What Happens to Your TRICARE Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Phone
1-844-866-9378
Action
Do NOT cancel — spouse may retain coverage
Note
Military health benefit for service members and families
Step-by-Step Guide
Contact TRICARE — do NOT cancel
Call TRICARE at 1-844-866-9378 to report the service member's death. Do NOT cancel the plan — surviving spouses and dependents are often eligible to continue coverage under TRICARE programs.
Estimated time: 45 min
Determine survivor eligibility
Ask about Transitional Survivor coverage and TRICARE benefits for surviving spouses and dependents. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the service member's death and length of service.
Update DEERS records
Work with the nearest military personnel office to update the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) with the death information. This is required to maintain dependent coverage.
Continue or transition coverage
Based on eligibility determination, either continue TRICARE coverage or transition to the appropriate survivor plan. Keep all documentation of the service member's military service.
Document Now Checklist
- TRICARE beneficiary ID / DoD ID number
- Service member's branch and rank
- Phone number: 1-844-866-9378
- DEERS enrollment information
- Names of all covered dependents
- Nearest military installation
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with TRICARE. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Note your Medicare number, Part A/B/C/D enrollment status, and any Medigap/supplement plan.
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