What Is the VA Foreign Medical Program?
The VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) authorizes VA to pay for medical care received outside the United States for veterans' service-connected (SC) conditions — and for any condition that could aggravate an SC condition. Authorized under 38 USC §1724 and 38 CFR §17.35. Administered by the VA Denver Logistics Center.
How to Register and File Claims
Step 1 — Register: VA Form 10-7959f-1
Complete and mail VA Form 10-7959f-1 to the FMP office in Denver (PO Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061). This is a one-time registration — no renewal needed.
Step 2 — Get Your FMP Authorization Letter
Download your FMP Authorization Letter from VA.gov → Records → Download VA Letters. Carry it when you travel. Show it to foreign providers before treatment.
Step 3 — Receive Care Abroad
Visit any licensed medical provider in the foreign country for your service-connected condition. Pay out of pocket — FMP is a reimbursement program.
Step 4 — File: VA Form 10-7959f-2
Complete VA Form 10-7959f-2 (Foreign Medical Program Claim). Attach itemized receipts and medical records. Mail to the Denver FMP office. Reimbursement typically arrives within 30–60 days.
What FMP Covers
Covered
Medical treatment for service-connected conditions. Prescriptions for SC conditions. Diagnostic tests (labs, X-rays, imaging) related to SC conditions. Physical therapy and rehabilitation for SC conditions. Emergency care for SC conditions — even without prior FMP registration.
Not Covered
Care for non-service-connected conditions. Routine wellness visits for non-SC conditions. Dental care (unless SC dental at 100%). Cosmetic procedures.
FMP Contact — Denver Office
VA Foreign Medical Program — 1-303-331-7590
For questions about registration, country-specific coverage, or claims status. You can also submit questions through Ask VA (ask.va.gov) — select "Foreign Medical Program" as the topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rating do I need to use the FMP?
Any service-connected rating — even 0% non-compensable. As long as you have at least one service-connected condition, you are eligible for FMP reimbursement for care related to that condition abroad.
Does this work for vacations or only permanent relocation?
Both. The FMP applies whether you live abroad permanently or are traveling temporarily. Register before your next international trip and carry your FMP Authorization Letter.
What if I have an emergency abroad and am not registered?
VA will still reimburse emergency care for service-connected conditions even if you haven't registered. File VA Form 10-7959f-2 retroactively with documentation of the emergency, then register before future travel.
Does FMP work in all countries?
The FMP works in most countries. Some restrictions apply for countries under US sanctions. Contact the Denver FMP office at 1-303-331-7590 to confirm coverage for a specific destination.