TRICARE Cost Calculator

Compare TRICARE plan costs, premiums, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Coverage

Monthly Premium

$0.00

Annual Cost

$0.00

Plan Details

Monthly Premium$0.00
Annual Cost$0.00
Copays$0 primary / $33 specialty

Use the TRICARE Cost Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our TRICARE Cost Calculator provides an estimate of your 2026 TRICARE plan costs, including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. This tool is crucial for military families and retirees to budget effectively and understand the financial implications of different TRICARE options. By comparing plans side-by-side, you can make an informed decision that best suits your healthcare needs and financial situation.

The calculator utilizes a dynamic formula that considers your beneficiary category (e.g., active duty family member, retiree), chosen TRICARE plan (e.g., TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select), and specific healthcare utilization. It integrates projected 2026 premiums, annual deductibles (e.g., for TRICARE Select, $180 for individuals, $360 for families), and catastrophic caps (e.g., $1,200 for active duty families, $4,100 for retiree families). These values are then combined with your estimated usage to project total annual costs.

Remember that these are estimates; actual costs can vary based on unexpected medical needs or changes in TRICARE policies. A common mistake is overlooking the difference between network and out-of-network costs, which can significantly impact your out-of-pocket expenses. Always verify your provider's network status before receiving care to avoid unexpected bills.

Example: Active Duty Family Choosing TRICARE Select

  1. 1 Input: Active Duty Family, TRICARE Select, Estimated Annual Healthcare Services (doctor visits, prescriptions) totaling $1,500.
  2. 2 Calculation: Family Annual Premium ($0 for active duty families) + Family Annual Deductible ($360) + 15% of remaining $1,140 in services after deductible ($171) = Total Estimated Cost.
  3. 3 Result: Your estimated annual TRICARE Select cost for 2026 is $531. This includes your deductible and a portion of your co-insurance.
  4. 4 Context: This estimate is well below the active duty family catastrophic cap of $1,200, meaning you are unlikely to reach that maximum with this level of healthcare utilization. If you had chosen TRICARE Prime, your out-of-pocket costs would likely be lower due to no deductibles for network care, but you would have PCMs and referrals.

Source: DFAS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different TRICARE plans?
TRICARE Prime is an HMO-style plan with low costs and assigned PCM. TRICARE Select is a PPO-style plan with more provider choice but higher cost-shares. TRICARE for Life covers Medicare-eligible retirees. Young adults, reservists, and retirees have additional options.
How much does TRICARE cost for retirees?
TRICARE Prime for retirees costs about $700/year per person or $1,400/family in enrollment fees. TRICARE Select has no enrollment fee but higher cost-shares. TRICARE for Life (with Medicare) has no premium beyond the Medicare Part B premium.
Does TRICARE cover dependents after military separation?
Active duty families retain TRICARE for 180 days after separation through Transitional Assistance. After that, retirees with 20+ years can keep TRICARE. Medically separated members may qualify for extended coverage. Others must find civilian insurance.