FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Pregnancy can be an exciting time. But it’s also a highly personal experience. Your maternity care choices can make a meaningful difference throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. TRICARE covers a range of
maternity care services and provider types. This coverage gives expecting mothers options while ensuring access to care.
“Having access to different types of providers allows expectant mothers to choose the support that best fits their needs,” said Jeannine Pickrell, MS, RN, director, Population Health, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “TRICARE coverage is designed to support safe, informed choices throughout pregnancy and postpartum care.”
Coverage for maternity care and childbirth
As detailed in the
TRICARE Maternity Care Brochure, TRICARE covers:
- Obstetric visits during pregnancy
- Ultrasounds
- Prenatal and postpartum physical therapy and pelvic floor therapy
- Prenatal carrier screening
- Management of high-risk pregnancies
- Hospital care during and after birth
- Deliveries at TRICARE-certified and authorized birthing centers or deliveries planned at home (in the U.S.)
- Breastfeeding support and breast pumps
- Anesthesia for pain management during labor and delivery
- Caesarean sections
Your costs depend on your TRICARE plan. Active duty service members and their family members with TRICARE Prime have no costs for maternity services.
How to get maternity care
Your path to maternity care depends on which TRICARE plan you have.
If you have TRICARE Prime:
- Start by calling your primary care manager. Your PCM will help coordinate all your maternity care.
- Does your military hospital or clinic have maternity services? If so, you’ll continue to get care there.
- If maternity care isn't available at your military hospital or clinic, your PCM will refer you to a civilian provider.
If you have TRICARE Prime Remote:
- Your assigned PCM will direct your care.
- You can see any TRICARE-authorized civilian provider. You must get pre-authorization from your regional contractor. Your PCM will help you with the pre-authorization process.
If you have TRICARE Select:
- You can see any TRICARE-approved provider without a referral.
- If you see a network provider, you’ll pay less out of pocket. They'll file claims for you.
- Non-network providers might charge more. You may need to file your own claims.
If you have TRICARE Young Adult:
- You follow the same rules as the plan you chose. This is either TYA-Prime or TYA-Select.
- TYA-Prime: You'll work with your assigned PCM for referrals.
- TYA-Select: You can see any TRICARE-approved provider without a referral.
- Remember: If you have a baby while on TYA, your child isn’t automatically covered by TRICARE. They’re only covered if the child's other parent is a sponsor.
For overseas maternity care:
Dental care during your pregnancy
Are you enrolled in the
TRICARE Dental Program? The TDP provides a third cleaning in a 12-month period during pregnancy.
Interested in using this benefit? Let your dental provider know that you're pregnant when scheduling your appointment.
Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration
The
Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration gives you access to more pregnancy and postnatal support. It covers services from specialized providers whose services aren’t otherwise covered by TRICARE.
To use the CBSD:
- You must have TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or TRICARE Select. (Note: You aren’t eligible if you have TRICARE For Life, the US Family Health Plan, or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.) Do you live overseas? You must enroll in the demonstration. It may not be available in all overseas locations.
- You need to be at least 20 weeks pregnant for childbirth support. You must be at least 27 weeks pregnant for breastfeeding support.
- You must plan to give birth outside a military hospital or clinic.
This demonstration runs through Dec. 31, 2026.
Coverage for your baby
Your baby gets their own TRICARE coverage after birth. But you need to
take action to ensure continuous coverage.
Childbirth is also a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event. This means you have 90 days to switch your family’s TRICARE health plan, if you want to make a change. All family members are eligible to change their health plan after a QLE.
Learn more and get support
Pregnancy and maternity care decisions can feel overwhelming. But understanding your TRICARE options can help you plan with confidence.
To learn more, you can:
Taking time to understand your coverage helps ensure access to the care and support you need throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
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