Does TRICARE Cover Podiatry? Costs, Rules, & Coverage | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer Yes, TRICARE covers podiatry services when they are medically necessary to treat injuries, diseases, or complications of conditions like diabetes. While routine foot care (like nail trimming) is generally excluded, surgeries, orthotics for certain conditions, and fungal treatments are covered with a referral or authorization depending on your plan.

Details

### Covered Podiatry Services TRICARE covers medical and surgical foot care when performed by a Podiatrist (DPM). Covered scenarios include: * **Injury and Infection:** Treatment for fractures, dislocations, or severe infections. * **Congenital Deformities:** Correction of conditions present at birth (e.g., clubfoot). * **Systemic Diseases:** Foot care is covered for patients with systemic conditions like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or chronic lymphedema where foot health is critical. * **Ingrown Toenails:** Surgical removal of ingrown nails is generally covered. * **Plantar Fasciitis:** Medical treatment and certain injections for chronic heel pain.

### Exclusions: Routine Foot Care TRICARE explicitly excludes "routine foot care" for healthy individuals. This means you typically cannot get coverage for: * Trimming of nails or removal of corns/calluses. * Treatment of flat feet (unless related to a specific injury or surgery). * Corrective shoes or arch supports (except when part of a leg brace or for diabetic patients).

### Custom Orthotics TRICARE only covers custom inserts or orthotic shoes if they are an integral part of a covered leg brace or if they are required for the treatment of a specific medical complication, such as a diabetic foot ulcer. Over-the-counter inserts are generally not covered.

### Referrals and Costs (2026 Rates) Your out-of-pocket costs and the need for a referral depend on your plan:

* **TRICARE Prime:** Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) need a referral from their Primary Care Manager (PCM). Family members usually need a referral to see a civilian podiatrist to avoid Point-of-Service (POS) charges. * **TRICARE Select:** No referral is typically required, but you must see a TRICARE-authorized provider. * **Copays (2026):** * **Active Duty Family Members:** Typically $0 to $25 per visit for Group A/B depending on specific plan enrollment. * **Retirees (Group A):** Varies by plan year—check TRICARE.mil for current rates (historically ~$30–$40 for specialty visits). * **Retirees (Group B):** Approximately $35–$50 for specialty office visits.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Requires PCM referral and 100% coverage. * **Active Duty Family Members:** Covered under Prime (with referral) or Select. * **Retirees and their Families:** Covered with applicable copayments; West region managed by TriWest, East by Humana Military. * **National Guard and Reserve:** Covered under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). * **Patients with Diabetes:** High-priority coverage for preventative and maintenance foot care.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil Foot Care Policy:** https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FootCare * **Humana Military (East Region):** https://www.humanamilitary.com/ * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** https://www.triwest.com/ * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** https://health.mil/