Moving from the United States
VA cover abroad is service-connected care only
US VA hospitals do not follow you overseas. The Foreign Medical Program can pay medically necessary care you receive in a foreign country for a VA-rated service-connected disability, for a condition associated with one that aggravates it, or for Veteran Readiness and Employment care. It does not pay an ordinary illness.
Information only, not insurance, tax, or benefits advice. Official rules and your plan documents take precedence. Checked 4 October 2026.
The boundary
VA states that FMP is only for care in a foreign country, and that it will not cover care or supplies in the US or US territories. A rating for a knee does not pay a stomach bug in Thailand. Register with FMP for the service-connected condition, and buy international cover for everything else. This page does not explain how to file a claim. The rules are on VA.gov, Foreign Medical Program.
Common questions
- Does the VA cover me overseas?
- Only through the Foreign Medical Program, and only for a VA-rated service-connected disability, a condition that aggravates one, or Veteran Readiness and Employment care.
- Does a 10% rating mean I have health cover abroad?
- No. FMP does not pay ordinary illnesses. It also does not pay care in the US or US territories.