What is TRICARE Select? Costs, Rules, and Coverage (2026)

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer TRICARE Select is a self-managed, preferred provider organization (PPO) style health plan. Unlike TRICARE Prime, you do not need a primary care manager (PCM) or referrals for most specialty care, but you will pay higher out-of-pocket costs such as annual deductibles and per-visit copayments.

## Details TRICARE Select replaced the old TRICARE Standard and Extra programs in 2018. It is designed for flexibility, allowing beneficiaries to see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. However, your costs are significantly lower if you use a provider within the established TRICARE network.

### How it Works * **No Referrals:** You can schedule appointments with specialists (like a dermatologist or cardiologist) directly. * **Regional Management:** The plan is managed by **Humana Military** in the East Region and **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** in the West Region (which assumed the contract on January 1, 2025). * **Provider Choice:** You can see "Network" providers (discounted rates), "Non-Network" providers (higher costs), or even "Non-Participating" providers (who may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE allowable charge).

### 2026 Costs and Enrollment Costs for TRICARE Select vary based on the sponsor's initial enlistment or appointment date (Group A vs. Group B).

* **Premium/Enrollment Fees:** Active duty family members (ADFMs) pay no monthly premiums for TRICARE Select. Retirees, their families, and survivors must pay an annual enrollment fee. As of 2026, these fees generally increase annually based on the National Health Expenditure index. * **Deductibles:** You must meet an annual deductible before TRICARE begins to pay for covered services. For 2026, these amounts vary by rank and group (e.g., ~$150–$300 for individuals). * **Copayments:** Once the deductible is met, you pay fixed copayments for network visits (e.g., $30–$40 for primary care) or a percentage of the cost (cost-share) for out-of-network care. * **Catastrophic Cap:** This is the maximum you will pay out-of-pocket for covered services in a calendar year. For 2026, this ranges from approximately $1,200 for active duty families to over $4,000 for some retirees.

### TRICARE Select Overseas For those living outside the United States, **TRICARE Select Overseas** provides similar flexibility. It is managed by **International SOS**. Beneficiaries typically must pay up-front for care and file claims for reimbursement, except when seeing certain curated network providers.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Who want more control over their doctors than TRICARE Prime allows. * **Retirees and their families:** Under age 65 (excludes those on TRICARE For Life). * **Qualified Survivors:** Spouse and children of deceased service members. * **Medal of Honor Recipients:** And their families. * *Note: Active duty service members (ADSMs) cannot use TRICARE Select; they must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime.*

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [TRICARE Select Overview](https://www.tricare.mil/select) * **Humana Military (East):** [Provider Directory and Plans](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West):** [West Region Information](https://www.triwest.com) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [2026 Cost Methodology](https://health.mil)