Health Care Abroad

Planning a trip, retiring overseas, or already living abroad? VA’s Foreign Medical Program can pay for care outside the U.S. for your service-connected conditions. You can use any licensed doctor, hospital or pharmacy, with no network and no pre-approval, and since 2026 no sign-up. This page explains:

what VA covers abroad and what it doesn’t
how to use your FMP benefits letter
what to tell the doctor
how to file a claim and get paid back
what to do in an emergency
how prescriptions, CHAMPVA and Medicare work overseas

Conditions that aren’t service-connected aren’t covered abroad, so plan ahead with travel or local insurance before you go.

Veterans Claims Education provides free educational information only and does not assist with or file claims. AI-assisted; questions or corrections: info@veteransclaimsedu.com