Tricare Extra is the second health care plan available to beneficiaries in the states, but it's not available overseas. This plan is designed for people who wish to have civilian doctors provide their outpatient care. The doctors must be part of the Tricare Extra network. In Tricare Extra, the government pays a larger share of the cost than it will under Tricare Standard and the beneficiary pays less. Again, it's not required to enroll in the program but you must select a doctor from the Tricare network.
Beneficiaries can also seek outpatient care at a military hospital on a space- available basis.
Tricare Prime is the last, and most popular, health care plan available. This is the only plan where the beneficiary must be physically enrolled in. This is usually a doctor or team of doctors at a military hospital. This Primary Care Manager will take care of all your health care needs and, if a specialist is needed, will refer you to one. Tricare Prime guarantees you will receive medical appointments quickly and you will receive priority treatment at military hospitals - no waiting for space to become available.