How to access the VA Foreign Medical Program (for veterans living abroad)
Step-by-step guide for U.S. veterans living overseas (retirees in Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, Costa Rica, etc.) to use the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). FMP reimburses for service-connected condition treatment received from foreign providers. NOT VA healthcare — reimbursement-only. 5 steps including eligibility, pre-authorization, claim filing.
What you'll need
- VA disability rating decision (showing service-connected conditions)
- VA Form 10-7959f-1 (Foreign Medical Program Registration Form)
- VA Form 10-7959f-2 (FMP Claim Cover Sheet)
- Foreign provider invoices + medical records
- Bank account info (for direct deposit reimbursement)
Step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm eligibility — service-connected conditions ONLY
FMP reimburses ONLY for treatment of CONDITIONS RATED SERVICE-CONNECTED on your VA disability record. Non-service-connected conditions are NOT covered. Eligibility: (a) veteran with VA disability rating, (b) currently living outside the U.S. + Puerto Rico (50 states + DC + territories are NOT eligible — different VA system), (c) treatment is for a service-connected condition. Note: FMP is reimbursement-only. Veterans pay foreign providers up-front, then submit claims for reimbursement.
Step 2: Register with FMP using VA Form 10-7959f-1
Register with the FMP office BEFORE seeking treatment (or as soon as possible after). Mail VA Form 10-7959f-1 to: VHA Office of Community Care, Foreign Medical Program (FMP), PO Box 469061, Denver CO 80246-9061 USA. Or fax to 303-331-7807. Or email to fmp.vacolorado@va.gov. Registration confirms you in the system + provides FMP claim instructions for your country.
Step 3: Get pre-authorization for non-emergency treatment (recommended)
For non-emergency care, request pre-authorization via FMP. Pre-auth confirms the treatment will be reimbursable BEFORE you incur the cost. Helpful for major procedures (surgeries, specialty consultations). Email FMP with: condition (must be service-connected), proposed treatment, foreign provider info, estimated cost. FMP responds with approval + reimbursement-rate guidance. Emergency treatment doesn't require pre-auth — file claim after the fact.
Step 4: Pay foreign provider, then file FMP claim
Pay foreign provider in local currency. Get itemized invoice + medical records (English translation helpful but not required — FMP has translation services). Submit claim using VA Form 10-7959f-2 + invoice + records to the FMP address above. Reimbursement typically 60-120 days. Direct deposit to U.S. or foreign bank account (VA supports international wire transfers in most countries).
Step 5: Coordinate with TRICARE (for some veterans)
Some veterans (particularly retired military) may have TRICARE coverage that overlaps with FMP. Generally: TRICARE covers active-duty + retiree healthcare; FMP covers service-connected condition treatment (after VA disability rating established). For retirees with both, TRICARE typically primary + FMP secondary. Coordinate via your TRICARE office. For non-retirees: FMP is your sole VA-related coverage abroad.
Critical tips
- FMP is REIMBURSEMENT — you pay foreign provider up-front. Maintain savings cushion for major treatments. Some VA disability income should fund this.
- For mental health care abroad: FMP covers it IF the condition is service-connected (e.g., service-connected PTSD). Vet Centers do NOT operate abroad — domestic only.
- For routine VA prescriptions: VA Mail Order Pharmacy ships internationally to many countries. Coordinate via your VAMC. Less complex than FMP for prescriptions.
- For retirees in Philippines: VA Manila Outpatient Clinic exists — direct VA care for some Filipino-American + Manila-area retired veterans. Different from FMP.
- In crisis abroad: 988 + Press 1 works internationally if you have a U.S. phone OR can reach a U.S. VPN endpoint. Else: contact your nearest U.S. embassy + ask for the VA Foreign Service Officer.