TRICARE Eye Insurance: Does It Cover LASIK?

TRICARE, the health insurance program for the U.S. military and their families, offers a range of vision coverage options. We’ll discuss the specifics of TRICARE eye insurance, including eligibility, plan types, covered services, and limitations.

Whether you're an active-duty service member, a retiree, or a dependent, understanding the details of TRICARE vision coverage is essential.

What is TRICARE Eye Insurance?

TRICARE eye insurance is for those registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). TRICARE insurance is only available to:

• Members of the Uniformed Service and their families
• Members of the National Guard or National Reserve and their families
• Medal of Honor recipients and their families
• Survivors of war
• Former spouses of DEERS members
• Anyone else who is registered in DEERS

There are two types of beneficiaries for TRICARE vision coverage. Sponsors include those on active duty, retired, or a member of the Guard or Reserve. Families include spouses and children who are registered in DEERS.

Types of TRICARE Plans for Vision Coverage

Different types of TRICARE plans are available for different types of beneficiaries. For example:

Insurance for Active Service Members	Insurance for Family Members
TRICARE Prime	TRICARE Select
TRICARE Prime Remote	US Family Health Plan
TRICARE Prime Overseas	TRICARE for Life
TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas	TRICARE Select Overseas
	TRICARE Young Adult

What Does TRICARE Cover?

Any eye care treatment that is medically necessary is also considered a vision benefit under all TRICARE vision plans. Depending on your health plan, your coverage may include:

• Diagnosis or treatment for eye conditions
• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses

All active duty members, as well as active guard and reserve members, are covered for yearly eye exams and glasses that the military medical or vision clinic issues. Sunglasses may also be available if they are considered necessary.

Dependents with TRICARE Prime are also eligible for an eye exam every two years. They must do the exam at a military treatment facility or authorized location. However, glasses are only available to dependents with serious medical conditions.

What Doesn’t TRICARE Cover?

For retirees, healthcare coverage may only include a routine eye exam every two years instead of every year. For retirees with TRICARE Select, TRICARE Young Adult Select, or TRICARE for Life, routine eye exams are not covered at all.

If you need more vision coverage, you may be eligible for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The FEDVIP is available during the open enrollment, and you can view plans in the online marketplace.

The costs of the FEDVIP program vary depending on your chosen plan. There may also be limitations on the costs of glasses or contact lenses. Check your plan to see what services are covered.

Does TRICARE Cover LASIK?

Vision insurance policies typically don’t cover LASIK because it’s considered an elective procedure, meaning it’s not medically necessary. Similarly, TRICARE insurance doesn’t cover LASIK.

However, some military hospitals and clinics offer vision correction procedures, including LASIK, at a reduced cost. Check with your local military facility to see what options might be available.

How to Acess Eye Care Providers in the TRICARE Network

TRICARE has a vast network of authorized providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists. You can easily search for providers in your area using TRICARE's online directory. 

Depending on your TRICARE plan, you might need a referral from your primary care manager or pre-authorization for certain services. Active-duty service members typically don't need referrals for routine eye exams with network providers. 

However, retirees and their families might require referrals, especially for specialty care. Check your plan's specific requirements to avoid any unexpected detours or delays in receiving care.