Foreign Medical Program: Healthcare Benefits for Veterans Overseas

Foreign Medical Program Healthcare Benefits for Veterans Overseas

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides numerous benefits to veterans, including healthcare services. While most veterans are familiar with VA healthcare benefits within the United States, many may not realize that healthcare support is available even if they live abroad. The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is designed to assist eligible veterans by covering the costs of medical care related to service-connected disabilities while residing outside the U.S. Leah explores the key aspects of the FMP, including covered services, exclusions, and how to apply for benefits.

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What is the Foreign Medical Program (FMP)?

The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a VA healthcare benefit that covers the cost of medical care for eligible veterans living outside the United States. Specifically, it reimburses veterans for medical treatment related to service-connected disabilities. If a veteran has a condition that has been officially recognized by the VA as service-connected, they can receive financial support for necessary treatments while residing in another country.

This program is crucial for veterans who have chosen to live overseas, ensuring they still receive essential healthcare benefits even though they are outside the traditional VA healthcare system.

Who is Eligible for the FMP?

To qualify for the Foreign Medical Program, a veteran must meet the following criteria:

  • They must be living outside the United States (including U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands).
  • They must have a VA-recognized service-connected disability.
  • The treatment they seek must be related to their service-connected condition.

Veterans who meet these criteria can register for the program and begin receiving covered medical care.

What Medical Services Does the FMP Cover?

The Foreign Medical Program provides reimbursement for medically necessary treatments related to service-connected disabilities. Some of the key services covered include:

Outpatient and Inpatient Care

  • Routine office visits and outpatient care.
  • Hospitalization for conditions related to service-connected disabilities.
  • Emergency and urgent care when needed.

Medical Equipment and Supplies

  • Prosthetics, such as artificial limbs or orthopedic devices.
  • Wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
  • Braces and other medical devices prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Prescription Medications

  • The VA covers medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Medications must be prescribed for the treatment of a service-connected disability.

Skilled Nursing Care

  • Wound care and post-surgical recovery services.
  • Medication administration by licensed healthcare professionals.
  • Physical therapy to assist in rehabilitation for service-connected conditions.

What Services Are NOT Covered by the FMP?

While the Foreign Medical Program covers a range of medical services, there are some exclusions. The following are not covered under the FMP:

Experimental or Non-FDA Approved Treatments

  • Any treatments or procedures not recognized by the VA or U.S. medical standards.
  • Experimental drugs or therapies that have not been FDA-approved.

Long-Term and Assisted Living Care

  • Nursing home stays or assisted living facility care.
  • Adult day healthcare services or home companion care.
  • Non-medical home care services, such as housekeeping or personal assistance.

Other Non-Medical Services

  • Cosmetic procedures unless required due to a service-connected disability.
  • Gym memberships, spas, or alternative health treatments.
  • Deluxe medical equipment (e.g., electric beds with remote controls, stair-climbing wheelchairs).

Travel Costs and Administrative Fees

  • Transportation costs for medical care, including airfare or gas.
  • Postage, late charges, check-cashing fees, and other administrative expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the FMP

Does the FMP Cover Dental Care?

  • Yes, but only if the dental treatment is required due to a service-connected condition.
  • The VA may also cover a one-time dental examination and treatment for veterans within 90 days of discharge, provided they did not receive a complete dental exam at separation.

Does the FMP Cover COVID-19 Vaccines?

  • Yes, the FMP provides coverage for COVID-19 vaccines and related treatments.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Doctor?

  • No, veterans can choose any licensed healthcare provider in the country where they reside or travel.
  • No prior VA approval or referral is required for receiving care under the FMP.

What If My Medical Records Are in a Foreign Language?

  • The VA will translate medical documents into English, but this can cause delays in processing claims.
  • To speed up the process, veterans are encouraged to seek providers who can issue records in English.

How to Register for the Foreign Medical Program

To receive FMP benefits, veterans must first register with the VA. The registration process involves:

  1. Filling out the required forms – Veterans can find the registration forms on va.gov.
  2. Submitting proof of service-connected disability – The VA will verify eligibility.
  3. Sending the application via mail or fax to the designated VA office handling foreign medical claims.

Filing an FMP Claim

Once registered, veterans can submit claims for reimbursement. The process includes:

  1. Receiving medical treatment for a service-connected disability.
  2. Gathering necessary documentation, including:
    • Medical invoices
    • Doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan
    • Proof of payment
  3. Submitting the claim to the VA’s Foreign Medical Program office.

Details on filing claims can be found on va.gov, where veterans can access step-by-step guidance.

Seeking Assistance for FMP and Other VA Benefits

Navigating VA benefits can be challenging, especially for veterans living abroad. While medical professionals can provide guidance on medical opinions related to VA disability claims, veterans seeking official legal assistance should contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney. These professionals can:

  • Provide legal advice on eligibility and claims.
  • Assist in filing appeals if a claim is denied.
  • Help veterans maximize their benefits.

To find an accredited legal representative, veterans can use the search tool on va.gov or call the VA’s 1-800 number for further assistance.

Conclusion

The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) ensures that eligible veterans living outside the U.S. receive necessary medical care for service-connected disabilities. While it covers essential treatments, medical equipment, and prescription medications, veterans should be aware of exclusions such as long-term care and non-service-connected treatments.

By registering for the FMP and understanding the claims process, veterans abroad can effectively access the healthcare they have earned through their service. For additional questions or assistance, veterans should reach out to the VA or accredited legal professionals to ensure they receive the full benefits available to them.

Also read: Rudisill Decision: Big News for Veterans’ GI Bill Benefits!

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

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Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

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During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.