What is VA policy on obtaining emergency services when traveling outside Upstate New York?
When traveling outside Upstate New York, veterans may receive emergency services at any VA healthcare facility that provides emergency care, throughout the United States. If a VA medical facility does not exist in the area where you are traveling, you should seek medical care from the closest non-VA medical care facility. If you are admitted to that hospital for inpatient care, ask an official at the facility to notify the closest VA medical care facility of your admission. Notification does not in itself guarantee VA payment. In general, emergency care received from non-VA healthcare facilities and care received outside the United States may be covered if — • the care is necessary for the treatment of a service connected disability • is emergent • VA facilities are not readily available All three minimum criteria listed above must be met in order for the VA Health Care Upstate New York to consider payment of non-VA health care. Additional criteria must also be met.
