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Foreign Medical Program

Your VA benefits, plainly explained.

The VA's Foreign Medical Program (FMP) covers healthcare for service-connected conditions when you're outside the U.S. Here's exactly how it works, what's covered, and why veterans never receive a bill from our clinic, regardless of what FMP does or doesn't reimburse.

What is the Foreign Medical Program?

FMP is a VA benefit that pays for medical services and prescriptions for service-connected disabilities when you're outside the United States. It's administered by the VA Health Administration Center in Denver, Colorado, and it works with providers worldwide, including us.

If you have one or more service-connected disabilities rated by the VA, you're almost certainly eligible for FMP. The program has been in place for decades and is actively supporting veterans in more than 180 countries.

Quick eligibility check

You likely qualify for FMP if: (1) you have at least one service-connected disability rated by the VA, and (2) you need treatment for that condition (or a condition related to it) while living or traveling outside the U.S. Call us and we'll verify your specific situation in about 10 minutes.

What's covered

The short answer: more than most veterans realize.

FMP covers a wide range of medical, mental health, and rehabilitation services, as long as they're related to your service-connected condition(s). Here's what we see most often at our clinic.

✓ Covered by FMP (billed to VA)

  • Primary care visits for service-connected conditions
  • Specialist visits (cardiology, orthopedics, etc.) when related to rating
  • Prescriptions for service-connected conditions
  • Chiropractic care and physical therapy for musculoskeletal ratings
  • Mental health therapy (PTSD, depression, anxiety) when service-connected
  • Diagnostic tests, labs, and imaging related to covered conditions
  • Hospitalization and surgeries for service-connected conditions
  • Medical equipment and supplies when prescribed for covered conditions

We don't treat billing as the veteran's problem. Whether the VA pays us or we cover it ourselves, your out-of-pocket cost is zero.

Not registered with FMP yet?

If you've never used the Foreign Medical Program, registering is a one-time process, usually about 30 minutes. You'll need:

  • Your DD-214 or equivalent discharge documentation
  • Your VA rating decision letter (showing service-connected disabilities)
  • A current foreign mailing address
  • A valid passport

You register by completing VA Form 10-7959f-1 (initial claim) and submitting it to the VA FMP office in Denver. We can walk you through the form and submit it on your behalf during your first visit. Once approved, you're set for life.

Already registered? Bring your FMP ID.

If you've already enrolled with FMP, bring your FMP ID number to your first appointment. This lets us verify coverage and file claims faster.

Common questions

Do I need a pre-authorization for every visit?

No. Once you're registered with FMP and your condition is covered, routine care (including follow-ups, therapy sessions, and prescriptions) doesn't require case-by-case authorization. Higher- cost services like surgery or certain specialist care may require prior approval, and we handle those requests for you.

What if my condition isn't on my VA rating?

FMP only covers service-connected conditions, but our clinic treats every U.S. veteran for free regardless. If something new comes up that you believe is related to your service, we can document it and help you file for an expanded rating with the VA. Whether or not it ever gets added to your rating, your care here doesn't cost you anything.

Will I have to pay anything upfront?

No. Not upfront, not on the way out, not ever. We bill the VA directly for FMP-covered services. For anything FMP doesn't cover, including dental care, preventive visits, or non-rated conditions, the clinic absorbs the cost. U.S. veterans walk out without a bill. Period.

Can I still use a VA hospital when I'm back in the States?

Yes, absolutely. FMP doesn't replace your VA benefits, it supplements them when you're abroad. When you're in the U.S., use your normal VA providers. When you're in the DR or traveling internationally, use FMP.

Still have questions?

We'll figure it out with you.

Every veteran's situation is different. Call us and we'll verify your coverage, answer your questions, and schedule your first visit.

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