Like a health maintenance organization (HMO), TRICARE Prime requires beneficiaries to select a primary care manager (PCM) and obtain referrals for specialty care. Active-duty service members are generally required to use TRICARE Prime.

TRICARE Select operates as a preferred provider organization (PPO), allowing beneficiaries more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. However, using in-network providers results in lower out-of-pocket costs.

TFL is available to military retirees eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare. TFL serves as a supplement to Medicare and covers certain costs that Medicare does not.

TRS and TRR are health plans for members of the Selected Reserve and their eligible family members. TRS is a premium-based plan, while TRR is available for retired Reserve members and their families before they reach age 60 and become eligible for TFL.

TRICARE covers many medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription medications, mental health services, and preventive care. Some specific services, such as elective cosmetic procedures, may not be covered.

Military Treatment Facilities are military-run healthcare facilities where active-duty service members and their families can receive medical care. TRICARE beneficiaries can seek care at MTFs, though some facilities may have limited availability for non-active-duty beneficiaries.

TRICARE covers eligible beneficiaries stationed or residing overseas through various regional contracts. The coverage options may vary based on the specific location.

TRICARE beneficiaries may have to pay certain costs, such as copayments, deductibles, and cost-shares for services received. However, the costs are generally lower than many private insurance plans.

Beneficiaries can access care at military treatment facilities, civilian network providers, and authorized providers in the U.S. and overseas.

TRICARE offers separate dental and vision plans for eligible beneficiaries, known as TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) and TRICARE Vision Program (TVP), respectively.