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What Happens to TRICARE When You Divorce? Military Spouse Insurance Guide

  • Writer: Claire Jaramillo
    Claire Jaramillo
  • Jun 30
  • 2 min read

Military divorce brings enough stress without worrying about health insurance. If you're a military spouse going through divorce in Virginia, understanding what happens to your TRICARE benefits is crucial for protecting your family's health coverage.



The 20-Year Rule: Will You Keep TRICARE?

The key factor determining your TRICARE eligibility after divorce is how long you were married:

  • Married 20+ years during military service: You may qualify for continued TRICARE

  • Married less than 20 years: You'll lose TRICARE benefits upon divorce finalization

  • Children's coverage: Depends on custody arrangements and sponsor's continued service


Timeline: When TRICARE Benefits End

Your TRICARE coverage doesn't end immediately when you file for divorce. Benefits typically continue until:

  • The divorce decree is final

  • You remarry

  • You become eligible for other coverage

This gives you time to plan – but not much.



Your Options After Losing TRICARE

  1. COBRA Continuation: If your spouse has civilian employer coverage

  2. Marketplace Plans: Through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace

  3. Private Health Insurance: Off-marketplace options often overlooked

  4. Short-term Coverage: For immediate gaps


Why Most Military Spouses Overpay

Having helped dozens of military families through this transition, I've seen the same mistakes repeatedly:

  • Only looking at marketplace plans (missing better private options)

  • Choosing based on premium alone (ignoring deductibles and networks)

  • Not verifying Virginia Beach/Norfolk provider networks

  • Waiting until the last minute to start shopping


Real Example: Sarah's Story

Sarah, a Navy spouse married 15 years, faced losing TRICARE during her divorce. She initially found a marketplace plan for $850/month for her and two children. After working together, we found private coverage for $540/month with lower deductibles and her children's current pediatrician in-network.


Action Steps for Military Spouses

  1. Start early: Begin researching options as soon as divorce proceedings start

  2. Document your timeline: Know exactly when your TRICARE ends

  3. Inventory your healthcare needs: Current doctors, medications, ongoing treatments

  4. Get professional help: The stakes are too high to navigate alone


Don't Navigate This Alone

As a Virginia health insurance advisor specializing in military family transitions, I understand the unique challenges you're facing. I've helped hundreds of military spouses secure quality coverage during some of the most stressful times in their lives.


Need help securing coverage after TRICARE? Call me at [PHONE] for a free consultation.

Don't Navigate This Transition Alone

As Virginia's trusted health insurance expert specializing in military family transitions, I understand the unique challenges you're facing during this difficult time. For over 8 years, I've helped hundreds of military spouses secure quality, affordable health coverage after losing TRICARE benefits.


Unlike online brokers or agents who work for one company, I partner with over 100 insurance carriers to find you the best possible options at the best possible price. My service is completely free to you, and I'll be here to answer questions throughout the year – not just during enrollment.


You don't have to figure this out alone. Call me today at 757.632.7567 or click here to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation. Let's make sure your family's health coverage is protected during this transition.


 
 
 

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