Many veterans don’t realize they can receive world-class healthcare outside the U.S. through the Foreign Medical Program (FMP), a VA benefit that covers service-connected treatments abroad. If you’re a veteran living or traveling internationally, or exploring care in places like Punta Cana or other veteran clinics abroad, understanding FMP could open a new chapter of freedom and wellness in 2025.
What the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) Is and How It Works
The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a VA-administered health benefit for U.S. veterans living or traveling outside the United States. It covers the treatment of service-connected conditions, meaning conditions that have been officially recognized as related to your military service.
Who Qualifies for the Foreign Medical Program
You qualify for the Foreign Medical Program abroad if:
You are a U.S. veteran with at least one VA-rated, service-connected disability.
You live full-time or part-time outside the U.S. (for example, among veterans in Punta Cana).
You receive treatment for that specific condition from an approved clinic or provider.
Veterans can register online or by mail with the VA’s Foreign Medical Program office before traveling.
Do You Qualify for FMP Abroad?
Check the boxes that apply to you to see if you meet the basic requirements.
What Services and Conditions Are Covered Under FMP
The VA FMP benefits cover care related to service-connected conditions such as:
PTSD or mental health care
Orthopedic injuries (like knee, shoulder, or back issues)
Hearing loss or tinnitus
Respiratory issues from deployment environments
Certain chronic illnesses or long-term conditions
Routine checkups or unrelated medical issues are not covered, but some veterans clinics abroad offer affordable packages for additional care.
How FMP Differs from Regular VA Benefits
The Foreign Medical Program is designed specifically for veterans living overseas, while traditional VA Health Care applies to facilities in the U.S.
Unlike the VA system, FMP allows veterans to:
Choose where and when to receive treatment
Get reimbursed directly for covered care abroad
Access English-speaking providers in places like veteran clinics in the Dominican Republic
This flexibility makes it especially attractive for those exploring veterans care abroad options.
Why More Veterans Are Using the Foreign Medical Program Abroad in 2025
The Delays in U.S. Healthcare
Even with VA support, many veterans face long wait times or limited access to specialty care. That’s why more are discovering the FMP abroad, where treatment is faster, personalized, and provided by qualified international professionals.
The Appeal of International Healthcare Options
Healthcare abroad, especially in regions like Punta Cana, offers not only affordability but also a sense of peace. Many veterans Dominican Republic programs focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit, allowing veterans to recover away from the stress of urban hospital systems.
Real Examples: Veterans Finding Quality Care in the Dominican Republic
Programs like Veterans Care International (VCI) have built full-service veteran clinics in the Dominican Republic, offering everything from physical therapy and counseling to holistic treatments and rehabilitation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use FMP Overseas
Enrolling and Verifying Eligibility
Visit the VA FMP enrollment page and submit your application (VA Form 10-7959f-1).
Include documentation of your service-connected conditions.
Wait for your FMP authorization letter: this confirms your eligibility for care abroad.
Finding an FMP-Authorized Clinic Abroad
Look for veteran clinics or veterans care providers familiar with FMP. For example, veteran medical clinics abroad like VCI in Punta Cana work directly with veterans to handle approvals and paperwork.
The Role of Veterans Care International (VCI)
How VCI Simplifies FMP Access for Veterans Abroad
VCI helps veterans navigate FMP requirements from start to finish. The team assists with:
Registration and documentation
Communication with the VA’s FMP office
Direct billing and claim filing support
This means you focus on healing, not paperwork.
Services Available at VCI Clinics in the Dominican Republic
VCI clinics offer a range of veterans care options:
Physical and occupational therapy
Chiropractic and psychological care
Group therapy, sound therapy, and holistic recovery
Recreational and community activities for veterans
Real-Life Impact: Veterans Healing and Reconnecting in Punta Cana
Many veterans in Punta Cana report that care through VCI has helped them rebuild confidence, mobility, and peace of mind. It’s not just treatment, it’s transformation.
Comparing FMP Abroad to Traditional VA Care
- Flexibility and Accessibility: While VA care in the U.S. offers extensive resources, FMP abroad provides flexibility for veterans living overseas. You can receive approved care without needing to travel back home.
- Personalized and Holistic Treatment Options: Programs like VCI’s veteran medical clinics abroad combine traditional and alternative therapies, helping veterans heal physically and emotionally in peaceful settings like the Dominican Republic.
- Affordability and Quality of Life: Living costs and care expenses are often lower abroad, meaning veterans can stretch their FMP reimbursements further while enjoying a higher quality of life.
Your Next Step: Accessing FMP Benefits Abroad
What to Prepare Before You Travel
Before leaving the U.S., ensure your FMP registration is complete and your medical records are updated. Bring copies of your VA disability ratings and treatment history.
How to Get Started with VCI
If you’re exploring care options through veterans clinics abroad, contact Veterans Care International (VCI). Their staff will help verify your FMP eligibility and connect you with specialists in Punta Cana.
Why More Veterans Are Choosing to Heal Abroad
For many, using the Foreign Medical Program abroad means freedom, freedom from delays, from stress, and from feeling forgotten. In places like the veteran clinic Dominican Republic, veterans find community, respect, and care that truly understands their journey.
