Military insurance comes in various forms and deciphering the types of policies available can sometimes be a daunting task.  Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a medical benefits package for all enrolled veterans, which emphasizes preventive and primary care, and offers a full range of outpatient and inpatient services within the VA health care system.



Eligibility requirements are based on active duty guidelines for those who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines.  Some National Guard or Reserve members who are called to active duty by Executive Order may also qualify for VA military insurance and the benefits that accompany it.

Many active duty soldiers and veterans will also find themselves eligible for military insurance programs such as TRICARE.  This is the Department of Defense’s worldwide healthcare program serving both active and retired individuals and their families.

TRICARE is not unlike private health insurance in that it offers a number of different options.  Unlike VA insurance, however, it does not require that services stay within the system of hospitals and physicians overseen by Veterans Affairs. 

This program covers most health care that is deemed medically necessary for active and retired military and their dependent family.  It also pays for most medical supplies and, in some cases, treatment in health care centers other than hospitals, such as residential treatment programs or rehabilitation centers.

TRICARE Prime, the most popular military insurance program offered, is similar to a civilian HMO in that it stresses preventive care and covers such routine medical expenses as office visits and immunizations.  Indemnity (fee-for-service) plans are also available through TRICARE, offering more choices but higher costs.