Veterans Hospital Near Me: How to Find the Closest VA Medical Center
You can find the closest VA medical center using the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code and select a facility type — VA medical center, community-based outpatient clinic, Vet Center, or urgent care. The locator shows addresses, phone numbers, hours, and services offered at each location.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Access to VA health care facilities and community care providers |
| Eligibility | Veterans with active-duty service and an other-than-dishonorable discharge; Guard/Reserve called to federal active duty |
| Application | Search at va.gov/find-locations; enroll in VA health care at va.gov/health-care/apply |
| Processing Time | Enrollment: 1–2 weeks average; appointment scheduling varies by facility |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) |
| Updated For | 2026 VA health care facilities and access standards |
How to Find the Closest VA Medical Center
The VA Facility Locator is the official tool for finding the closest VA medical center and other VA health care facilities. It is VA’s single source of truth for locating facilities across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), and Community Care network.
Step-by-Step Search Instructions
Go to va.gov/find-locations. This is the official VA facility locator.
Enter your location. Type your city, state, or ZIP code into the search bar.
Choose a facility type. Select from the following options:
VA medical center (VAMC) — full-service hospitals offering inpatient and specialty care
Community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) — outpatient services closer to home
Vet Center — readjustment counseling for combat veterans
Urgent care — in-network walk-in clinics for minor injuries and illnesses
Emergency care — VA or non-VA emergency departments
VA pharmacy — prescription services
Veterans Benefits Administration office — claims and benefits assistance
Review your results. The locator displays each facility’s address, phone number, hours of operation, and services offered.
Get directions or call ahead. Confirm the facility is accepting new patients and verify the services you need are available.
Source: VA Facility Locator, va.gov/find-locations
Types of VA Health Care Facilities
The VA operates a nationwide network of facilities, each serving a different purpose. Knowing which type of facility to search for saves time and ensures you get the right level of care.
| Facility Type | What It Offers | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VA Medical Center (VAMC) | Full-service hospital with inpatient, surgical, specialty, and emergency care | Complex conditions, surgery, hospitalization, specialty care |
| Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) | Primary care, mental health, routine lab work, and wellness visits | Routine checkups, chronic condition management, preventive care |
| Vet Center | Readjustment counseling, outreach, and referral services | Combat veterans, PTSD, military sexual trauma, family counseling |
| Outpatient Clinic | Limited outpatient services without full hospital capabilities | Specific specialty visits, minor procedures |
| Community Living Center | Nursing home, rehabilitation, and long-term care | Rehabilitation, respite care, nursing home care |
| Domiciliary | Residential rehabilitation for substance use, mental health, homelessness | Substance use treatment, mental health rehabilitation |
Source: VA.gov and VA facility documentation
What you should do next: If you are unsure which facility type you need, start with a CBOC near you. CBOC staff can provide primary care and refer you to a VA medical center or specialist if needed.
Who Qualifies for VA Health Care?
You may qualify for VA health care if you served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Most veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, AND
You were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, AND
You meet minimum service requirements (typically 24 continuous months for post-1980 enlistees)
Additional Eligibility Categories
National Guard and Reserve members called to active duty by a Federal Order (not just for training) and who completed the full period for which they were called
Veterans exposed to toxins under the PACT Act, who may qualify for expanded health care
Former POWs, Purple Heart recipients, and catastrophically disabled veterans
Priority Groups
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVA health care enrollment is organized into 8 priority groups. Priority Groups 1–7 are eligible for full VHA care. Priority Group 8 veterans may enroll but may be subject to copays based on income.
What you should do next: If you have never enrolled in VA health care, apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply using VA Form 10-10EZ. Enrollment typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Urgent Care: When You Need Care Now
VA offers an urgent care benefit that allows eligible veterans to receive care for minor injuries and illnesses at in-network community clinics without prior authorization. There are over 4,000 urgent care locations in VA’s network.
Urgent Care Eligibility
You are eligible for VA urgent care if:
You are enrolled in VA health care, AND
You have received care through VA (from either a VA or community provider) within the 24 months prior to receiving urgent care
Family members are not authorized to use the urgent care benefit.
What Urgent Care Covers
Flu-like symptoms (coughs, colds)
Sore throats
Sprains and strains
Minor skin infections and irritations
Ear pain
Painful urination
Bumps and bruises
Excluded services: Preventive care and dental care are not covered under the urgent care benefit.
How to Use Urgent Care
Find an in-network urgent care provider at va.gov/find-locations by selecting “Urgent Care” as the facility type.
Verify the provider is in VA’s network before receiving care. Only clinics in VA’s Community Care Network (CCN) can bill VA.
Tell the provider you want to use your VA urgent care benefit. The provider will confirm your eligibility before providing care.
Receive care. The provider bills VA’s Third Party Administrator, and VA may bill you a copayment if applicable.
Important: If you go to an out-of-network urgent care provider, you may be required to pay the full cost of care. By law, VA cannot pay claims for urgent care from providers not in its network.
Emergency Care: When It Is Life-Threatening
For serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — VA or non-VA. You do not need prior authorization for emergency care.
Emergency Care Coverage
Service-connected emergencies: VA pays for emergency care for service-connected conditions.
Non-service-connected emergencies: VA may pay for emergency care for non-service-connected conditions if certain requirements are met, including notifying VA within 72 hours of admission.
What you should do next: If you receive emergency care at a non-VA facility, notify VA as soon as possible — ideally within 72 hours — to ensure coverage. Call 844-724-7842 or the number on your VA health care card.
Community Care: When VA Cannot Provide the Care You Need
VA community care allows eligible veterans to receive care from non-VA providers in the community when VA cannot provide the needed care at a VA facility or cannot meet access standards. Community care eligibility is established in law under 38 USC 1703(d) and 38 CFR 17.4010.
Community Care Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for community care if any ONE of the following applies:
Service unavailable: The service you need is not offered at any VA facility.
Facility unavailable: You live in a state or territory without a full-service VA medical facility.
Grandfathered under CHOICE Act: You qualified under the old Veterans Choice Program.
Access standards not met: VA cannot offer an appointment within the designated wait time and drive time standards.
Best medical interest: You and your VA provider agree it is in your best medical interest to use community care.
Quality standards not met: VA does not meet its internal quality standards for the care you need.
Source: 38 USC 1703(d) and 38 CFR 17.4010
VA Access Standards
| Care Type | Wait Time Standard | Drive Time Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care | Within 20 days | Within 30-minute average drive time |
| Mental health care | Within 20 days | Within 30-minute average drive time |
| Non-institutional extended care | Within 20 days | Within 30-minute average drive time |
| Specialty care | Within 28 days | Within 60-minute average drive time |
Source: VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care, February 2026
If VA cannot offer an appointment that meets both the wait time and drive time standards, you are community care eligible. Telehealth availability does not count toward meeting these standards.
What you should do next: If you believe you qualify for community care, ask your VA provider for a referral. You can also appeal a denial through the Clinical Appeals process.
VA Health Care Costs and Copayments in 2026
VA health care is not a health insurance program — it is a benefit earned through military service. Enrolled veterans do not pay premiums or deductibles. However, some veterans may have copayments for certain services based on their priority group and income.
2026 Copayment Overview
| Service Type | Priority Groups 1–5 | Priority Group 6–8 (Income-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| First 3 urgent care visits per year | $0 | Varies |
| Urgent care visits after first 3 | $30 per visit | $30 per visit |
| First 3 mental health visits per year | $0 | $0 |
| Mental health visits after first 3 | $0–$30 per visit | $0–$30 per visit |
| Tier 1 medications (30-day supply) | $5 | $5 |
| Tier 2 medications (30-day supply) | $8 | $8 |
Source: VA.gov and 38 CFR § 17.110
Mental health copay exemption: Under the Cleland-Dole Act, veterans no longer pay copays for their first three outpatient mental health care and substance use disorder visits of each calendar year through 2027. This applies whether the visits are at a VA facility or through VA’s Community Care Network.
What you should do next: If you have questions about your copayments, contact your local VA medical facility’s billing office or call 888-827-4817.
How to Schedule a VA Appointment
You can schedule VA appointments online, by phone, or through the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. Online scheduling through My HealtheVet allows you to self-schedule primary care appointments and view or cancel existing primary care and mental health appointments.
Ways to Schedule
Online: Log in to My HealtheVet on VA.gov and select “Schedule or Cancel a VA Appointment.”
Phone: Call your local VA medical facility directly.
Mobile app: Use the VA Health and Benefits app to request appointments.
Veteran Appointment Request (VAR) App: Tell VA where, when, and why you need an appointment and how VA should contact you.
What to Do If You Need to Cancel
Reply “C” to your VEText reminder
Log in to My HealtheVet to manage appointments online
Call your clinic directly
What you should do next: If you are a new patient, call your nearest VA medical center to establish care. If you are an existing patient, use online scheduling for routine appointments.
VA Prescriptions: How to Refill and Manage Medications
You can refill and track VA prescriptions online through My HealtheVet on VA.gov or the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. VA does not automatically refill prescriptions, so you must request refills at least 15 days before your supply runs out.
How to Refill Prescriptions
Online: Log in to My HealtheVet, select the Pharmacy tab, then Rx Refill, and select the prescriptions you need.
Phone: Call the automated refill line at 888-370-1699.
Mail: Complete the refill request form and mail it to your VA pharmacy.
Mobile app: Use the VA Health and Benefits app to request refills.
Who can use online refills: You must be enrolled in VA health care or another VA health benefits program AND have at least one prescription filled through a VA pharmacy.
What you should do next: If you have not set up a My HealtheVet account, do so today. It takes 10–15 minutes and gives you access to prescription refills, secure messaging, and appointment scheduling.
VA Travel Pay: Getting Reimbursed for Travel to Appointments
Eligible veterans can be reimbursed for travel to VA-approved health care appointments through the Beneficiary Travel program. The current mileage reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents per mile — a rate frozen by law since 2010. The 2026 federal employee rate is 72.5 cents per mile.
Who Qualifies for Travel Pay
Veterans with a VA disability rating of 30% or higher
Veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition
VA pension recipients
Veterans with income below the maximum annual VA pension rate
Veterans traveling for a scheduled C&P exam
Caregivers under the National Caregiver Program
How to File
File travel claims online through the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) at access.va.gov. Claims must be filed within 30 days of the appointment. Payment is typically received within 3–5 days with direct deposit.
What you should do next: Set up your BTSSS account before your next appointment so you can file claims quickly. The paper claim process is no longer in use.
Veterans Crisis Line: 24/7 Support
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Trained responders are available 24/7/365 via phone, text, or online chat.
How to Reach the Veterans Crisis Line
| Method | Contact |
|---|---|
| Phone | Dial 988, then press 1 |
| Text | 838255 |
| Online chat | VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat |
The Veterans Crisis Line has more than 1,100 responders trained to support veterans through any challenge — from transition stress and relationship issues to PTSD and suicidal thoughts.
What you should do next: Save the Veterans Crisis Line number (988, press 1) in your phone today. Even if you do not need support now, having it ready can provide peace of mind.
Recent VA Facility Changes and Closures
VA has announced several facility changes in 2026. Some community-based outpatient clinics have closed or are scheduled to close as part of VA’s review of underperforming facilities.
Confirmed Closures in 2026
| Facility | Location | Closure Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| McMinnville VA Clinic | McMinnville, Tennessee | May 31, 2026 | Veterans redirected to nearby facilities |
| Schenectady VA Clinic | Schenectady, New York | August 2026 | More than 1,600 veterans affected |
Source: Military Times and congressional statements
Livermore Division: As of August 2026, no specific date has been set for the complete closure of the Livermore Division. The full transition depends on establishing a new outpatient clinic in the Pleasanton area, meaning the full closure is still years away.
What you should do next: If your local VA clinic is closing or has closed, use the VA Facility Locator to find the next closest facility. Contact VA at 800-698-2411 for assistance with transferring your care.
Common Questions
How do I find the closest VA hospital to me?
Use the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your city, state, or ZIP code, then select “VA medical center” as the facility type. The locator shows addresses, phone numbers, hours, and services offered at each location.
What is the difference between a VA medical center and a CBOC?
A VA medical center is a full-service hospital offering inpatient, surgical, specialty, and emergency care. A community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) offers primary care, mental health, and routine lab work closer to home. CBOCs refer to medical centers for complex care.
Do I need to be enrolled in VA health care to go to a VA hospital?
Yes. You must be enrolled in VA health care to receive care at a VA medical center or CBOC. You can apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply using VA Form 10-10EZ. Enrollment typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Can I go to urgent care without calling VA first?
Yes, if you are enrolled in VA health care and have received care through VA within the past 24 months. Go to an in-network urgent care clinic — no prior authorization is needed. Tell the provider you want to use your VA urgent care benefit.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — VA or non-VA. You do not need prior authorization. If you receive care at a non-VA facility, notify VA within 72 hours to ensure coverage.
When can I use community care instead of a VA facility?
You may be eligible for community care if VA does not offer the service you need, you live too far from a VA facility, VA cannot meet wait time or drive time standards, or you and your VA provider agree it is in your best medical interest.
How much does VA health care cost?
VA health care is not health insurance — there are no premiums or deductibles. Some veterans may have copayments for certain services based on priority group and income. The first three mental health visits per year are free through 2027.
How do I refill my VA prescriptions?
Refill online through My HealtheVet on VA.gov, call the automated refill line at 888-370-1699, use the VA Health and Benefits mobile app, or mail the refill form to your VA pharmacy. Request refills at least 15 days before you run out.
What is the Veterans Crisis Line number?
Dial 988, then press 1. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. The line is available 24/7 and is free and confidential for all veterans — you do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits.
Can family members use VA urgent care?
No. Family members are not authorized to use the VA urgent care benefit. Only eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care can use in-network urgent care clinics.
How do I know if my local VA clinic is closing?
Check the VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations for the most current facility information. You can also call VA at 800-698-2411 or contact your local VA medical center for updates on facility changes in your area.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist at a VA medical center?
Generally, yes. Your VA primary care provider must refer you to a specialist within the VA system. If VA cannot provide the specialty care you need within access standards, you may be eligible for community care.
Key Takeaways
The VA Facility Locator at va.gov/find-locations is the official tool for finding the closest VA medical center, CBOC, Vet Center, or urgent care clinic.
VA health care eligibility requires active-duty service and an other-than-dishonorable discharge; post-1980 enlistees typically need 24 continuous months of service.
Urgent care is available at over 4,000 in-network locations for enrolled veterans who have received VA care within 24 months — no prior authorization needed.
For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER; notify VA within 72 hours if you receive care at a non-VA facility.
Community care is available when VA cannot provide the needed care or cannot meet wait time and drive time standards.
VA health care has no premiums or deductibles; copayments vary by priority group, and the first three mental health visits per year are free through 2027.
Refill prescriptions online through My HealtheVet, by phone at 888-370-1699, or through the VA Health and Benefits app.
Eligible veterans can be reimbursed for travel to VA appointments at 41.5 cents per mile through BTSSS at access.va.gov.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1), by text at 838255, or online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Some VA clinics have closed in 2026; check the Facility Locator for the most current information on facilities near you.
Official Resources
VA Facility Locator — Find VA medical centers, CBOCs, Vet Centers, and urgent care.
Apply for VA Health Care — Enroll using VA Form 10-10EZ.
VA Health Care Eligibility — Official eligibility information.
Community Care — VA community care program information.
Urgent Care — VA urgent care benefit details.
Manage Prescriptions — Refill VA prescriptions online.
BTSSS Travel Pay — File travel reimbursement claims.
Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 crisis support.
VA Health Care Hotline — 877-222-8387.
MyVA411 — 800-698-2411 for general VA assistance.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
