Is your dependent aged 21 to 26 years old? College or not, we’ve got them covered.
Posted 08/26/25
TRICARE options for students and young adult dependents
Is your student hitting the books at college this fall? For many eligible young adult military dependents, US Family Health Plan coverage can continue while they’re away at school. Typically, military dependents are eligible for TRICARE® benefits until their 21st birthday. If your dependent is enrolled full-time in an accredited college, coverage can extend up to their 23rd birthday or graduation, whichever comes first.
How to extend US Family Health Plan coverage past age 21
- Request proof of full-time enrollment from the college registrar’s office, showing your dependent is working toward an associate degree or higher. Submit this documentation to DEERS.
- Update your dependent’s DEERS information before their 21st birthday to avoid automatic disenrollment. Find instructions on updating DEERS information here.
- After updating DEERS, call Member Services at 1-888-674-8734 (TTY: 711) to confirm the extension of coverage.
Getting care while away at school
Your dependent can still access care while away at college, even if outside of our network.
- Urgent or emergency care: Covered anywhere, anytime. If your dependent received urgent or emergency care while out of the area, coverage applies. Be sure to notify Member Services afterward.
- Point of service (POS) option: For routine or specialty care outside the network, coverage is still available under the POS option with higher out-of-pocket costs. See martinspoint.org/pos for more information about the POS benefit and your cost shares.
- Transferring TRICARE coverage: If your dependent is living outside the service area long term, it may be helpful to transfer (“port”) their coverage to another TRICARE contractor. Call Member Services to review options.
Not a full-time student? There’s still coverage with TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)
If your dependent is between the ages of 21 and 26 and not enrolled full time in college, they may qualify for the TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) program. TYA is a premium-based plan available through Martin’s Point US Family Health Plan. TYA offers the same medical and pharmacy benefits as the TRICARE Prime plan you’re used to; however, your dependent becomes their own sponsor and pays a monthly premium.
To qualify for TYA
- Be unmarried and under age 26
- Be registered in DEERS and eligible for TRICARE benefits
- Not be eligible for other employer-sponsored or military health coverage
If you’re considering TYA, call Member Services at 1-888-674-8734 to learn more about premiums, the application process, and what to expect.
Prefer to look things over on your own—or just want a head start?
You can download the TRICARE Young Adult application below to explore eligibility, understand the steps, and fill it out at your own pace. Whether you decide to call us with questions or mail it in yourself, this form helps you get started your way.
