Health Care for Women Veterans

What it is

VA offers full health care for women veterans, not just a few add-on services. Many VA facilities have women's health clinics or women's health primary care providers. Services include:

• Primary care and checkups, including cancer screenings and vaccines
• Reproductive health, including birth control, menopause care and gynecology
• Breast care, including mammograms and post-mastectomy prosthetics
• Maternity care. VA pays for pregnancy care through community providers, and a maternity care coordinator helps you through pregnancy and after birth. Newborns can get some care too.
• Fertility care, including some advanced treatments for eligible veterans
• Mental health care, including care for depression, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders
• Military sexual trauma (MST) care, which is free for MST-related needs, even for many veterans who don't qualify for other VA care
• Long-term condition care, such as heart health, diabetes, and muscle and joint pain

A note on recent changes

On Dec. 31, 2025, VA issued a rule ending most abortion services at VA and in CHAMPVA, except when the mother's life is in danger. The rule is being challenged, so details may change. If you have questions about what is covered, ask your Women Veteran Program Manager or call the Women Veterans Call Center.

Help with pregnancy and newborns

If you're pregnant, VA covers your prenatal care, delivery and care after birth, usually through community providers VA approves. Your maternity care coordinator checks in during and after pregnancy, helps you find a provider, and connects you with support like lactation help and screening for postpartum depression. VA can also cover care for your newborn for a short time after birth. Tell VA as soon as you know you're pregnant so there are no gaps.

Who qualifies

Any woman veteran who is enrolled in or eligible for VA health care. The same service and discharge rules apply as for all veterans. If you served in a combat zone, you may get free care for five years after separation for conditions possibly tied to that service.

How to get started, step by step

1. Call the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636. You can call, text or chat. Staff can help you enroll, find a women's health provider, and answer questions.
2. Apply for VA health care online or by phone if you're not enrolled.
3. Ask for a women's health primary care provider when you schedule your first visit.
4. Find your Women Veteran Program Manager. Every VA medical center has one. They're your advocate if something isn't working.
5. Pregnant? Tell your VA provider right away so a maternity care coordinator can set up your care.
6. Experienced MST? Every VA facility has an MST coordinator. You don't need to have reported it or have documents to get MST care.

Mistakes to avoid

• Thinking VA care isn't for you. Many women veterans don't see themselves as "real" veterans. You earned this.
• Skipping the program manager. They can fix problems fast.
• Missing a disability claim. Conditions from service, including MST-related conditions, can be claimed for compensation.
• Not asking for a provider you're comfortable with. You can ask for a female provider for many services.

Related benefits

See our guides on VA health care, mental health care and Vet Centers, CHAMPVA for families, and the caregiver program.