Published Jul 30, 2026, 10:53 AM EDT
What TRICARE Covers (and What It Doesn't)
Explore TRICARE benefits, from preventive visits to out-of-pocket cost limits. Avoid unexpected bills by understanding major coverage exclusions.
Military families often discover TRICARE's limitations at the worst possible time: when a child needs braces, a spouse starts therapy, or a veteran wants to try acupuncture for back pain. TRICARE exclusions aren't a secret, but they're often buried in the fine print that most people never read until they get a bill. Understanding what TRICARE covers, and what TRICARE exclusions exist, can save families thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration.
TRICARE is the federal health insurance program for active duty service members, retirees, and their eligible dependents. Depending on the TRICARE plan you're enrolled in, you'll have access to a broad range of medical services, such as:
