What CHAMPVA covers, and what it doesn't
Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 10, 2026 (VA CHAMPVA care page updated Aug 12, 2026). Changelog
The rule: CHAMPVA pays for care that is medically necessary and appropriate for a condition, unless it’s specifically excluded (38 CFR 17.272). The Guidebook adds: “Services listed as a covered benefit do not guarantee payment,” so call 800-733-8387 if you’re unsure.
Common things CHAMPVA does NOT cover
From the CHAMPVA Guidebook’s “not covered” lists:
| Area | Not covered | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Routine dental care, braces, adding or modifying dentures | Vision & dental |
| Vision | Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses | Vision & dental |
| Hearing | Hearing aids that aren’t surgically implanted; routine adult hearing exams | Hearing aids |
| Weight loss | Weight-control medication and weight-reduction programs | GLP-1 drugs |
| Therapy | Chiropractic care, acupuncture, health club memberships, exercise equipment | |
| Medical equipment | Hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, home or vehicle modifications, luxury equipment | |
| Long-term care | Custodial care; housekeeping and attendant services; care by a family or household member | |
| Pharmacy | Drugs not FDA-approved, most over-the-counter drugs (insulin and diabetic supplies are covered), travel vaccines, most vitamins, smoking-cessation products not from Meds by Mail | Pharmacy |
| Family care | IVF, artificial insemination, marriage counseling, reversal of sterilization | |
| Other | Cosmetic surgery and cosmetic drugs, experimental treatment, private hospital rooms, naturopathy, hypnosis, transportation that doesn’t need life-sustaining equipment, workers’ comp injuries |
Covered, with limits
- Diabetic shoes: limited pairs per calendar year.
- Mastectomy bras: up to 7 every 12 months.
- Cardiac rehab: up to 36 sessions.
- Weight-loss surgery: only when BMI and medical criteria are met.
- Emergency care and ambulance: see ER coverage and costs.
Needs approval first
VA lists these: inpatient mental health care, alcohol or substance use treatment, dental care, and organ transplants. See Preauthorization.
How to check before you go
- Look it up in the CHAMPVA Guidebook.
- Call CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. ET.
- If you’re denied, see Denied claim?