Veterans Care International: Complete 2026 Guide to VA Care Abroad
Veterans Care International (VCI) is a private, VA-authorized medical clinic in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, that provides healthcare to U.S. Veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs Foreign Medical Program (FMP). It is not a VA facility and not run by the U.S. government. VCI offers primary care, mental health services, physical rehabilitation, and wellness programs for Veterans with service-connected disabilities living or traveling outside the United States.
Quick Facts What Is Veterans Care International?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Veterans Care International (VCI) |
| Type | Private clinic authorized under the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) |
| Location | 1 Avenida Alemania, Bavaro, Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic |
| Phone | (829) 515-0056 |
| Services | Primary care, mental health, physical rehab, telehealth, medical tours |
| Eligibility | U.S. Veterans enrolled in the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP) |
| Application | Register for FMP using VA Form 10-7959f-1 (or successor form 10-488) |
| Official VA Program | Foreign Medical Program (FMP), Veterans Health Administration |
| Processing Time | FMP registration: 4–6 weeks |
| Cost to Veteran | No cost for FMP-covered service-connected care |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP)?
The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a VA health care benefits program that covers the cost of care for service-connected conditions when a Veteran is living or traveling outside the United States. It is not full health insurance. FMP only pays for treatment of VA-rated, service-connected disabilities—or conditions that aggravate a service-connected disability.
What FMP Covers
Medical care for service-connected conditions
Prescription medications related to service-connected conditions
Medical supplies and durable equipment for service-connected conditions
Care for conditions that make a service-connected condition worse
What FMP Does Not Cover
Care for non-service-connected conditions
Routine preventive care unrelated to service-connected conditions
Dental care (unless you have a Class I service-connected dental disability)
Emergency care in foreign countries when VA cannot be notified in advance
FMP Exclusions
The FMP does not cover care in Canada or the Philippines. Veterans in those countries must use different VA mechanisms. For all other countries, FMP is available.
FMP Eligibility Requirements
You qualify for FMP if you meet both of these conditions:
You have a VA-rated service-connected disability. This means VA has officially recognized an illness or injury connected to your military service.
You are living or traveling outside the United States when receiving care. Travel counts—you do not need to live abroad full-time.
You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to qualify for FMP.
How Does Veterans Care International Work with the FMP?
Veterans Care International is an FMP-authorized clinic. This means VCI can provide care to Veterans enrolled in FMP, and VA will reimburse for services related to service-connected conditions. VCI is not a VA hospital. It is a private clinic in the Dominican Republic that has been approved to participate in the FMP network.
What This Means for Veterans
You must be enrolled in FMP before receiving care at VCI
VCI provides the care; VA pays for covered services through FMP
VCI coordinates directly with FMP to streamline reimbursement
You pay nothing out of pocket for FMP-covered service-connected care
What VCI Offers Beyond FMP
VCI also offers services outside the FMP scope, including wellness programs, medical tourism packages, and retreats. These may have costs not covered by FMP. Veterans should ask VCI directly about which services are covered under FMP and which are not.
What Services Does Veterans Care International Offer?
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVCI offers a range of medical, mental health, and rehabilitation services for Veterans. FMP covers services related to your service-connected conditions. Other services may be available for a fee.
Primary Care and General Medicine
VCI provides general medical care including routine checkups, chronic condition management, and diagnostic services. FMP covers primary care visits when they are for service-connected conditions.
Mental Health Services
VCI offers comprehensive mental health care specifically designed for Veterans:
Psychotherapy:Â Specialized counseling for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions
Psychiatry:Â Diagnosis, medication management, and treatment planning
Meditation and mindfulness:Â Guided sessions for stress reduction and emotional balance
Group therapy:Â Support groups for shared healing and connection
Sound healing:Â Frequency-based therapy to regulate the nervous system
FMP covers mental health care when it is for a service-connected condition such as PTSD.
Telehealth (Mental Health) for Veterans Worldwide
VCI offers telehealth psychology and psychiatry services for eligible U.S. Veterans living anywhere outside the United States. This service is available at no cost for eligible Veterans. Telehealth sessions are offered only to Veterans living outside U.S. territory at this time.
How telehealth works:
Complete a secure online form and submit required documents (Disability Benefits Letter, picture ID, DD-214)
A primary care provider reviews your information and meets with you via telehealth
You are matched with a dedicated psychologist or psychiatrist for ongoing care
Physical Rehabilitation and Therapy
VCI provides physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and rehabilitation services. These are available for service-connected orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. The clinic’s rehabilitation programs are designed to support recovery from injuries and chronic pain.
Prescription Coordination
VCI coordinates prescription medications with local pharmacies. FMP covers medications related to service-connected conditions.
Diagnostic Services
VCI offers state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing. FMP covers diagnostics when they are medically necessary to treat a service-connected condition.
Medical Tours and Wellness Retreats
VCI hosts 7-day medical tours and wellness retreats in Punta Cana. These programs combine medical care, mental health support, and community-building in a resort setting. Tours include visits to medical facilities, individualized assessments, and customized care plans. The cost and FMP coverage for these tours vary—ask VCI for details.
Who Qualifies for Care at Veterans Care International?
You qualify for care at VCI if you are a U.S. Veteran enrolled in the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). FMP enrollment requires a VA-rated service-connected disability and being outside the United States when receiving care.
Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Veteran status | U.S. military Veteran with any discharge other than dishonorable |
| Service-connected disability | VA-rated condition officially linked to military service |
| Location | Living or traveling outside the United States |
| FMP enrollment | Must be registered in the Foreign Medical Program before receiving care |
| Condition being treated | Must be service-connected or aggravating a service-connected condition |
Who Is Not Eligible
Veterans without a VA-rated service-connected disability
Veterans seeking care for non-service-connected conditions
Veterans in Canada or the Philippines (FMP does not cover those countries)
Active-duty service members (they use TRICARE, not FMP)
How to Register for the Foreign Medical Program
You must register for FMP before receiving care at Veterans Care International. Registration is free and can be done online or by mail.
Step-by-Step Registration
Complete VA Form 10-7959f-1 (FMP Registration Form). Note: VA has introduced a new form (10-488) that will replace 10-7959f-1. Check VA.gov for the current form.
Gather required documents:
DD-214 or separation documents
VA disability rating decision letter
Photo ID
Proof of foreign address (if living abroad)
Submit your application:
Online: Through VA.gov (if available)
By email: Send scanned copy to VAFMP@va.gov
By mail:Â Veterans Health Administration, Foreign Medical Program, P.O. Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061
Wait for your FMP benefits authorization letter. This letter identifies the service-connected disabilities covered for treatment.
Contact VCI to schedule care. Provide your FMP authorization letter to VCI.
Processing Time
FMP registration typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. Plan ahead if you are traveling.
No Prior Authorization Required
Once enrolled in FMP, you do not need prior authorization to receive care for service-connected conditions. This means you can see an FMP-authorized provider like VCI without waiting for VA approval for each visit.
FMP Benefits Letter
You can download your FMP benefits letter directly from VA.gov. This letter is your authorization for covered care. VCI will need a copy.
How to File an FMP Claim
After receiving care, you or your provider must file a claim for reimbursement with VA.
Who Can File
You (the Veteran) can file a claim for reimbursement
Your provider can file a claim for direct payment
Required Claim Form
Use the FMP claim form to request reimbursement or direct payment. VA will pay you or your provider directly for covered service-connected care.
What to Include
Completed FMP claim form
Itemized bill or receipt
FMP benefits authorization letter
Medical records documenting the service-connected condition
Processing Time for Claims
FMP claim processing times vary. VA has been modernizing the claims processing system. Check with FMP for current timelines.
What VCI Care Costs
FMP-covered care at VCI costs nothing for eligible Veterans. There are no copays for service-connected care under FMP.
Services Not Covered by FMP
Care for non-service-connected conditions
Wellness programs and medical tours (may have associated costs)
Travel, lodging, and meals (except as included in medical tour packages)
Services outside the FMP scope
Medical Tour Costs
VCI’s 7-day medical tours may have costs not covered by FMP. A podcast review of the tour mentioned a $200 cost that may not be covered. Ask VCI directly about all costs before booking.
Common Misunderstandings About FMP and VCI
Myth: You have to live abroad full-time to use FMP
Fact: Travel counts. If you are outside the United States—even temporarily—you may be eligible for FMP coverage for service-connected care.
Myth: You can get care for any condition through FMP
Fact:Â FMP only covers service-connected conditions or conditions that aggravate a service-connected condition. General healthcare is not covered.
Myth: VCI is a VA hospital
Fact:Â VCI is a private clinic in the Dominican Republic authorized under FMP. It is not a U.S. government facility. The only VA hospital outside the United States is in Manila, Philippines.
Myth: You have to go through the VA in the U.S. first
Fact:Â You can work directly with FMP and FMP-authorized providers abroad. You do not need to start at a U.S. VA facility.
Myth: TRICARE works at VCI
Fact:Â TRICARE does not work at VCI. TRICARE is for active-duty members and retirees. FMP is the VA program for service-connected care abroad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Registering for FMP Before Receiving Care
You must be enrolled in FMP before receiving care at VCI for VA to cover the cost. Do not assume you can enroll retroactively.
2. Assuming All Care Is Covered
FMP only covers service-connected conditions. If you receive care for a non-service-connected condition, you may be responsible for the bill.
3. Not Bringing Your FMP Authorization Letter
VCI needs your FMP benefits letter to verify coverage. Bring a copy to every appointment.
4. Forgetting to File Claims
If you pay out of pocket for covered care, you must file a claim for reimbursement. Do not assume VA will automatically pay.
5. Not Checking Whether a Service Is FMP-Eligible
Before scheduling a service at VCI, confirm whether it is covered under FMP. Wellness programs and tours may not be covered.
6. Missing the 2-Year Claim Filing Deadline
FMP claims must generally be filed within 2 years of receiving care. Do not delay filing.
7. Not Keeping Copies of Everything
Keep copies of your FMP authorization letter, medical records, receipts, and claim forms. This documentation is essential if issues arise.
VA Disability Benefits While Living Abroad
Living abroad does not affect your VA disability compensation. You continue to receive monthly payments regardless of where you live. Direct deposit works internationally.
What Continues
VA disability compensation (monthly tax-free payments)
VA pension (if eligible)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors
FMP coverage for service-connected care abroad
What Changes
You cannot use VA health care facilities in the U.S. while living abroad (except when visiting)
Community Care referrals do not work abroad
FMP replaces VA health care for service-connected conditions
What Veterans Should Do
Maintain a U.S. bank account for direct deposit
Register for FMP before moving abroad
Keep your address updated with VA
Know that FMP does not cover non-service-connected care—consider local health insurance if needed
Common Questions
What is Veterans Care International?
Veterans Care International is a private, VA-authorized medical clinic in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It provides healthcare to U.S. Veterans through the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP). It is not a VA hospital or government facility.
Is Veterans Care International part of the VA?
No. VCI is a private clinic authorized under the FMP. The VA pays for covered service-connected care, but VCI is independently operated.
Where is Veterans Care International located?
VCI is located at 1 Avenida Alemania, Bavaro, Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic. It also operates at Boutique Hotel Las Flores in Punta Cana.
What is the Foreign Medical Program?
The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a VA health care benefits program that covers the cost of care for service-connected conditions when a Veteran lives or travels outside the United States.
Who qualifies for FMP?
Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability who are living or traveling outside the U.S. qualify. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to qualify for FMP.
How do I register for FMP?
Complete VA Form 10-7959f-1 (or successor form 10-488) and submit by email to VAFMP@va.gov or by mail to the FMP office in Denver. Registration takes 4–6 weeks.
What services does VCI offer?
VCI offers primary care, mental health services (psychotherapy, psychiatry, group therapy), physical rehabilitation, telehealth for mental health, prescription coordination, diagnostic services, and medical tours.
Does VCI offer telehealth?
Yes. VCI offers telehealth psychology and psychiatry services for eligible Veterans living anywhere outside the United States. This service is available at no cost for eligible Veterans.
Is care at VCI free?
FMP-covered care for service-connected conditions is free. There are no copays. Services outside FMP coverage may have costs.
What is not covered by FMP?
FMP does not cover care for non-service-connected conditions, routine preventive care, dental care (unless Class I service-connected), or care in Canada or the Philippines.
Can I use TRICARE at VCI?
No. TRICARE does not work at VCI. FMP is the VA program for service-connected care abroad. TRICARE is for active-duty members and retirees.
Do I need prior authorization for FMP care?
No. Once enrolled in FMP, you do not need prior authorization to receive care for service-connected conditions.
How do I file an FMP claim?
File an FMP claim form with an itemized bill and your FMP benefits letter. VA will reimburse you or pay your provider directly for covered service-connected care.
Does living abroad affect my VA disability compensation?
No. VA disability compensation continues regardless of where you live. Direct deposit works internationally.
What is the FMP benefits letter?
The FMP benefits letter is your authorization for covered care. It identifies the service-connected disabilities covered for treatment. Download it from VA.gov.
Is VCI a good option for Veterans?
VCI provides a pathway to faster care in a resort setting for Veterans with service-connected conditions who are abroad. Veterans should verify FMP coverage for specific services and understand all costs before traveling.
What is the difference between FMP and VA health care?
VA health care is comprehensive care at VA facilities in the U.S. FMP is reimbursement for service-connected care abroad. FMP does not cover non-service-connected conditions.
Can I use FMP if I’m just traveling, not living abroad?
Yes. Travel counts. You are eligible if you are outside the U.S. when receiving care for a service-connected condition.
What is the VA Form 10-7959f-1?
VA Form 10-7959f-1 is the Foreign Medical Program Registration Form. It is used to enroll in FMP. VA has introduced a new form (10-488) that will replace it. Check VA.gov for the current form.
Does VCI accept insurance?
VCI works with FMP for service-connected care. It does not work with TRICARE or private insurance in the same way. Ask VCI about payment options for non-FMP services.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Care International (VCI) is a private, VA-authorized clinic in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, operating under the VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP).
VCI is not a VA facility. It is an independent clinic that participates in FMP.
FMP covers service-connected care for Veterans living or traveling outside the United States. It does not cover non-service-connected conditions.
To use VCI, you must be enrolled in FMP. Register using VA Form 10-7959f-1 (or successor form 10-488). Processing takes 4–6 weeks.
FMP-covered care at VCI is free. There are no copays for service-connected care.
VCI offers primary care, mental health services, physical rehabilitation, telehealth, and medical tours.
Telehealth mental health services are available worldwide for eligible Veterans living outside the U.S.
FMP does not cover care in Canada or the Philippines.
Living abroad does not affect VA disability compensation. Monthly payments continue via direct deposit.
TRICARE does not work at VCI. FMP is the correct program for service-connected care abroad.
Official Resources
VA Foreign Medical Program (FMP):Â va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/fmp
FMP Registration Form (VA Form 10-7959f-1):Â va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-7959f-1
FMP Information for Providers:Â va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/fmp
VA Disability Compensation:Â va.gov/disability
VA Health Care Abroad:Â va.gov/health-care/foreign-medical-program
FMP Claims Mailing Address:Â Veterans Health Administration, Foreign Medical Program, P.O. Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061
FMP Email:Â VAFMP@va.gov
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