TRICARE benefits and assistance for military survivors

Surviving family members of active-duty service members may access specific health insurance and support resources following a death. Eligible spouses and children can qualify as “transitional survivors,” allowing them to maintain health coverage similar to active-duty plans, such as TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, for up to three years.

After this three-year transitional period, eligible surviving spouses typically transition to the coverage rules and cost structures applicable to retired military families.

To assist with these transitions, Military OneSource provides a Survivor Family Member Inquiry Form. This tool allows survivors to submit questions and concerns to receive guidance from Casualty Assistance program managers, who are expected to respond within five business days. While survivors of active-duty members use these specific military resources, survivors of veterans are directed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance.