Veterans Health Insurance Benefits

Veterans from all military branches of service, of all wars and conflicts, whether they performed in combat or are stationed state-side, receive health insurance benefits. Immediate family members (spouses and children) of veterans may also receive certain health care benefits. Veterans do not have to pay monthly premium fees for benefits, but may be required to pay minimal co-pays for some services. The main veteran's insurance plan for active and retired members of the military is TRICARE.

Medical Facilities

• Veteran's health benefits offer a multitude of available medical facilities for their use. Among them include most health care systems (the majority of which accept TRICARE) and clinics, nursing homes and hospitals. In addition, veterans may access centers of care for veterans only as well as benefit from patient advocate facilities and resources.

Health Care

• Like most health insurance plans, veteran's health care benefits under TRICARE offer full use of services and facilities for general health care, mental health and drugs and prescriptions. Dental and vision care are also offered, as are services for orthopedic needs such as prosthetics and rehabilitation and treatment for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Family Support

• Spouses and children of military veterans may qualify for health care services such as dental, vision and health and wellness care. Check with the Veteran's Administration or TRICARE offices to determine eligibility of services. Spouses and children who qualify may access health care through the DEER (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) also have access to prescription, mental health and medical procedures and care for medically proven needs.

Preventive Care

• Veteran's health benefits also include preventive care and services such as annual physical exams, immunizations, health education and screening tests. Spouses and children are also able to access such care.

Treatments

• Inpatient and outpatient services including emergency care, acute care and hospital based care are also included in veteran's health benefits. Surgeries, chiropractic and mental and behavioral health services are also available, as are substance abuse treatment centers and programs. Hospital inpatient benefits include but are not limited to imaging and diagnostics, ongoing medical care, reconstruction surgeries and rehabilitation services and programs.

Prescription

• Medical supplies, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are covered in veteran's health benefits, though suppliers must be prescribed by a VA health care provider for coverage.