| Event: | Qualifying Life Event? |
| Children Becoming Adults | Yes. You have 90 days after your child turns 21 to make changes to your TRICARE health plan (Additional conditions below). |
Biological and adopted children can get TRICARE until their 21st birthday in most cases. There are some exceptions to the age limit.
At age 21, your child may qualify for TRICARE Young Adultif they:
- Are age 21-26
- Remain unmarried
- Are adult dependent children
There are premiums for TRICARE Young Adult. If your child doesn't qualify to purchase TRICARE Young Adult, they can purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
Learn more:
Age Limit Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the age limit.
Full-Time Student
Your child can get TRICARE until their 23rd birthday or graduation (whichever is first) if enrolled full time at an approved college. The sponsor must provide at least 50% of the child's financial support while in college.
- Health plans and how your child gets care depend on the sponsor's military status and where they go to college
- Contact an ID card office to see what documents you need to extend benefits for your child beyond their 21st birthday
- After turning 23 or graduating, they may qualify to purchase TRICARE Young Adult
- If your child doesn’t purchase TRICARE Young Adult, he or she can purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program
Marriage
If your child gets married, then they can’t get TRICARE as your dependent. But they may qualify to purchase the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
Disability
If your child is severely disabled or incapacitated, they can get TRICARE beyond the normal age limits (21 or 23 as described above).
Learn more about other Qualifying Life Events
Last Updated 8/15/2023
FAQs
Children who are disabled prior to turning 21 may be eligible to continue as military dependents based upon physician certification. Children who are full time students may remain military dependents until age 23 provided they have a letter from the school where the child attends.
What age do kids get kicked off TRICARE? ›
Adult children are eligible to continue in their existing TRICARE coverage until at least age 21. College students may be eligible to stay in their existing TRICARE plan until they graduate or turn age 23—whichever is sooner.
Does TRICARE end when you turn 21? ›
Unmarried biological, step-children and adopted children are eligible for TRICARE until age 21 (or 23 if in college, see "College Students" below). Eligibility may extend beyond these age limits if he or she is severely disabled.
How long are children covered by TRICARE? ›
What happens to their TRICARE coverage? If they're under 21, TRICARE coverage continues until age 21. If they're 21 or over, TRICARE coverage ends when they graduate or turn 23, whichever comes first. When they lose eligibility, they may qualify to buy TRICARE Young Adult (TYA).
Can a grown child of a veteran get benefits? ›
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
What age can you no longer be in the military? ›
Federal Law stipulates that the maximum military recruitment age is 42. Meanwhile, the minimum age for new recruits is 17, with parental consent.
How do I remain on my parents' TRICARE until 26? ›
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) is a premium-based program available to unmarried young adults up to age 26 who are not eligible for their own employer-based insurance plans. Young adults can sign up for TRICARE Young Adult anytime—they do not need to wait until the Open Season.
How long can my adult child stay on my TRICARE? ›
Your children can get regular TRICARE coverage up to age 21. If they're enrolled in college and their sponsor is providing for at least half of their financial support, they can keep their TRICARE coverage until they turn 23.
What is the 15 year rule for TRICARE? ›
20/20/15: Under the 20/20/15 rule, you keep TRICARE health care benefits for one year if: You were married to the service member for at least 20 years, The service member served in the armed forces for at least 20 years, and. The marriage and the period of service overlapped for at least 15 years.
Can you ever lose TRICARE for life? ›
But remember, to keep your TRICARE coverage you must have Medicare Part B. If you delay your Part B enrollment, you won't be covered by TRICARE For Life and TRICARE won't act as a second payer to your employer sponsored group health plan coverage.
TRICARE For Life (TFL) is Medicare-wraparound coverage if you are TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and B, regardless of age or place of residence. Coverage is only for those with Medicare and who are TRICARE-eligible. Coverage doesn't extend to family members.
How long do military children get benefits? ›
Child coverage may be elected with or without spouse (former spouse) coverage. Children are eligible for SBP payments as long as they are unmarried, under age 18, or under age 22 if still in school.
At what age do dependents lose their military ID? ›
How long may a dependent retain an ID card? Up to age 21. At age 21 if the dependent is enrolled FULL TIME in an accredited institution of higher learning, that dependent may have an ID card until the date of graduation or their 23rd birthday, whichever occurs first.
How to keep a child on TRICARE after 21? ›
Your child can get TRICARE until their 23rd birthday or graduation (whichever is first) if enrolled full time at an approved college. The sponsor must provide at least 50% of the child's financial support while in college.
What is the age of consent for military dependents? ›
Jurisdictions Differ Regarding the Age of Consent
In some, it is 17 or 18 years of age. In California, the age of consent is 18.
