, you can get care from any TRICARE-authorized network provider without a referral or pre-authorization, in most situations. You'll have lower out-of-pocket costs if you use a TRICARE-authorized network provider versus a TRICARE-authorized non-network provider.
What are some disadvantages of TRICARE?
TRICARE plans have specific payment restrictions for certain diagnostic services, utilization limits on visits or consultation and procedures that TRICARE deems not proven effective.
Which of the following is not true for TRICARE Select?
The statement that is not true for TRICARE Select is that it is a program for the families of veterans with 100% service-related disabilities. TRICARE Select is actually a fee-for-service health plan option available to eligible beneficiaries, which allows them to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral.
What is the monthly cost for TRICARE for Life?
There are no enrollment fees or monthly premiums with this TRICARE retiree plan, because it provides “wraparound” coverage to Medicare benefits. Medicare is the primary payer. However, you must have Medicare Part A and B to qualify and pay Part B premiums, which are based on your income.
Do I need a referral if I have TRICARE Select?
TRICARE Select and all other beneficiaries
A referral is not required for services. Certain services (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), inpatient admissions, some behavioral health services, adjunctive dental care, home health services, etc.) require prior authorization.
Can I use TRICARE if I am a federal employee?
Can I have both TRICARE and Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage? Yes. If you're a TRICARE For Life beneficiary or enrolled in a: TRICARE Prime plan option (TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Overseas, TRICARE Prime Remote, TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, TRICARE Young Adult-Prime, or US Family Health Plan).
Does TRICARE select cover CT scans?
Yes, when medically necessary To be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition..
What are the three types of TRICARE?
This fact sheet provides an overview of TRICARE health plans, including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life, and TRICARE Plus.
Do most doctors take TRICARE?
The number of private doctors accepting new Tricare patients is trending downward, the study says, and is worse in certain categories. Only about 40% of civilian mental health providers take these patients compared with 67% of primary doctors and 77% of specialty physicians.
What does TRICARE not provide options for?
In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that aren't medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.
What is the advantage of TRICARE Select?
Who's It Good For? Tricare Select is best for those who value flexibility and don't mind a little extra cost to have control over their care. It's great if you prefer seeing providers off base and want the freedom to choose your own specialists.