If you’re a U.S. veteran living abroad (or even just thinking about it) you might be wondering: “Am I eligible for the Foreign Medical Program?”
You’re not alone. At Veterans Care International, we hear this question all the time from veterans in Punta Cana, across the Dominican Republic, and anywhere outside the U.S. The good news is: the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is available for many veterans. You just need to know if you qualify, and how to apply.
This article will walk you through exactly who qualifies, what the program covers, and what to do next, whether you’re confident about your eligibility or just starting to explore your options.
Who Qualifies for the Foreign Medical Program (FMP)?
Wondering whether you qualify for the FMP? Here’s a simple way to break it down.
FMP Eligibility for Veterans
To be eligible, you generally need two things:
A service-connected condition officially recognized by the VA.
You’re either living or traveling outside the U.S. when receiving care for that condition.
Let’s take a closer look at both of these.
Veterans With Service-Connected Conditions
Already have service-connected disability compensation? You’re on the right path. The FMP only covers healthcare related to those conditions, which means not everything is included, but it’s a great benefit if your care is connected to your military service.
This includes things like:
Injuries sustained during service
PTSD or other mental health diagnoses connected to your military time
Long term effects of combat-related conditions
Even if you’re not actively receiving care in the U.S., if it’s on your record as service-connected, you may be eligible.
Veterans Living or Traveling Outside the U.S.
This part is simple: if you’re outside the U.S. (either living abroad full-time or just traveling) you’re potentially eligible for the FMP. For example, in places like Dominican Republic, there’s a growing community of veterans in Punta Cana using their FMP benefits to access faster, more personalized care at a veterans clinics.
Check Your Eligibility for the FMP
Answer these two quick questions to see if you may qualify for the Foreign Medical Program (FMP):
Who Is Not Eligible for the FMP?
There are a few cases where the FMP won’t apply, and it’s important to understand them so you don’t run into issues later.
Limitations for Non-Service-Connected Conditions
If your condition is not recognized as service-connected by the VA, the FMP will not cover care for it abroad. For example, if you have general high blood pressure that wasn’t linked to your military service, you’d need other coverage options.
That’s where services like ours at Veterans Care International come in: helping you explore solutions beyond traditional systems.
Common Misunderstandings About Eligibility
A few common myths we’ve heard:
FMP Requirements You Should Know
Once you know you’re likely eligible, make sure you’re ticking the right boxes.
What the VA Considers a Service-Connected Condition
This is any illness or injury the VA has officially linked to your time in service. If you’ve received a disability rating, that’s enough to meet this criteria.
If you’re not sure whether your condition is considered service-connected, we can help clarify that. In fact, if you’re already part of our community of veterans in Punta Cana or considering moving here, we’ll walk you through it.
Required Enrollment Before Coverage Begins
You must enroll in the FMP before your treatments will be covered.
Don’t know how to do this?
Not a problem, just go to our full FMP guide and you will learn everything you need to know about the Foreign Medical Program.
What the Foreign Medical Program Covers (and Doesn’t)
Let’s talk benefits. What kind of care can you actually get under the FMP?
Will the FMP Pay for Surgery or Emergency Care Abroad?
Yes, if it’s for your service-connected condition. This includes:
Mental health support
Physical therapy
Prescriptions
Follow-up care
What’s Not Covered Under the FMP Policy Manual
Anything unrelated to your service-connected disability is excluded, no routine checkups, dental work, or cosmetic surgeries unless they are medically necessary and tied to your service.
Still Unsure? Here’s What to Do Next
Even with clear criteria, some veterans are still unsure, and that’s totally normal. Here are a few options:
If you want to learn more about the FMP to know if you are elegible to the medical care, you can go to our complete guide and learn more about this program.
You can call the VA directly or email the FMP office. But if you’re already abroad, this can be a slow process.
Get the latest official overview to see what the FMP covers and how to start the process.
If you’d rather not deal with the paperwork alone, we’re here for you. Reach out to Veterans Care International, and we’ll walk you through everything.
You Deserve This
You served. You earned this. And whether you’re in the early stages of exploring care abroad, or ready to join other veterans punta cana in a new chapter, the FMP can be a powerful tool to get the care you need.
If you’re eligible, great. If you’re not sure, we can help. And if you’re ready to apply to Veterans Care International, you’re in the right place.
