Foreign Medical Program (FMP)
Overview
The Foreign Medical Program reimburses veterans for healthcare related to service-connected disabilities when living or traveling outside the United States.
Pro Tip: Living overseas? The Foreign Medical Program covers treatment for service-connected conditions outside the US. You don't lose your benefits just because you moved to Thailand for the weather.
Eligibility
Two groups qualify for FMP coverage:
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Service-connected veterans | Any rated service-connected disability |
| VR&E participants | Active enrollment in Veteran Readiness & Employment while abroad |
Important: You do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or actively using VA health services to qualify for FMP.
Enrollment Steps
- Submit VA Form 10-7959f-1 (registration form) through VA's online portal
- VA verifies your service-connected conditions
- Receive authorization letter listing covered conditions
Covered Services
What FMP Pays For
| Service Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hospitalization | Inpatient care |
| Outpatient treatment | Office visits, clinic care |
| Emergency services | Urgent and emergent care |
| Medications | FDA-approved drugs for service-connected conditions |
| Durable medical equipment | Standard functional equipment |
| Prosthetics | Replacement and repair |
| Skilled nursing | Post-acute care needs |
| Physical therapy | When physician-supervised |
What FMP Does Not Cover
Medical services: - Experimental or investigational treatments - Dental care (even if service-connected) - Long-term psychiatric care - Nursing home care - Adult day care or assisted living - Custodial care - Non-medical home care - Gender transition procedures - Family planning/sterilization - Luxury features on medical equipment
Administrative costs: - Late payment fees - Check cashing fees - Postage - Travel to appointments
Provider restrictions: - Services from barred or excluded providers
Provider Selection
You may choose any licensed healthcare provider. The VA does not maintain preferred provider networks abroad.
Documentation tip: English-language records process faster, but non-English documents are accepted. Allow additional processing time for translation.
Pre-Authorization
| Situation | Pre-Authorization Required? |
|---|---|
| Service-connected condition treatment | No |
| VR&E participant treatment | Yes |
Cost and Reimbursement
FMP services are ultimately free to veterans. Two payment paths exist:
Option 1 - Veteran pays first: - Pay the provider directly - Submit claim for reimbursement - Receive payment from VA
Option 2 - Provider bills FMP: - Provider submits documentation to FMP - VA pays provider directly - Veteran pays nothing out of pocket
Warning: The VA does not cover late fees. If you choose Option 1 and the reimbursement takes longer than expected, any late fees are your responsibility.
Filing Claims
Required Documentation
- Complete VA Form 10-7959f-2
- Include itemized bills and receipts
- Attach medical records documenting treatment
- Provide English translations when possible
Deadline
Submit claims within 2 years of: - Service date (for outpatient care) - Discharge date (for inpatient care)
Best Practice
Submit claims weekly or monthly rather than accumulating them. Smaller, frequent submissions reduce issues with lost paperwork and deadline timing.
Contact Information
Email: hac.fmp@va.gov
Online: Ask VA portal
Fax: - International (except Canada): 303-331-7803 - Canada: 613-991-0305
Mail:
VHA Office of Community Care
Foreign Medical Program (FMP)
PO Box 200
Spring City, PA 19475, USA
Toll-Free Numbers by Country
| Country | Number |
|---|---|
| USA/Canada | 877-345-8179 |
| Germany | 0800-1800-011 |
| Australia | 1-800-354-965 |
| Italy | 1-800-782-655 |
| United Kingdom | 0800-032-7425 |
| Mexico | 001-877-345-8179 |
| Japan | 00531-13-0871 |
| Costa Rica | 0800-013-0759 |
| Spain | 900-981-776 |
Common Questions
Do I need to register before traveling?
Short-term travelers can use FMP without pre-registration. Veterans relocating permanently should notify VHA of their foreign address.
Does FMP cover me when I return to the US?
No. Enroll in VA healthcare through normal channels when you return.
Can the VA mail my medications abroad?
No. FMP reimburses for medications obtained locally; the VA pharmacy system does not ship internationally.
How do I appeal a denied claim?
Send written appeal with supporting evidence within one year to:
VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care
Appeals
PO Box 600
Spring City, PA 19475
How do I receive reimbursement?
Veterans with US bank accounts can receive direct deposit. Otherwise, payment is by check mailed to your address.
Legal Authority
- 38 CFR Section 17.35 (Hospital care and outpatient services in foreign countries)
- VHA Foreign Medical Program Policy Manual
Chief's Take: FMP is one of the best-kept secrets for veterans living abroad. Your service-connected conditions don't stop being service-connected because you crossed a border. Register before you need it, keep your receipts organized, and file claims regularly. The reimbursement process works if you stay on top of the paperwork.