Switching Va Hospitals: A Step-By-Step Guide

Veterans who are looking to change their VA hospital can do so by updating their address on file with the VA. This can be done online through the VA.gov profile for certain VA benefits and services, including VA health care, disability compensation, and pension benefits. However, some departments maintain separate records, requiring direct contact to update address information. Veterans can also call the VA directly or send a signed and dated address change request letter to the VA regional office. When moving outside the U.S., veterans must sign up for the Foreign Medical Program, which covers specific health care services received abroad.

Update your address on VA.gov

If you are a veteran who has moved or is planning to move, it is important to update your address with the VA to ensure that you continue to receive the care you need. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to update your address on VA.gov:

Step 1: Sign in to your VA.gov account

To update your address on VA.gov, you need to have a verified account on the website. Sign in to your account on the VA.gov website.

Step 2: Go to your profile's contact information section

Once you are signed in, navigate to your profile's contact information section. This is where you will be able to update your mailing and home addresses.

Step 3: Update your address

In the contact information section, you will be able to edit your address details. Enter your new address information, including your mailing and home addresses if they are different. Make sure to review the information carefully before saving the changes.

Step 4: Contact specific departments if needed

Note that some VA departments keep your contact information in their own separate records. If you use any VA benefits or services that are handled by these departments, you will need to contact them directly to update your address. This includes services such as VA health care (including prescriptions, appointment reminders, lab and test results, and communications from your VA medical center).

Step 5: Update your VGLI information (if applicable)

If you have life insurance through a VA program, you may need to update your VGLI information separately. You can do this by calling the VA Insurance Center (VAIC) at 800-669-8477 or by sending a signed and dated address change request letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center.

By following these steps, you can update your address on VA.gov and ensure that your records are accurate and up-to-date. This will help you continue receiving the care and benefits you need through the VA health care system.

If you are moving outside the U.S., you will also need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program, which provides coverage for certain health care services received in foreign countries. You can contact the Foreign Medical Program office at 877-345-8179 or update your information online through milConnect.

Contact the department directly

If you need to change your VA hospital, you can contact the department directly. This can be done in several ways, depending on your personal preference and the nature of your query.

Firstly, you can call the VA directly to inform them of your change of address and request a transfer to a new VA hospital. The number to call is 877-222-8387, and the phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. It is important to give the VA at least 4 to 6 weeks' notice if you are planning to move, so they can plan for your care at a new location.

If you are moving outside of the U.S., you will need to sign up for the VA's Foreign Medical Program. This program covers certain health care services received in foreign countries for service-connected disabilities or conditions. You can contact the Foreign Medical Program by calling 877-345-8179, Monday through Friday, 8:05 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. ET, or by sending a signed and dated address change request to the following address:

VHA Office of Community Care Foreign Medical Program (FMP)

PO Box 469061

Denver, CO 80246-9061

If you have life insurance through a VA program, you can update your address by calling the VA Insurance Center (VAIC) at 800-669-8477, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, or by sending a signed and dated address change request to the following address:

Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center

PO Box 7208

Philadelphia, PA 19101

You can also update your address online through your VA.gov profile. This will update your information across several VA benefits and services, including VA health care, disability compensation, and pension benefits. To do this, you will need to be signed in to your VA.gov account. Some departments keep your contact information in their own separate records, so you may need to contact them directly to update your information.

If you decide you want to change to a different primary care doctor, you will need to talk to your health care team leader or the patient advocate at your VA medical center.

Call the customer care centre

If you are looking to change your VA hospital, you can start by calling the customer care centre. This is a good first step to take before you visit a VA hospital in person. The VA customer care centre can be reached at 800-733-8387. Their operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:05 am to 7:30 pm ET. Please note that you will be required to provide your last address for verification purposes before your file can be updated.

If you are moving outside of the United States, you will need to sign up for the VA's Foreign Medical Program. This program covers the cost of certain necessary health care services received in foreign countries for the treatment of a service-connected disability or a condition that is worsening a service-connected disability. You can reach the Foreign Medical Program office at 877-345-8179, Monday through Friday, 8:05 am to 6:45 pm ET.

If you have life insurance through any VA programs, you can call the VA Insurance Centre (VAIC) at 800-669-8477, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ET. You can also send a signed and dated address change request to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Centre at the following address: PO Box 7208 Philadelphia, PA 19101.

If you are a travelling veteran, you can also take advantage of the VA's Traveling Veteran Coordinator, who ensures seamless health care when you travel or relocate. It is recommended that you provide the VA with advance notice of at least 4 to 6 weeks so that they can plan for your care at a VA location near where you will be staying.

Update your insurance information

To update your insurance information, you must first be enrolled in VA health care. Then, you can use VA Form 10-10EZR to update your personal, financial, and insurance information.

If you have life insurance through any VA programs, you can call the VA Insurance Center (VAIC) at 800-669-8477, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. Alternatively, you can send a signed and dated address change request to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center at the following address: PO Box 7208 Philadelphia, PA 19101.

If you are travelling or relocating, it is important to notify your local VA in advance so they can help set up care in your new location. You can call VA at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, to update your address. If you are moving outside the U.S., you will need to sign up for the Foreign Medical Program, which will cover certain health care services received in foreign countries to treat a service-connected disability.

If you use any VA benefits or services, you may need to contact the relevant department directly to update your information.

Contact the Foreign Medical Program

The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) covers the cost of health care for veterans who get medical care outside the US for a service-connected condition. This includes medical equipment, devices, and supplies that a provider prescribes to support everyday activities, including prosthetics. It also covers skilled nursing care, such as medical care by licensed providers to help with medicines, wound care, and other recovery and medical needs.

If you get medical care in a country outside the US, FMP can only cover the cost of services that are medically necessary and meet at least one of the following descriptions:

• The services are for a VA-rated, service-connected disability (for example, an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service).
• The services are for a condition that is associated with a service-connected disability that makes the disability worse.

You can register for FMP online, by mail, or by fax. You will need your Social Security number or VA claim number (also called the VA file number). In most cases, your claim number and Social Security number are the same. If you want to set up direct deposit for VA benefits and receive your claims this way, you will need your bank's routing number and account number. You will also need to fill out an FMP Registration Form (VA Form 10-7959f-1).

If you stayed in a hospital for care, you must file your claim within 2 years of leaving the hospital. You can file your claim by mail or fax. The address or fax number for your claim depends on the country where you got care. For care in any country except Canada, mail your completed VA Form 10-7959f-2 and supporting documents to:

VHA Office of Integrated Veteran Care

Foreign Medical Program (FMP)

PO Box 200

Spring City, PA 19475

You can contact the Foreign Medical Program office by calling 877-345-8179. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:05 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. ET.

Frequently asked questions