I have a question that’s been bothering me. Since I'm a military dependent but not in college yet, I wanted to know if there are any specific health insurance plans or benefits for students like me. Any input would be appreciated.
Most military dependents are covered under Tricare, the healthcare program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. If you're under the age of 21(or 23 if enrolled in a full-time course of study) at an approved institution of higher learning, and your sponsor provides over 50% of your financial support, you are likely eligible.
For students who are about to lose their regular Tricare eligibility, perhaps due to aging out at 21 (or 23 if a full-time student), Tricare Young Adult could be a good option to consider. It provides coverage to unmarried, adult children who have aged out of regular Tricare coverage.
Keep in mind the Tricare Young Adult program is a premium-based plan. This means enrollees must pay monthly premiums, and the plan is available for purchase by eligible children ages 21 - 26. The exact coverage details would depend on which version of Tricare Young Adult you choose (Prime or Standard) and where you live.
Remember to check with your servicing Personnel Office and update DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) when you have a qualifying life event like turning 21 or 23, or if you change schools. It might be good to look into the details of these plans to understand what would work best for your situation.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.