The National Guard and Reserves includes the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve, and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.
When called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days (under federal orders), you and your family members become eligible for TRICARE. You are considered an active duty service member and family members are considered active duty family members when you are on active duty orders. Throughout this guide, when we refer to active duty service members or active duty family members, we are also referring to you and your family. Note: Active duty service members are eligible for TRICARE coverage starting from day one of his or her orders. The 30 day limitation only affects family members.
To ensure that family members are eligible for TRICARE, sponsors must register eligible family members in DEERS and keep the information up to date. You will need proper documentation, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or divorce decree, to update your family's status.
Visit the
Reserve Affairs Web Site or
TRICARE's National Guard and Reserve Members and their Families Web page for more information about benefits for the National Guard and Reserve. Members (and their family members) of the National Guard and Reserve who are not on active duty are eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program.
