The Role of the VA FMP Program in Getting Support Abroad
For many veterans, life after military service takes them far beyond U.S. borders. Whether you’re settling overseas or spending extended periods abroad, access to quality healthcare, especially behavioral health and addiction treatment, is crucial.
The VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) was created to make sure eligible veterans continue to get care for service-connected conditions, even outside the United States. The FMP connects a veteran’s service-connected conditions to their eligibility for overseas care, so benefits are directly tied to their specific service-related health needs.
In a nutshell, the FMP is a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare plan that pays veterans back for care received in foreign countries for disabilities the VA has already determined are service-connected. This structured plan supports veterans living abroad, so they can get the medical services they need without a monthly premium.
For behavioral health and substance use treatment, this can include conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders that have been formally recognized as connected to your military service.
Our guide from the experts at TriCareRehabs.com breaks down all you need to know about the VA FMP, so that you (or a loved one) can get the care you need and deserve, no matter where you are located.
Who’s Eligible for the VA Foreign Medical Program?
Enrollment in the VA FMP is not automatic. You must have at least one VA-rated, service-connected disability and be living or traveling outside the United States. This includes U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Once enrolled, you can get care for any disability or condition that’s service-connected, or for conditions that are secondary to a service-connected issue.
For example, if you have PTSD recognized as a service-connected disability and later develop alcohol use disorder as a result of self-medicating symptoms of trauma, treatment for both conditions would be covered under the program.
Family members and dependents of veterans are generally not eligible for FMP coverage, except in specific cases under the CHAMPVA program, which is separate. A spouse is not typically eligible for FMP coverage unless they qualify under CHAMPVA or other specific VA programs.
How Does the VA FMP Program Work to Help Veterans Abroad?
The VA Foreign Medical Program is administered through the VA Health Administration Center in Denver, Colorado, which processes claims and reimbursements for care received abroad.
It’s reimbursement-based, so you pay upfront for the care and then submit a claim to the VA. Once the claim is approved, the VA pays you back. Healthcare services can be provided by any licensed medical professional outside the United States, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and addiction specialists.
However, the treatment must be related to an approved, service-connected condition.
To get reimbursed, you must submit specific documents, such as completed claim forms, invoices showing the amount paid, and treatment records detailing the care provided.
For behavioral health, this may include:
- Outpatient counseling or psychotherapy sessions to treat mental health symptoms
- Inpatient or residential treatment to treat PTSD, depression, or substance use disorders
- Medication management to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or opioid use disorder
- Rehabilitation or follow-up care to treat addiction recovery needs
The FMP does not have a global network of providers, but you can choose qualified professionals near where you live or travel as long as their credentials meet VA standards and documentation is thorough.
What are Health Care Options Abroad for Veterans?
For veterans living or traveling outside the United States, the VA Health Care system offers several options to ensure continued access to medical care. The cornerstone of this support is the Foreign Medical Program (FMP), which covers the cost of health care services related to VA-rated, service-connected disabilities in foreign countries.
By enrolling in the FMP, you can get care for approved service-connected conditions, with the program paying for medical services such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and prescription medications.
Registering for the Foreign Medical Program is easy: just register online or by mail by completing the required VA Form 10-7959f-1. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a benefits authorization letter that lists which service-connected disabilities are covered. This letter is required for medical care and submitting claims for reimbursement.
The VA Healthcare System Abroad
Beyond the FMP, the VA Health Care system offers additional resources and support for veterans abroad. You can contact the FMP office for help with claims, enrollment, or any questions about your medical program. The VA website is also a great resource, with information on eligibility, covered services, and how to complete claims.
In many countries, you can get VA health care services through community care programs, which allow you to see local, VA-approved healthcare providers. This flexibility means you can get care close to home, even if you’re far from a VA medical facility. The VA also supports veterans with service-connected disabilities through disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to promote health and independence.
If a veteran is affected by a long-term fraud scheme, such as the one in Panama, the VA takes action to protect veterans’ access to care. Providers involved in fraudulent activities may be suspended, but veterans can still get care from other approved providers. The VA will never let a veteran lose access to medical services due to fraud or provider misconduct.
Accessing Care Through the FMP and the VA
To get care through the FMP, you must submit claims for reimbursement, online or by mail. The VA processes these claims and pays you back for covered medical costs, so you don’t have to bear the financial burden of getting care abroad. For questions or support, contact the FMP office.
The VA Health Care system goes beyond the FMP. Programs like the international patient transfer program allow eligible veterans to get care at VA medical facilities in the United States or at approved international sites if specialized care is needed. These options, combined with ongoing support and resources, mean veterans with service-connected disabilities can get high-quality care, no matter where they live.
By offering various health care options, including the Foreign Medical Program, community care, and international patient transfer, the VA ensures veterans living abroad have the support, resources, and access to medical care they need. Register and review your eligibility, and stay connected with the VA for any questions or changes in your health care needs.
What is FMP Behavioral Health Coverage Like?
Mental health and addiction care can be complex when treatment occurs in another country where systems of care and licensing may be different.
The FMP recognizes this and will never leave a veteran without access to behavioral health support.
Covered behavioral health services include:
- Therapy and counseling for PTSD, trauma, or depression
- Detoxification and medically supervised withdrawal when directly related to a service-connected condition
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use disorders
- Hospital care (inpatient services), including hospitalization or residential treatment when medically necessary
- Follow-up care after discharge from an inpatient or rehab facility
To get reimbursed, you must submit clinical documentation showing treatment was related to a service-connected condition and was provided by a licensed healthcare professional.
Substance Use and Addiction Treatment Through the FMP
Substance use disorders are the most common conditions connected to military service. Many veterans develop alcohol or drug dependency as a way to cope with trauma, chronic pain, or untreated mental health issues.
Under the FMP, if the substance use disorder has been formally recognized as service-connected, addiction treatment abroad is covered.
Examples of covered services include:
- Medically managed detoxification
- Residential or inpatient rehabilitation
- Outpatient therapy or relapse prevention
- Medication management (such as naltrexone, buprenorphine, or acamprosate)
- Follow-up or aftercare planning with licensed clinicians
Veterans who move or are traveling abroad for work, retirement, or family reasons can continue to get addiction treatment through the FMP, so distance from the U.S. doesn’t mean a break in care.
How to Enroll in the VA Foreign Medical Program
Enrollment starts by completing VA Form 10-7959f-1, the Foreign Medical Program Registration Form (see link above in article). This can be mailed or faxed to the VA FMP office in Denver. Veterans should include documentation of their service-connected disability ratings and a local mailing address abroad.
Once approved, the veteran receives an official FMP Benefits Authorization Letter, which lists the specific disabilities covered. Veterans can then start getting treatment and submitting claims for reimbursement.
When submitting a claim, the veteran must include:
- An itemized bill or invoice from the provider
- Proof of payment
- A medical report or statement describing the treatment received
- The provider’s credentials and contact information
The FMP pays in U.S. dollars via direct deposit or check once the claim is reviewed and approved.
Why the FMP Matters for Behavioral Health
Addiction and mental health treatment are not bound by geography. Veterans who move abroad should never have to choose between living where they feel most at peace and getting the care they need.
The VA Foreign Medical Program bridges that gap by ensuring continuity of care for service-connected behavioral health conditions.
Access to therapy, psychiatric care, and substance use treatment can help veterans stay in recovery and stable, no matter where they live.
For those who have already fought through the challenges of addiction or mental illness, the FMP means not just financial reimbursement but the VA’s promise to support lifelong well-being.
Supporting Veterans in Recovery Around the World
For veterans who have served their country and now live abroad, maintaining mental health and sobriety is often a daily commitment. Relocation can bring new stressors, including language barriers, cultural differences, or reduced access to familiar support systems.
VA health care providers play a pivotal role in supporting veterans’ recovery and access to care, even when veterans live outside the United States.
The VA Foreign Medical Program ensures qualified veterans stay connected to care, whether through local providers, telehealth where available, or coordinated care plans established before leaving the U.S.
Veterans are encouraged to keep thorough medical records, get treatment summaries from providers, and stay in touch with the FMP office to ensure smooth claim processing.
Addiction recovery is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. Through the FMP, veterans can continue to receive evidence-based care such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions, and medication-assisted treatment, all covered under their service-connected benefits.
Reaching Out for Support Using the FMP as a Veteran
The VA Foreign Medical Program is key to honoring the promise made to veterans – that their service-connected conditions will be treated no matter where life takes them.
For veterans with behavioral health or addiction issues, the FMP means treatment, counseling, and medication will be available and covered under VA oversight.
Veterans planning to move or spend extended time abroad should review their disability ratings, confirm eligibility, and complete the FMP registration process before departure. For the most up-to-date information on registration, claims, and overseas coverage, veterans should visit the official VA Foreign Medical Program page. Veterans living in Canada should be aware that the FMP has specific procedures and coverage details unique to Canada.
Get Proven Support Across the United States Using TRICARE Today
While our resource has delved deeply into FMP for those living overseas, it is important to know that TriCareRehabs.com can help with accredited treatment center options in the United States that take TRICARE, as well as plans such as TRICARE for Life, which often cover veterans and those retired from active duty.
While we respect the rights of veterans to live abroad and get the care out of the country, our focus is on finding TRICARE-approved facilities right here in America. We would be honored if you reached out to us for proven support options, and we will do our utmost to help you (or a loved one who served our country) get the care you need and deserve.
Please do not hesitate to reach out confidentially for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
FAQs on FMP Mental Health Coverage
Can I get emergency care abroad?
Yes. Emergency care for a service-connected condition can be reimbursed through the FMP if proper documentation is submitted afterwards.
Does the program cover transportation or travel costs?
No. The FMP only covers medical care, not travel or lodging.
Do I need preauthorization to use the FMP for mental health support?
Preauthorization is not usually required but veterans can contact the FMP office if undergoing major procedures or extended residential care.
Does my condition have to be listed as service-connected already?
Only officially recognized service-connected conditions are eligible. Veterans who believe a behavioral health or addiction issue is service-related should file a claim with the VA before seeking coverage abroad.
Can I use TRICARE and the VA Foreign Medical Program together?
No. The programs are separate and coverage should not overlap. Veterans eligible for both may need to coordinate with each program to determine which applies to their situation.
How do I access my VA benefits while living or traveling abroad?
Veterans can access information about their VA benefits, including eligibility and claim status, through the VA website or by contacting the Center for Minority Veterans, which promotes awareness of VA benefits and services for diverse veteran populations. The FMP office can also help with accessing VA claim-related information while overseas.
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