The PVAO Hospitalization and Healthcare Benefits under the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP) aim to provide free and subsidized medical care to Filipino veterans and their qualified dependents. Through this program, beneficiaries can access medical services via the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) or other PVAO-accredited hospitals across the Philippines. To apply, individuals must submit required documents within 180 days of medical service or discharge to either VMMC or directly through PVAO channels.
This program was created to honor and support the medical needs of veterans who risked their lives in service to the nation, especially those who served during and after World War II. With an aging veteran population, the need for sustained and affordable healthcare is more pressing than ever. Informing the public about this benefit ensures that eligible veterans and their families receive the care and assistance they rightfully deserve. This guide explains everything you need to know about if you are thinking of applying for PVAO hospitalization and healthcare benefits, including eligibility requirements, coverage details, and the step-by-step application process.
What is the PVAO Hospitalization and Healthcare Benefits Program?
The PVAO Hospitalization and Healthcare Benefits program is a specialized healthcare initiative that provides eligible Filipino veterans and their dependents with free or subsidized hospitalization for in-patient confinement, outpatient medications, and selected medical procedures. What sets it apart from other government healthcare programs is its veteran-centric approach—benefits are tailored to the unique needs of military retirees, war heroes, and their families. Its primary goal is to deliver dignified and accessible healthcare as a form of gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans. Unlike PhilHealth or general assistance from the Department of Health (DOH), the PVAO program operates in partnership with the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and offers targeted subsidies up to ₱1,500 per day for inpatient care. It also provides fixed reimbursements for medicines and medical procedures without requiring membership contributions.
History
The VHMCP was established under Republic Act No. 6948, which recognizes and expands the benefits available to Filipino veterans. The program has evolved through subsequent amendments and administrative orders to include post-war veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents. Originally focused solely on World War II veterans, it now covers those who served in other military campaigns like the Korean War (PEFTOK), Vietnam War (PHILCAG), and more recent conflicts. Over time, the program expanded its partnerships with PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and formalized a reimbursement structure for outpatient care and maintenance medication. Today, it serves thousands of veterans nationwide, supported by legal mandates and operational oversight from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).
Features and Benefits
The VHMCP provides veterans and their families with the following:
- In-Patient Hospitalization Support
- Daily subsidy: ₱1,500/day, up to 45 days per year
- Medical Assistance for Drugs and Medicines
- Critical case: up to ₱20,000 per confinement
- Non-critical case: up to ₱10,000 per confinement
- Outpatient (OPD) maintenance medications: up to ₱2,000/month
- Assistance for Selected Medical Procedures
- Reimbursement for pre-approved and evaluated procedures, excluding consultation or professional fees
Note: Services are accessible via VMMC and other PVAO-accredited and PhilHealth-accredited hospitals
Veterans Wards in Government Hospitals
Under Republic Act No. 6948 (as amended), PVAO coordinates with government hospitals to establish Veterans Wards — designated areas for the treatment of veterans and eligible dependents.
Each province and city is required to have at least one government hospital with a dedicated veterans ward. These wards provide hospital services, treatment, procedures, and necessary medical supplies. If certain services are unavailable, hospitals may refer patients to other facilities, with the costs reimbursed by PVAO or VMMC.
Veterans or dependents must present valid identification upon admission to the Veterans Ward. PVAO Field Service Offices assist in coordinating these arrangements.
Who Can Avail of the PVAO Hospitalization and Healthcare Benefits?
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- World War II Veterans
- Spouse or Surviving Spouse of a World War II Veteran
- Post-World War II Veterans including PEFTOK, PHILCAG, and AFP retirees
- Dependents of Post-World War II Veterans and soldiers killed in action (KIA)
- Children with physical or mental disabilities, provided the condition occurred before age 18
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a recognized veteran under RA 6948 or its amendments
- Must present proof of veteran status (e.g., PVAO ID, VMMC card, AFP Retiree ID, or discharge papers)
- Spouses must present marriage and veteran’s death certificate (if applicable)
- Children must provide birth certificate and proof of relationship to the veteran
- Applications must be submitted within 180 days of discharge or purchase of medicine
Important Limitations to Know
The program also comes with limitations such as the following:
- Application for assistance must be filed within 180 days (6 months) from the date of discharge, purchase of medicine, or completion of medical procedure
- PhilHealth accreditation of the hospital is required
- Professional and consultation fees are not covered
- Original Official Receipts and Sales Invoices are mandatory for reimbursement
Requirements
Before applying for this, you need to make sure that you have prepared or secured the following required documents:
- Accomplished Personal Reimbursement Form (downloadable at pvao.gov.ph or vmmc.gov.ph)
- Original Official Receipt/Sales Invoice
- Statement of Account from hospital with admission and discharge dates signed by billing officer
- Medical Certificate, Discharge Summary, or Medical Abstract signed by the attending physician
- Prescription Form signed by hospital physician (for medicines not listed in SOA)
- Proof of Veteran Status (choose any of the following):
- PVAO Pensioner’s ID
- VMMC Medical Card
- AFP Retiree’s ID
- Certification from PVAO
- Honorable Discharge Paper
- Retirement Order
Additional Documents Based on Applicant Status:
- For Spouses of Deceased Veterans:
- Marriage Contract
- Death Certificate of the Veteran
- For Children/Dependents:
- Birth Certificate or legal adoption papers
- Death Certificate of both veteran and spouse (if applicable)
- Affidavit of nearest kin
- Waiver or Deed of Assignment from siblings (if required)
- If Filing via Representative:
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- Photocopy of claimant’s ID
How to Apply for PVAO Hospitalization and Healthcare Benefits
There are two ways to do this:
Option 1: Hospital-Based Application
If you’re confined or receiving care at a PVAO-VMMC-accredited hospital, inform the hospital staff immediately. They can assist with submitting the application for medical assistance.
Option 2: Individual Filing
You may also file directly with the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) or PVAO offices. Ensure the request is filed within 180 days of discharge or medical service.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Regardless of the method you chose to use to apply for this benefit, these are the steps that you will need to follow:
Step 1. Secure and Fill Out the Personal Reimbursement Form
- Downloadable from: pvao.gov.ph or vmmc.gov.ph
Step 2. Prepare the Required Documents
- Make sure to take note of the required documents listed above.
Step 3. Submit All Documents
- Once everything is ready, you may submit the documents using your preferred method and wait for it to be evaluated and approved.
Where to Get the Application Form
Applicants can download the Personal VHMCP Reimbursement Form directly from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) website at pvao.gov.ph or access it via the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) website. For walk-in applicants, physical copies of the application forms are available at PVAO service counters, specifically at Counter 1. Additionally, a direct PDF version of the form can be downloaded here: Personal VHMCP Reimbursement Form.
Cost and Processing Time
Application for PVAO hospitalization and medical benefits is free of charge, but all supporting documents and receipts must be submitted in original form. The processing time may vary depending on the completeness of documents and the type of benefit being claimed but is generally completed within a few weeks to a couple of months. Filing beyond 180 days from the date of discharge or transaction may result in automatic disqualification or rejection of the application.
Where to File and Get Help
If you need more help regarding the program, you may reach out to them via the following contact information:
For Hospitalization Benefits:
- Contact Person: Jaylord G. Aquino, Senior Veterans Assistance Officer
- Contact Numbers: (02) 8911-6001 loc 5596 / (02) 8352-8510 / 0969-257-7027
- Email: hospitalizationbenefit.customercare@pvao.gov.ph
For VMMC Assistance:
- Contact Person: Ms. Feliza B. de Leon, Chief, Medical Administrative Section
- Contact Numbers: (02) 8927-1250 / 0968-856-7693
- Email: mas_vmmc@yahoo.com
Tips When Applying
For a smoother application process, it’s best to keep these things in mind:
- Always keep original receipts and documents — these are required for processing your claims.
- Submit within the 180-day timeframe to avoid rejection.
- If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, reach out to PVAO Field Service Offices for guidance.
- Hospitals with Veterans Wards will provide streamlined services for qualified beneficiaries.
- Hospital for confinement must be PhilHealth-accredited.
- Professional and consultation fees are not covered.
- Original Official Receipts and Sales Invoices are mandatory for reimbursement.
Video: PVAO @ 78 – Highlights of Achievements
The PVAO hospitalization and healthcare benefits offer valuable support to Filipino veterans and their families. Through the Veterans Hospitalization and Medical Care Program (VHMCP), qualified individuals can access in-patient hospital subsidies, medical assistance for medicines, and selected procedures across PVAO-accredited hospitals nationwide. Watch this video and learn more about the programs and services that the PVAO has been giving to honor and serve the country’s veterans and their dependents by watching this video below: