Veterans living in Medellín: making the VA Foreign Medical Program work

If you have a VA-rated service-connected condition, you don't have to fly home to treat it. The Foreign Medical Program reimburses care from licensed providers in Colombia, and it works best when you set it up before you need it.

The Foreign Medical Program reimburses care from licensed providers outside the US for VA-rated service-connected conditions, conditions the VA decides make them worse, and care tied to the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. You can use any licensed provider in Colombia. Here's how to make it work from Medellín.

Register before you need care

File VA Form 10-7959f-1 online or on paper. The VA recommends registering before you file claims to avoid payment delays, according to a June 2025 VA notice. You'll get a benefits letter listing the conditions FMP covers; find it on VA.gov under Letters. Keep a copy on your phone.

Pick clinics that give you clean paperwork

Every claim needs an itemized bill and proof that you paid, plus hospital and prescription records when they apply (VA claim instructions). Before you book, ask the clinic two questions: will they bill the VA using your benefits letter, and will they give you an itemized invoice? If they won't bill the VA, pay and file the claim yourself.

Spanish paperwork is fine

The VA says it translates information written in other languages. English documents still help, so ask for them when the clinic can provide them.

Keep a US bank account open

FMP pays by direct deposit when the VA has a US bank account on file for you; otherwise it sends a check. Amounts in pesos are converted to dollars at the exchange rate on the date you got care.

Mind the 2-year deadline

You must file within 2 years of the date of care, using VA Form 10-7959f-2. You can file online, email HAC.FMP@va.gov, or mail VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, Foreign Medical Program, PO Box 200, Spring City, PA 19475. File as soon as you have the paperwork.

Plan for slow payments

FMP paid $128.3 million to 8,024 veterans in fiscal year 2024, a 263% increase in reimbursements since 2018, the Government Accountability Office found. It processed 37% of claims within 45 days, against a goal of 90%. Expect to pay up front and wait.

Learn from Panama

In 2024 the VA suspended many providers in Panama over a long-term fraud scheme. Walk away from anyone who bills for care you didn't get, asks for your VA.gov or ID.me password, offers cash or gifts for choosing them, or charges you to file FMP claims. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General. For free claims help, use a VA-accredited representative or Veterans Service Organization.

Care FMP won't cover

Anything that isn't service-connected is on you or your other insurance, and that includes most dental work. Veterans in Colombia pay for that care the way any resident or visitor does. Dental options for veterans.

Sources

1. Foreign Medical Program (VA.gov)
2. VA Form 10-7959f-1, FMP Registration (VA.gov)
3. Foreign Medical Program claims will be paid by direct deposit (VA notice, June 2, 2025, via MyAirForceBenefits)
4. File a Foreign Medical Program claim (VA.gov)
5. GAO-25-107149: Actions Needed to Improve the Foreign Medical Program (Feb. 19, 2025)
6. VA Office of Inspector General Hotline
7. Find a VA accredited representative or VSO (VA.gov)

This article is general information, not medical, legal or benefits advice. Confirm anything that affects your care or money with the VA.