How can veterans living abroad get assistance if there are no VA hospitals nearby?

SFC Nelson Velilla — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:07:21 -0400

I live in Mexico now. I have a 40% disability rating without any VA hospitals near by. What can I do? Is there any assistance for veterans living abroad?

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Apr 18 at 2024 2:13 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:13:24 -0400

"Getting healthcare overseas
As a Veteran living or traveling abroad, you can receive medical care for VA service-connected disabilities through our VA Foreign Medical Program. Under this program, we assume payment responsibility for the necessary treatment of service-connected disabilities. You can visit our Foreign Medical Program page for more information. There are regional toll-free phone numbers on this page that you can call for additional assistance."

https://www.va.gov/health-care/foreign-medical-program/

Foreign Medical Program (FMP) | Veterans Affairs

If you’re a Veteran who gets medical care outside the U.S. for a service-connected condition, we may cover the cost of your care. Read this page to find out howthe Foreign Medical Program (FMP) works and how to register.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 18 at 2024 7:55 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:55:23 -0400

The VA has a lot of information for Veterans living overseas.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-abroad.asp#:~:text=As%20a%20Veteran%20living%20or,treatment%20of%20service%2Dconnected%20disabilities.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by SFC Nelson Velilla made Apr 18 at 2024 8:58 PM

SFC Nelson Velilla — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:58:02 -0400

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 19 at 2024 2:07 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:07:54 -0400

I live in Denmark, get my VA care through the Foreign Medical Program. I attend a private doc. Sometimes it is a little run around, but it gets done. Now they have "contractors" who set up your physical appointments which is a lot easier now than years ago.

Response by PVT Steven Bornman made Apr 24 at 2024 7:58 PM

PVT Steven Bornman — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:58:16 -0400

If you are retired then you can use Tricare in a foreign country as well. The VA foreign medical program is for service connected conditions only, and any non service connected conditions you will pay full price without reimbursement from the VA.

Response by PO3 Tajuana Massey made Apr 25 at 2024 4:39 PM

PO3 Tajuana Massey — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:39:47 -0400

Which part of Mexico are you living? I am considering moving to Mexico once I retire from the VA in another year and want to know what I need to do as far as obtaining passport and things.

Response by PO3 Tajuana Massey made Apr 25 at 2024 4:47 PM

PO3 Tajuana Massey — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:47:51 -0400

What part of Mexico are you living? I am considering moving overseas to Mexico once I retire from the VA in another year and want to know how to go about obtaining passport and other info?