Veterans Health Administration

Free Emergency Suicide Care

Veterans and former service members: you can get free, emergency suicide care when you need it, no matter where you are.

If you are in suicidal crisis, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. 
Whether or not you are enrolled in VA health care, you can go to a VA or non-VA emergency room for immediate suicidal care.
VA will provide the treatment or cover the costs for treatment including transportation, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days. We will cover outpatient care for up to 90 days.

Do I need to be enrolled in the VA system to receive emergency care when experiencing a suicidal crisis?

No. Regardless of VA enrollment status, you are eligible:

• If you were discharged from the armed forces with more than 24 months of active duty, or
• If you are a former active or reserve service member who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or
• If you are a former member of the armed forces who was the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

What information do I need to provide to emergency room staff to let them know I am eligible for VA to pay for or provide my care?

•  If you are enrolled in VA health care, tell the emergency room staff that you receive your care from VA.
• If you are not enrolled, tell the emergency room staff that you are not enrolled in VA health care. This allows the VA to still provide care regardless of your enrollment status. After you are seen in a VA emergency room, it also allows for other types of care to be provided.

Does a community emergency room need an agreement with VA to be paid for emergency suicide care?

No. You can immediately seek care at the nearest emergency room during a medical or mental health emergency.