VA hospitals, officially VA medical centers, are hospitals run by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), part of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the country, with more than 170 medical centers and over 1,000 outpatient sites. VA hospitals provide care to veterans who are enrolled in VA health care, and in some cases to family members and caregivers through separate programs.
This guide explains who can use VA hospitals, how to enroll, what happens in an emergency, and when the VA pays for care at a community hospital. It is general information. In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For a mental health crisis, veterans can dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Who can get care at a VA hospital
Eligibility for VA health care is based mainly on military service. In general, you may be eligible if you served in the active military, naval or air service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable. Minimum service requirements apply for many veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, with exceptions for things like service-connected disabilities.
Members of the National Guard and Reserves may qualify if they were called to active duty by federal order and completed the full period. The PACT Act of 2022 also expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
How enrollment and priority groups work
Most veterans must enroll before receiving routine care. You can apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail using VA Form 10-10EZ, or in person at a VA medical center.
When you enroll, the VA assigns you to one of eight priority groups. Group 1 includes veterans with a high service-connected disability rating, and later groups are based on factors such as other disability ratings, former prisoner of war status, Purple Heart recipients, income and other criteria. Your priority group affects how quickly you can enroll if enrollment is limited and whether you pay copays for some care. Many veterans pay nothing for care related to a service-connected condition.
What VA hospitals provide
VA medical centers offer a wide range of services, though not every center offers everything:
- Primary care and specialty care
- Emergency care
- Surgery and inpatient care
- Mental health care, including inpatient psychiatric and residential programs
- Substance use treatment
- Rehabilitation, including spinal cord injury and blind rehabilitation centers at selected sites
- Women veterans' health services
- Pharmacy, prosthetics and audiology
- Geriatric and long-term care through community living centers
Many VA medical centers are affiliated with medical schools and train a large share of US physicians. You can browse VA hospitals in our directory by state.
Emergency care outside the VA
You do not have to go to a VA hospital in an emergency. If you believe your life or health is in danger, go to the nearest emergency department. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), community hospitals must screen and stabilize you regardless of insurance.
For the VA to consider paying for emergency care at a non-VA hospital, the VA should be notified within 72 hours of the start of care. The hospital, you or a family member can make that notification. Coverage depends on your eligibility and other conditions, so make the notification even if you are not sure the VA will pay.
Community Care: when the VA pays a non-VA hospital
The VA MISSION Act of 2018 created the Veterans Community Care Program. If you are eligible, the VA can authorize care from community providers in its network. Common eligibility criteria include:
- The VA does not offer the care or service you need
- There is no full-service VA medical facility in your state
- You would face an average drive time to a VA facility of more than 30 minutes for primary care or mental health, or more than 60 minutes for specialty care
- The VA cannot schedule an appointment within 20 days for primary care or mental health, or 28 days for specialty care
- It is in your best medical interest, as determined with your VA provider
Community care usually must be authorized in advance, except for emergencies and urgent care at network urgent care locations.
VA hospitals vs military hospitals
People often confuse VA hospitals with military hospitals. Military hospitals, also called military treatment facilities, are run by the Department of Defense and serve active duty service members, their families and some retirees through TRICARE. VA hospitals serve veterans. Some retirees use both systems.
Quality information
VA hospitals report many quality measures, and you can look them up on Medicare.gov Care Compare alongside other hospitals. The VA also publishes its own access and quality data, including wait times, on VA.gov. See How CMS Star Ratings Work for how to interpret ratings.
Getting your VA records
Enrolled veterans can view and download much of their health record through My HealtheVet or VA.gov. You also have a HIPAA right to request a copy of your records. See How to Request Your Medical Records.