We’re committed to the well-being of our Soldiers and their families, and offer health benefits at little to no cost.
Expert Medical Care, Little to No Cost
With TRICARE, the Army's health insurance program, you’ll have access to:
- $0 out-of-pocket expenses for full-time Soldiers
- Low monthly costs for part-time Soldiers
- Dental, vision, pharmacy, and life insurance coverage
- Coverage for spouses and children
Keep More of Your Paycheck
Here is an example of the monthly health care plan costs you could expect to pay when you join as a full-time or part-time Soldier, compared to the average you could expect to pay for health care each month if you work in the private sector.
FULL-TIME
SOLDIERS
- Individual—$0; Family—$0
- Individual—$450; Family—$1,212
PART-TIME
SOLDIERS
- Individual—$47; Family—$239
- Individual & Family—Costs vary based on annual household income
Plans to Support Your Health Needs
TRICARE health care plans for Soldiers and their families offer comprehensive coverage options, including dental and vision plans, as well as life insurance and pharmacy prescription options.
Military Hospitals and Clinics
As a Soldier, you can get access to expert medical care on military bases and posts around the world. You won’t have to worry about filing claims, and in most cases, you’ll pay nothing for care.
In-Network & Out-Of-Network Options
You’ll be able to choose from in-network and out-of-network options from authorized providers to get the most flexibility out of your care. Check your plan details for out-of-pocket costs, copays, and more.
Family Coverage Benefits
Family health care plans can be expensive, but in the Army, family health care coverage is one of the best cost-saving benefits available. Whether you have a family today or plan to have one in the future, you and your loved ones are provided with high-quality coverage at little to no cost.
Services and Programs for Families with Special Needs
TRICARE offers several services and programs for families with special needs, like autism care, hospice care, and even cancer clinical trials, supporting those who need it most.
Beyond Basic Medical Care
In the Army, health care is more than just everyday medical care. It’s about supporting you when you need it most.
Support for New Parents
The Army’s health care benefits offer coverage for expecting and new parents, in addition to having a comprehensive parental leave program and resources to help after childbirth.
- Pregnancy Care: Extensive coverage for prenatal, labor and delivery, post-partum, and more, at no cost if you’re full-time, or at a low cost if you’re part-time
- Newborn Care: Routine care, immunizations, and examinations to monitor the growth and development of children under age six
- Recovery & Wellness: Resources, advice, and assistance at wellness centers help new birthing parents regain physical readiness after childbirth. Additionally, if you’re serving as an active-duty Soldier, parental leave options are available
Mental Health and Behavioral Counseling
As a Soldier, you and your family can get access to mental health care and support from clinical psychologists within the Army. You’ll also receive the kind of meaningful care that you wouldn’t typically get as a civilian.
- Accessible Care: No referrals or authorizations needed for outpatient mental health and substance use disorder care
- Personalized Care: 200+ psychiatrists within the Military Health System that use universal records
- Navigating Difficult Situations: Access behavioral health clinics and get support anytime through a 24/7 crisis line and chat
Common questions
How do I receive health care services while serving in the Army?
Like most other health plans, you can find a doctor who accepts your TRICARE plan. For Soldiers stationed at a military installation, there are military treatment facilities where you can get access to a primary care doctor.
What life insurance policies are available to me?
Survivors of Soldiers who die on active duty or in certain reserve duties (regardless of cause of death) may be eligible to receive a tax-free payment of $100,000 from the Armed Forces death gratuity program. All service members can sign up for Service Members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), low-cost group life insurance for Active-Duty, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard Soldiers. SGLI coverage is available in $10,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. SGLI premiums are currently $.065 per $1,000 of insurance, regardless of the member's age.
What specific special needs programs does TRICARE offer?
TRICARE offers several services under the basic TRICARE benefit for those with special needs, including: Applied Behavioral Analysis, Cancer Clinical Trials, Durable Medical Equipment, Home Health Care, Hospice Care, Mental Health Care, and Skilled Nursing Facility Care. TRICARE also has several special programs that provide services beyond the basic TRICARE benefit for those with special needs.
Do you get health care for life if you join the Army?
TRICARE offers several services under the basic TRICARE benefit for those with special needs, including: Applied Behavioral Analysis, Cancer Clinical Trials, Durable Medical Equipment, Home Health Care, Hospice Care, Mental Health Care, and Skilled Nursing Facility Care. TRICARE also has several special programs that provide services beyond the basic TRICARE benefit for those with special needs.
Explore More Army Benefits
Browse the other benefits that support your success during and after your service.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.