Drive to a VA health care appointment and the VA will pay you back 41.5 cents a mile for the trip there and home, plus tolls and parking, through a benefit called VA Beneficiary Travel. It is easy to overlook, and many veterans who qualify never file for it.

This guide explains who is eligible, exactly how the mileage rate and deductible work, what else the program covers, including special transportation like an ambulance or wheelchair van with preapproval, and how to file a claim so the money actually reaches you.

In This Guide

What Is VA Beneficiary Travel

Beneficiary Travel, often called travel pay, is the VA program that reimburses eligible veterans for mileage and other approved costs of traveling to and from VA or VA-authorized health care. When a veteran drives to a VA medical center for an appointment, or to a community provider the VA has approved, this program can pay back the cost of that trip.

The benefit covers more than just mileage. It also pays for tolls and parking tied to the visit. With preapproval, it can cover special-mode transportation such as an ambulance or wheelchair van, and in some cases meals and lodging. The point of the program is simple: a veteran should not have to skip needed care because the cost of getting there is too high.

Who Qualifies

To qualify for general mileage reimbursement, a veteran must be traveling for VA or VA-approved care and meet at least one of the eligibility criteria below.

Certain caregivers and medically required attendants may also be reimbursed when they travel with the veteran.

Not sure whether your VA rating or income makes you eligible? Chat with Brevy to sort through your options.

Mileage Rate and Deductible

As of 2026, the VA pays 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for approved health-related travel. That mileage is reduced by a small deductible before the VA pays you, and the deductible is capped each month so it never grows beyond a set amount.

What the VA Pays Amount
Mileage rate 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile
Deductible, one-way trip $3 per appointment
Deductible, round trip $6 per appointment
Monthly deductible cap $18 per calendar month
After the cap is reached VA pays your full approved travel cost for the rest of that month

Here is how the cap works in practice. The deductible is $3 each way, so $6 for a round-trip appointment, subtracted before you are reimbursed. Once you have paid $18 in deductibles within a single calendar month, the VA waives any further deductible and pays your full approved travel cost for the remaining appointments that month. The program also reimburses tolls and parking connected to the visit.

The VA can change the mileage rate administratively, so it is worth confirming the current rate on va.gov before you file if it has been a while since your last trip.

Special-Mode Transportation

Some veterans cannot travel by ordinary car and need transportation that is medically required, such as an ambulance or a wheelchair van. With preapproval, Beneficiary Travel can cover this special-mode transportation, along with options like a taxi or public transit when appropriate. The program can also cover preapproved meals and lodging tied to longer trips for care.

The key word is preapproval. Special-mode transportation generally must be authorized by the VA before the trip, so contact your VA facility's travel office in advance rather than after the fact.

How to File a VA Beneficiary Travel Claim

Veterans can file a Beneficiary Travel claim in a few ways.

Whichever method you use, file promptly. Claims are generally filed within 30 days of the appointment, so submit yours soon after each visit rather than letting them pile up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the VA pay per mile for beneficiary travel?

The VA currently pays 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for approved health-related travel, reduced by a deductible of $3 one-way or $6 round-trip per appointment.

What is the deductible, and is there a monthly cap?

The deductible is $3 for a one-way trip or $6 for a round trip, per appointment, capped at $18 per calendar month. Once you have paid $18 in deductibles in a month, the VA pays your full approved travel cost for the rest of that month.

Does beneficiary travel cover an ambulance or wheelchair van?

Yes, with preapproval. The program can cover special-mode transportation such as an ambulance, wheelchair van, taxi, or public transit when it is medically required, plus preapproved meals and lodging.

How do I file a beneficiary travel claim?

You can file online through the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS), by submitting VA Form 10-3542 to your VA facility, or during smartphone check-in if you are eligible. Claims are generally filed within 30 days of the appointment.

Learn More

VA BenefitsVA Health Care Enrollment and Priority GroupsHow VA health care enrollment and priority groups work for older veterans: who can enroll, the 8 priority groups, copays, how to apply, and long-term care. VA BenefitsVA Benefits for Senior Care: A Complete GuideA complete guide to VA benefits for senior care: long-term care, Aid and Attendance, pensions, DIC, and home grants for older veterans and surviving spouses. ResourcesReimbursed VA travel expenses and mileage rate (VA.gov) Health-careGet reimbursed for travel pay (VA.gov)
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The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

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