VA Health Care Guide

Can I get VA health care?

You may be eligible if you served on active duty and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. You do not need a disability or a war record to apply. Other health insurance does not stop you from applying.

• Most people who joined after September 7, 1980 need about 24 continuous months of service, or the full period they were called to active duty. There are exceptions, such as a discharge for a service-connected disability or hardship.
• National Guard and Reserve members usually qualify if they were called to active duty by federal order and finished that period. Training only does not count.
• If your discharge was other than honorable, you may still have options. You can ask for a discharge upgrade or a Character of Discharge review.
• Recent combat veterans can get free care for conditions linked to that service for 10 years after leaving. Apply early to use that time.

What to bring when you apply

• Your discharge papers (DD-214 or other separation papers).
• Social Security numbers for you, your spouse and any dependents.
• Details from any health insurance cards, including Medicare.
• Last year’s household income and your deductible expenses. You do not have to report these at first, but VA may ask later.

No DD-214? VA can help you get a copy. Ask when you call.

After you are enrolled

• You will get a letter that tells you your priority group. The group can affect how soon you are enrolled and what you may pay.
• Call or visit your VA medical center to ask for a primary care appointment. Say you are newly enrolled.
• Bring a list of your medicines and your questions. Ask someone you trust to come with you if that helps.
• Ask about every service you may need, such as mental health care, dental, hearing, vision and caregiver support.

Use your account online

Once you are enrolled and registered at a VA facility, you can sign in to VA.gov to:

• Refill VA prescriptions and manage your medicines.
• Schedule and manage some appointments.
• Send secure messages to your VA health care team.
• View, download and print your health records, including test results.

Need help with the website or anything else at VA? The VA main help line is 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411).

Information last checked: October 2026. Rules change. Confirm with VA.gov before you act.