What needs prior approval (preauthorization) under CHAMPVA
Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 9, 2026 (VA page updated Aug 12, 2026). Changelog
Most care doesn’t need approval first. VA lists these exceptions that do:
- Inpatient mental health care (staying at the facility)
- Care for alcohol or substance use disorders
- Dental care (in the limited cases CHAMPVA covers it)
- Organ transplants
No approval needed for medical equipment or mental health care you get through VA’s CHAMPVA In-House Treatment Initiative (CITI).
How to get approval
Your provider contacts CHAMPVA by phone (800-733-8387), fax, or email ([email protected] for mental health, alcohol, or substance use). The fax number is on VA’s CHAMPVA care page.
Getting care without a required approval can lead to a denied claim. See Denied claim?