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Children of Active duty or retired Service members are eligible to keep TRICARE coverage while attending college. TRICARE benefits for dependents usually end at age 21, but are available as long as the following is true: the student is enrolled full-time at an accredited institution; is not yet 23; the sponsor provides more than 50 percent of the student’s financial support.  If the student is attending college in a different region split enrollment is an option.  The sponsor must inform both regions of the families split enrollment status and complete an enrollment application or change request form and submit it to the appropriate contractor in the region where the student will be attending college.

Make sure to update all information (address, etc.) for the college-bound student in DEERS to ensure that care can be accessed when needed. At the age of 18, a student may update his or her own address, phone number and email in DEERS. Decide the type of coverage for the student, visit www.tricare.mil for options. Ensure that the student keeps their uniform services ID card in a safe place—it is needed to receive medical or dental care and to use pharmacy benefits. To extend benefits beyond their 21st birthday, students must contact the nearest uniformed services ID card issuing facility before their birthday. If a student does not extend their eligibility, TRICARE claims may be delayed or denied. To find more information about health care for college bound children go to tricare.mil and search the entire site for college student.