VA urgent care benefit (walk-in clinics, no referral)
Sore throat, sprain, pink eye: walk into an in-network urgent care clinic with no referral.
What it is
Enrolled Veterans can use in-network urgent care clinics for minor illness and injury without asking VA first. This is different from an emergency. If you think your life or health is in danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Who qualifies
You are a Veteran enrolled in VA health care and you received care from VA or an in-network provider in the past 24 months.
What it covers
VA lists minor injuries and illnesses such as strep throat, pink eye, sprains, and skin and ear infections, plus diagnostic imaging, lab tests, and select medications and vaccines.
What it costs (2026)
VA's 2026 copay page says urgent care is free for the first three visits a year for priority groups 1 through 5, then $30 per visit. Priority groups 7 and 8 pay $30 per visit. Priority group 6 pays nothing when the visit is for a condition tied to a special authority (for example combat or toxic exposure) and $30 per visit otherwise. Your priority group decides what you pay, so check your own on the copay page.
What it costs (2026)
How to use it, step by step
- Confirm you are enrolled and had VA or in-network care in the last 24 months. Call 877-222-8387 if unsure.
- Use an in-network urgent care clinic. Call the number below for your part of the country to check a clinic.
- Walk in. No referral or preapproval is needed.
Traps to avoid
- VA says you must use an in-network clinic.
- The 24-month rule is required: you must have received VA or in-network care in the past 24 months.
- Prescriptions from an urgent care visit have their own rules. See VA's non-VA pharmacy page below.
Where to call and where to go
Phone
- General eligibility questions: 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). Source: VA urgent care page
- Urgent care network, western states and territories: 866-620-2071. Eastern states and territories: 888-901-6609. Source: VA urgent care page
- VA health benefits hotline: 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Source: va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
- Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7: 988, then select 1. Source: Helpful VA phone numbers
Official pages