Veterans Overview
VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.
Community care is available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.
As with care provided directly by VA, Veterans are charged a copayment for nonservice-connected care. Learn how to pay your bill and alternative payment options. In addition, VA may bill Veterans’ health insurance for medical care, supplies, and prescriptions related to treatment of nonservice-connected conditions.
Learn More About Costs and Billing
Types of Care

How to access community care and schedule appointments, and covered services

Urgent care services are used
to treat non-life threatening injuries and illnesses

Health care for Veterans in medical emergencies

Health care benefits for eligible Veterans living or traveling in foreign countries

Care provided to Veterans
in their home

Health care for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans

Infertility treatment and
services for Veterans with certain service‑connected conditions

Nursing home, domiciliary,
and adult day care for Veterans provided by state governments

Free flu shots for Veterans through VA facilities, or an in‑network retail pharmacy or urgent care location
Costs and Billing

Information about copayments for nonservice-connected care

Pay bills online, in person,
by phone or mail, and
dispute information

Alternative copayment payment options for Veterans with difficult financial circumstances

Using private health insurance
for nonservice-connected care