People who live or travel far from home know how comforting it is to be able to stay in touch with family, friends and organizations that are familiar, trustworthy and able to help in times of need. On February 3, 2003, our Department introduced some important procedures to better serve VAC disability pensioners who do not live in Canada. For example, disability pensioners who live permanently outside Canada will be issued a VAC Health Identification Card in the spring. This card will make it easier for qualified pensioners to obtain health benefits and services to treat injuries or conditions related to their military service.

The card is similar to one that is used by Canadian disability pensioners who live in Canada but there are some important differences. Under this card, for example, all health benefits and services must be approved by a division of VAC called Foreign Countries Operations (FCO) before obtaining them. Your health care provider can obtain pre-authorization for you by contacting FCO directly. Providers who accept the VAC Health Identification Card can bill FCO directly for the approved health benefit or service. This means you will not be out of pocket. If your provider does not accept the card, please call FCO for information on how to be reimbursed.

Additional information on how to use the card is available in a pamphlet called Health Benefits for Canadians Outside of Canada. This pamphlet (along with the card) will be mailed to VAC disability pensioners who live permanently outside of Canada. If you have not received this information package by the end of April, please contact FCO.

Q. I receive a VAC disability pension and I'm going to Florida this winter. What am I eligible to receive while outside of Canada?

A. Disability pensioners who travel outside Canada are eligible for health benefits and services that are approved for their pensioned condition(s). Before you leave Canada, you should contact your local VAC District Office and let them know about your travel plans. They'll pass this information along to Foreign Countries Operations. FCO will send you a letter that tells you about your treatment rights and responsibilities while you're outside of Canada.

Q. I live in the United States and receive the War Veterans Allowance (WVA). Will VAC pay for my medical care in the US?

A. If you receive WVA and a VAC disability pension, then you are considered a "dual client". In this case, you are eligible for health benefits for treatment of your pensioned condition(s) while outside of Canada.

If you only receive WVA, you are not eligible to receive health benefits through VAC while living or travelling outside of Canada. This means you will need to make other arrangements to make sure your health care needs are covered while you are out of the country. If you return to Canada to live permanently, please contact your nearest VAC District Office for information on whether you qualify for VAC benefits and services in Canada.

How to Reach FCO

For many years, a division of Veterans Affairs Canada called Foreign Countries Operations (FCO) has been the point of contact for VAC disability pensioners who live permanently, or travel, anywhere outside the country. For more information on FCO and how they can help you, please contact:

How FCO Can Help You

If you are a VAC disability pensioner or the survivor of a pensioner who lives or travels anywhere outside the country, you can contact FCO to:

• obtain information about, or an application for, benefits or services available through our Department such as disability pensions, other pension-related special allowances, or survivor's benefits;

• learn about health benefits or long-term care that may be available to you as a result of your service-related disability pension and health needs;

• report a change of address, family status, health status, or a death;

• trace a VAC pension cheque or benefit that has been lost or delayed in the mail; and

• inquire about financial assistance that may be available to help pay for a pensioner's funeral and burial.

Please Note: If you are a Canadian Veteran who lives in Canada and you need information or help, please call your nearest VAC District Office. Numbers are listed in the Government or blue pages of your telephone book.