Foreign Medical Program

General Information About the Foreign Medical Program

The Foreign Medical Program is a healthcare benefits program for US veterans with VA-rated service-connected conditions who are residing or traveling abroad (Canada and Philippines excluded). Under FMP, VA assumes payment responsibility for certain necessary medical services associated with the treatment of those service-connected conditions. This information addresses the procedures for obtaining healthcare services for service-connected conditions while in a foreign country and how to file a claim for VA payment or reimbursement.

With the exception of medical services received in Canada and the Philippines, all foreign provided services are under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) Office in Denver, Colorado. Services provided in Canada and the Philippines are under separate jurisdictions as indicated below.

Medical Services in Canada and the Philippines

Application Process/Registration

Although pre-registration for eligible veterans is not necessary, veterans who are permanently relocating to a country under the FMP Office's jurisdiction are encouraged to notify the FMP Office upon establishing a permanent foreign mailing address (see below for FMP address and telephone number). At that time, arrangements will be made for FMP registration and the mailing of detailed program material. Included in the program material will be an FMP Handbook which will provide detailed information on benefit coverage and limitations, how to select healthcare providers, and claim filing instructions. You can download a registration form by clicking here.

Veterans who are simply traveling and are not planning on a permanent relocation need not bother with notification. Program information, however, is available upon request.

Please Note*

A copy of you rating decision that includes the listing and description of all service-connected disabilities is required to determine veteran eligibility. If you do not have a copy of your rating decision, the FMP will request one from your servicing Regional Office.

Benefits

Generally, as long as the service is medically necessary for the treatment of a VA rated service-connected condition, it will be covered. In addition to the general exclusions listed below, the services must be accepted by VA and/or the US medical community such as the American Medical Association and the US Food and Drug Administration.

General Exclusions

• procedures, treatments, drugs or devices that are experimental or investigational
• family planning services and sterilization
• infertility services
• plastic surgery primarily for cosmetic purposes
• chiropractic services
• procedures, services and supplies related to sex transformations
• non-acute institutional care such as long-term inpatient psychiatric care and nursing home care
• day care and day hospitalization
• non-medical home care (aid & attendance)
• abortions, except when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term
• travel, meals and lodging

Assistance

With the exception of services obtained in Canada and the Philippines (see above section), assistance with any other aspect of the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) can be obtained by writing to the following address. This address is also to be used when submitting claims.

VA Health Administration Center
Foreign Medical Program (FMP)
PO Box 65021
Denver CO 80206-9021
USA

Other Related Benefits

• Medical Benefits Package
• CHAMPVA
• TRICARE
• Minnesota DVA Optical and Dental Assistance
• Minnesota DVA Subsistence Program
• Minnesota State Veterans Homes