The VA urgent care benefit provides eligible Veterans with convenient access to care for injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening. Understanding how to use this benefit can help you get the care you need when you need it.
VA provides eligible Veterans an urgent care benefit, treating injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening. This benefit is designed to give you flexible access to care when you need it most.
What's Covered
The urgent care benefit includes:
- ◦Urgent care treatment at local VA Urgent Care facilities
- ◦Urgent care treatment at community urgent care facilities in VA's network
- ◦Diagnostic services like X-rays
- ◦Some laboratory testing
- ◦Some medications and prescriptions (with limitations)
Need Help? For assistance with urgent care eligibility and general questions, call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), select option 1, then select option 1 again.
⚠️ Important: Network Providers Only
When using the urgent care benefit, Veterans must go to an urgent care provider in VA's network. Not all urgent care facilities are in the VA network, so it's important to verify before seeking care.
1Find a Network Provider
Use the VA Urgent Care Locator to find an urgent care location in VA's contracted network.
2State You're Using VA Urgent Care Benefit
Upon arriving at the urgent care facility, you must clearly state that you are using your VA urgent care benefit. This is a critical step.
3Eligibility Verification
The urgent care provider will verify your eligibility before providing care. Make sure to have your VA identification ready.
If you need assistance while at the urgent care provider, call the appropriate regional number based on your location:
Region 1, 2, or 3
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VI, VT, WI, or WV
888-901-6609To find an urgent care location in VA's contracted network, use the official VA Urgent Care Locator:
www.va.gov/find-locationsUse the locator to search for urgent care facilities near you and verify they are in VA's network before visiting.
Key Takeaways
- VA urgent care benefit covers non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses requiring immediate attention
- Includes diagnostic services (X-rays, lab tests) and some medications with limitations
- Must use network providers - verify location at www.va.gov/find-locations before visiting
- State you're using VA urgent care benefit when you arrive at the facility
- For eligibility questions: 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 1, then option 1
- For help at provider: 888-901-6609 (Regions 1-3) or 866-620-2071 (Regions 4-5)
Related Articles
Understand when to seek emergency care at community facilities and how VA covers life-threatening situations.
Complete guide to filing a VA disability claim from preparation through processing and appeals.