VA TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT GUIDE FOR VETERANS' MEDICAL VISITS
Now that you have more control over where you live, you might find yourself needing to travel for VA medical appointments. Maybe you're like me and your spouse is still active duty, so your location is still somewhat out of your control. Either way, traveling for healthcare can get expensive fast, especially when your journey takes you beyond a day trip and requires an overnight stay.
Here's the good news: Whether you live in the United States or call overseas your new home, you may be eligible for VA travel reimbursement! The VA recognizes that getting the care you've earned shouldn't break your budget.
In this guide, we'll walk through eligibility requirements and the reimbursement processes for both domestic and international travel.
VA Travel Reimbursement Eligibility and Qualifying Travel
Covered Travel Types
The VA travel reimbursement program covers two main types of appointments:
- Medical Appointments: Regular healthcare visits at VA facilities or VA-approved community care providers.
- Disability Claim Exams: These compensation and pension (C&P) exams are often scheduled through third-party services like VES (Veterans Evaluation Services).
Here's where it gets interesting - even if the scheduling website says you're not eligible, contact their customer service directly. Many Veterans traveling over 200 miles discover they actually qualify for reimbursement after speaking with a representative.
When You Qualify for Reimbursement
You're eligible for VA travel reimbursement if you meet at least one of these conditions:
- You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher
- You're traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition (even with less than 30% rating)
- You receive a VA pension
- Your income falls below the maximum annual VA pension rate
- You can't afford to pay for travel based on VA guidelines
- You're traveling for a scheduled C&P exam, service dog appointment, or VA-approved transplant care
Reimbursable Expenses
The VA covers these costs:
- Mileage at 41.5 cents per mile for personal vehicle use
- Public transportation (train, bus, plane, taxi, light rail)
- Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
- Parking fees
- Meals and lodging in certain situations (requires pre-approval except in emergencies)
Keep all your receipts and track your mileage carefully!
VA Reimbursement Process for Domestic Travel
Filing your claim within the United States is straightforward:
Step 1: Set Up Direct Deposit
Before filing your first VA travel reimbursement claim, set up direct deposit using VA Form 10091.
You'll need your bank routing and account numbers, plus your Social Security number and address.
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method
For mileage-only claims: File directly through VA.gov using your past appointments list.
For claims with receipts: Use the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) to upload receipts for tolls, meals, or lodging.
Step 3: Submit Within 30 Days
File your VA travel reimbursement form within 30 days of your appointment. Create a separate claim for each appointment.
Step 4: Track Your Claim
Monitor your claim status through VA.gov or BTSSS.
How long does it take to get VA travel reimbursement?
Expect 3-5 business days for direct deposits, and 2-3 weeks for paper checks.
VA Reimbursement Process for International Travel
Living or traveling overseas? The process requires different steps and contacts:
Step 1: Contact the Right Program
For medical care related to service-connected disabilities, work with the VA Foreign Medical Program. They handle payment responsibility for necessary treatment of service-connected conditions.
Step 2: Contact Third-Party Schedulers for Disability Exams
If you're scheduled through VES or similar third-party services for disability claim exams, call their customer service line.
They may handle reimbursements for Veterans traveling over 200 miles for disability exams, and might have different payment options available than listed on the service provider website.
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation
Work directly with the Foreign Medical Program or your third-party scheduler to submit required forms and receipts. Each may have different processes for overseas veterans.
Step 4: Follow Up if Needed
Contact the appropriate program representatives if you experience delays:
- Foreign Medical Program: Use regional toll-free numbers provided on their webpage
- International direct deposit questions: +1 (918) 781-7550 or DIRECTD.VBAMUS@VA.GOV
Processing times overseas may vary depending on your bank's location and the specific program handling your reimbursement.
Key Details for VA Travel Reimbursement
Monthly Deductible: You'll pay $3 one-way or $6 round-trip per appointment, up to $18 monthly. After hitting $18 in one month, the VA covers your full approved travel costs for the rest of that month. In some cases, the VA may waive this deductible.
Distance Calculations: The VA uses Bing Maps to calculate mileage based on the fastest, shortest route from your home to the nearest facility that can provide your care.
Emergency Situations: For emergency transportation to non-VA facilities, notify the VA within 72 hours to determine eligibility for VA travel reimbursement.
Steps to Apply for VA Travel Reimbursement
Don't let travel costs prevent you from getting the care you've earned. If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help with the VA travel reimbursement process, reach out for assistance:
Contact the VA for general questions about travel reimbursement eligibility and processes.
For Third-Party Exam Scheduling: Contact your examination service provider's customer service team directly - don't rely solely on website information. You can find current contact information in the email you received regarding your appointment or on va.gov.
Remember, getting quality healthcare sometimes means traveling a bit for your VA appointments. Now you know how to get reimbursed for that travel!
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BY GAYLEEN SWIGGUM
Veteran & Military Family Life Writer at VeteranLife
Air Force Veteran
Gayleen Swiggum is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and lifelong military kid who has experienced military life from nearly every perspective. Gayleen holds a Master of Science degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, along with a Bachelo...
Credentials
Expertise
Gayleen Swiggum is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and lifelong military kid who has experienced military life from nearly every perspective. Gayleen holds a Master of Science degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, along with a Bachelo...
