FMP Toll-Free Australia | 1-800-354-965

Veterans Affairs News: Australia Updates for U.S. Veterans

The biggest news for U.S. veterans in Australia is the continued availability of the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP), which reimburses treatment for service-connected conditions, with claims now paid by direct deposit for faster reimbursement . In Australia, a major reform consolidating three compensation laws into a single, simpler scheme took effect on July 1, 2026, responding to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide . Additionally, the Australian government more than doubled funding for free advocacy services through the BEST Program, providing $50.7 million over three years to support veteran advocates . U.S. veterans in Australia should register with FMP and may also be eligible for Australian benefits under the U.S.-Australia social security agreement.

Quick Facts

VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) in Australia

The Foreign Medical Program is the primary way U.S. veterans receive VA healthcare coverage while living in or traveling to Australia.

What FMP Covers

FMP covers medical care for service-connected disabilities and any disability that is associated with and aggravates a service-connected condition . Key coverage details:

• No need to be enrolled in VA health care 

• No prior authorization required for care 

• Any licensed provider may be selected 

• Prescription medications must be FDA-approved 

• VA will translate foreign documents after claim submission 

Direct Deposit Now Available

As of June 2025, FMP claims are paid by direct deposit for faster, more secure reimbursements . Currently, only U.S. bank accounts are supported, but the VA is working to add international bank account capabilities .

How to File FMP Claims from Australia

1. Register with FMP first using VA Form 10-7959f-1 

2. Pay your provider and obtain itemized billing statements and receipts

3. File claims within 2 years of receiving care 

Filing options from Australia:

• Online: via VA.gov 

• Email: HAC.FMP@va.gov 

• Fax: 1-303-331-7803 

• Mail: PO Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061 

• Toll-free from Australia: 1-800-354-965 

FMP Toll-Free Numbers from Australia

Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Reform

Major Compensation Scheme Overhaul (July 2026)

On July 1, 2026, the Australian government implemented the biggest reform to veteran compensation in a century, consolidating three separate compensation laws into a single, streamlined scheme . This responds to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

What the reform means:

• A single, simpler scheme replaces three complex compensation systems

• Easier and quicker access to support payments 

• No veteran will go backwards—all current benefits will continue at same level or higher 

• A new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency helps navigate the system 

• The government has cleared a backlog of 42,000 claims and increased DVA staffing 

BEST Program Advocacy Funding Doubled

The Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program provides funding to ex-service organisations (ESOs) offering free advocacy services. For 2026-27, 109 ESOs will share $50.7 million over three years—more than double annual funding .

Key changes:

• 3-year grant agreements for greater certainty 

• Funding based on number of advocates employed, not claims lodged 

• Support for paid, volunteer, and trainee advocates 

These changes respond to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and help ESOs recruit, retain, and develop advocates .

2026-27 Federal Budget Measures

The Australian government committed $169.7 million over five years to increase allied health provider fees for Veteran Card holders from July 1, 2027—the largest investment in veteran allied health in over 20 years .

Additional measures:

• $5,000 Annual Monetary Limit for allied health services (with flexibility for clinical need) 

• $3.4 million to extend Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT) to December 31, 2027 

• $29.8 million to establish the National Veterans’ Data Asset 

Australian Defense Force Recruitment of Allied Veterans

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is now recruiting veterans from allied nations, including the United States, to address workforce shortages . This is separate from the existing lateral transfer scheme.

Eligibility requirements:

• Permanent resident of Australia

• Not served in another military for at least two years 

• Initially recruiting NZ veterans, expanding to UK, US, and Canadian veterans 

Benefits of this initiative:

• Strengthens Australia’s defence sovereign capability 

• Aligns with AUKUS agreement objectives 

• Leverages the expertise of experienced veterans 

Key challenges:

• Simplifying visa processes for veterans and families

• Streamlining security clearances for allied veterans 

U.S.-Australia Social Security Agreement

The U.S. and Australia have a totalization agreement that allows veterans who have split their careers between both countries to combine work credits for Social Security or Australian pension benefits .

Key provisions:

• Claims for Australian benefits can be lodged in the U.S. with the Social Security Administration 

• Claims for U.S. benefits can be lodged in Australia with Centrelink, which forwards information to the VA office in Manila 

• A claim filed with one country can also be considered an application for benefits from the other country when requested 

Australian Veteran Health Cards

The Australian DVA issues three types of health cards that provide varying levels of coverage for Australian veterans . U.S. veterans in Australia should check their eligibility for these cards:

Non-Liability Mental Health Care

Under the Non-Liability Health Care program, the Australian DVA provides free mental health care for all veterans without requiring proof that conditions are service-related . This includes:

• PTSD treatment from mental health providers

• Admissions to public or private mental health facilities

• Diagnostic services

• Prescribed medication for mental health conditions 

Open Arms Counselling

Open Arms is a government-based program offering free counselling, treatment programs, workshops, community, and peer programs for veterans and their families . Crisis support is available 24/7 at 1800 011 046 .

Australian DVA Payments for Dependents

Australian DVA provides several payments for dependents of deceased veterans:

Common Questions

1. Can U.S. veterans get VA healthcare in Australia?

Yes. The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) covers medical care for service-connected disabilities for U.S. veterans living or traveling in Australia. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or get prior authorization .

2. How do I file a VA FMP claim from Australia?

You can file online at VA.gov, email HAC.FMP@va.gov, fax to 1-303-331-7803, or mail to PO Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061. You must include an itemized billing statement and proof of payment .

3. What is the FMP toll-free number from Australia?

The FMP toll-free number from Australia is 1-800-354-965, available 8:05 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. local time .

4. What Australian veteran benefits can a U.S. veteran access?

U.S. veterans may be eligible for Australian DVA benefits under the U.S.-Australia social security agreement. They should also check eligibility for Australian health cards (Gold, White, Orange) and the Non-Liability mental health program .

5. What changed with Australian veteran compensation in 2026?

Three separate compensation laws were consolidated into a single, streamlined scheme effective July 1, 2026. This makes it easier and quicker for veterans to access support and responds to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide .

6. What is the BEST Program in Australia?

The BEST Program provides funding to ex-service organisations for free advocacy services. In 2026, funding more than doubled to $50.7 million over three years, supporting 109 organisations to recruit and retain advocates .

7. Can U.S. veterans join the Australian Defence Force?

Yes. The ADF is now recruiting veterans from allied nations, including the U.S., as permanent residents of Australia with at least two years since their last military service .

8. What is Open Arms in Australia?

Open Arms is a free government-based counselling and support program for veterans and their families. It offers individual counselling, treatment programs, workshops, and peer support. Crisis support is available 24/7 .

9. Are FMP claims paid by direct deposit?

Yes. As of June 2025, FMP claims are reimbursed by direct deposit for faster, more secure payments. Currently, a U.S. bank account is required .

10. How long do I have to file an FMP claim?

You must file your FMP claim within 2 years of receiving the care or from the date of hospital discharge .

11. Does the Australian DVA provide mental health care?

Yes. The Non-Liability Health Care program provides free mental health care for all veterans without requiring proof of service connection. Open Arms provides additional counselling and support .

12. What is the U.S.-Australia social security agreement?

The agreement allows veterans who have worked in both countries to combine their work credits to qualify for Social Security or Australian pension benefits. Claims can be filed in either country .

Key Takeaways

• FMP is the primary U.S. VA benefit in Australia, covering care for service-connected disabilities with claims now paid by direct deposit 

• The Australian DVA consolidated three compensation laws into a single, simpler scheme effective July 1, 2026 

• Free advocacy funding more than doubled through the BEST Program to $50.7 million over three years 

• The ADF is recruiting U.S. veterans as permanent residents to address workforce shortages 

• Non-Liability mental health care is available free to all Australian veterans, regardless of service connection 

• Open Arms provides 24/7 crisis support at 1800 011 046 for veterans and families 

• The U.S.-Australia social security agreement allows combining work credits for benefits 

• FMP toll-free from Australia is 1-800-354-965 

• The 2026-27 Budget increased allied health fees for Veteran Card holders, the largest investment in 20+ years 

• Australian health cards (Gold, White, Orange) provide varying levels of coverage 

Official Resources

U.S. Government

• VA Foreign Medical Program: https://www.va.gov/health-care/file-foreign-medical-program-claim/

• FMP Registration (VA Form 10-7959f-1): https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-7959f-1/

• VA.gov: https://www.va.gov

• Social Security Administration (U.S.-Australia Agreement): https://www.ssa.gov

Australian Government

• Department of Veterans’ Affairs: https://www.dva.gov.au

• DVA BEST Program: https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/strengthening-advocacy-support-through-the-best-program

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: https://www.openarms.gov.au

• Open Arms Crisis Support: 1800 011 046

• DVA Safe Zone Support (anonymous): 1800 142 072