From VA Denial to Colombia Departure: The Veteran's Medical Tourism Path

The decision is made: the VA cannot or will not provide the care you need on a timeline that works. Here is the practical path from that decision to surgery in Colombia, including every checkpoint where you should verify eligibility, confirm coverage, and make an informed go/no-go call.

Step 1: Determine your coverage pathway

Service-connected condition? Register for the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) if you are not already enrolled. FMP registration uses VA Form 10-7959f-1. For the complete registration and predetermination process, see surgerywaittimes.com's FMP registration guide and the predetermination walkthrough.

Not service-connected? You are a self-pay patient. The process is the same as any civilian — see US Cash-Pay vs Colombia for the cost comparison.

Step 2: Request a quote and treatment plan

Send your medical records and imaging to Colombian providers for a virtual consultation. For the intake process specific to veterans, see requestmedicalquote.com's veteran guide. Expect a treatment plan and quote within 48 to 72 hours.

Step 3: Get FMP predetermination (if applicable)

Before traveling, submit the FMP predetermination request with the Colombian surgeon's treatment plan. This confirms that FMP will reimburse the treatment before you incur the cost. See how FMP direct billing works.

Step 4: Book and travel

Miami to Medellín is a 3.5-hour direct flight. Colombia is in the Eastern time zone. US citizens enter visa-free for 90 days. For the logistics of scheduling surgery in Colombia, see surgerywaittimes.com's scheduling guide.

Step 5: Document everything for claims

FMP reimbursement requires itemized bills, operative reports, and the FMP claim form submitted within 180 days. For the complete documentation checklist, see surgerywaittimes.com's claim checklist.