Blind and low vision veterans traveling or living in a foreign country and who have a service-connected condition that requires health care services may be covered for care by VA through the Foreign Medical Program (FMP). Veterans themselves or the provider abroad are reimbursed for their service-connected treatment if they meet at least one of three eligibility requirements. Veterans do not have to be enrolled in VA health care to be eligible for FMP.

Coverage is available to veterans in foreign countries if:

• They have a VA-rated service-connected disability.
• They have a condition associated with a service-connected disability that VA determines makes the disability worse (or “aggravates” it).
• The services are part of care that veterans receive as they participate in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program.

FMP is a lifetime benefit, meaning that there is no expiration or re-registration. Veterans can see any provider they choose overseas and no pre-authorization for care is needed. In addition to health care itself, the program also covers prescriptions if they are FDA-approved drugs. An additional benefit is that VA will translate documents for veterans, if necessary, during the process.

Visit the FMP Homepage to learn more about the program. Then register for FMP online. Questions can also be directed to 877-345-8179 Monday through Friday between 8:05am and 6:45pm Eastern Time.