Veterans may have access to a range of healthcare benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Depending on eligibility, these benefits can include primary care, specialty care, prescription medications, mental health services, preventive care, rehabilitation, and other medical services.
Eligibility generally depends on military service, discharge status, disability, income, and other factors. Veterans who served in certain combat zones or were exposed to toxins and other hazards may have additional eligibility pathways.
What Healthcare Benefits May Be Available?
Eligible Veterans may receive access to:
- Primary and preventive healthcare
- Specialty medical care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance-use treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Hearing and audiology services
- Vision care
- Prosthetic equipment
- Cancer treatment
- Home health and certain extended-care services
- Care related to service-connected disabilities
- Certain community care when VA requirements are met
VA's medical benefits package includes medically necessary services and may include additional services such as laboratory testing, rehabilitation, prosthetics, audiology, and other treatment-related care.
Who May Qualify for VA Healthcare?
You may qualify if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge, although additional requirements can apply.
For many Veterans who entered service after September 7, 1980, or active duty after October 16, 1981, VA generally requires 24 continuous months of service or the full period for which the Veteran was called to active duty, subject to exceptions.
Eligibility can also be affected by:
- Service-connected disabilities
- Military service history
- Income
- Combat service
- Exposure to certain hazards
- VA priority group
- Other qualifying circumstances
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary based on service history, disability, income, and location.
Types of Veteran Healthcare Benefits
VA Medical Care
VA healthcare can provide primary care as well as specialty services for eligible Veterans. Enrollment places Veterans into one of eight priority groups, which can affect access and healthcare costs.
Prescription Benefits
Eligible Veterans can receive prescriptions written or approved by VA healthcare providers. Some Veterans may have prescription copays, while others may qualify for reduced or no medication costs based on priority group, disability rating, income, or other factors.
For 2026, Veterans in priority group 1 do not pay medication copays. Other priority groups may have medication copays, with certain exemptions and an annual medication copay cap.
Mental Health Services
VA provides mental health services for conditions and needs including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders, grief, and the effects of military sexual trauma.
Certain eligible Veterans can also receive an exemption from copays for their first three outpatient mental health or substance-use disorder visits each calendar year through December 29, 2027.
Vision Care
VA healthcare covers routine eye exams and preventive tests for eligible Veterans. Some Veterans may also qualify for eyeglasses or blind and low-vision rehabilitation services.
Dental Care
Dental benefits through VA are more limited than general medical care. Eligibility depends on factors such as service history, disability status, and other qualifying circumstances. Veterans should check their specific VA dental eligibility rather than assuming all dental services are covered.
Rehabilitation and Specialized Care
VA may provide rehabilitation services, physical therapy, vision rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury therapy, prosthetic items, audiology, and other specialized services when medically necessary.
Healthcare for Service-Connected Conditions
Veterans with conditions caused or aggravated by active-duty service may qualify for disability benefits and may receive care related to a VA-rated service-connected condition without a copay.
How VA Healthcare Costs Work
VA healthcare is not automatically free for every Veteran.
Some Veterans are exempt from copays because of their disability rating, income, priority group, or special eligibility. For example, Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher do not pay outpatient-care copays for eligible care under the current VA rules.
Veterans with lower household income may also qualify for reduced or free care for certain non-service-connected conditions.
How to Apply for VA Healthcare
- Check your eligibility.
- Gather your military information, including discharge documents such as a DD214 when applicable.
- Prepare insurance information if you have Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or other coverage.
- Complete VA Form 10-10EZ to apply.
- Apply online, by phone, mail, or in person at a VA medical facility.
- Provide income information if required to determine eligibility or healthcare costs.
VA's healthcare application hotline is 877-222-8387.