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Overseas & Territories

Veteran
Compass

75 destinations — 70 countries, all 5 U.S. territories, and the USD-paying COFA islands. Stack your portable income against real cost of living with live Numbeo refresh, domicile tax modeling, WEAMS school data, and EFMP overlays. Visa rules re-verified for 2026.

75 destinationsLive COL refreshDomicile tax modelWEAMS schoolsEFMP overlayNo signup

What brings you here?

Important caveats

  • VA disability is fully portable and federally tax-free — same rate nearly everywhere you live.
  • Medicare does not cover overseas care. Plan for FMP (service-connected only) plus local private insurance.
  • CHAMPVA covers dependents overseas with reimbursement via VA Form 10-7959a.
  • U.S. citizens owe U.S. tax on worldwide income. FEIE applies to earned wages only — not pensions or disability.
  • Visa, tax, and healthcare rules change frequently. Verify with embassy, cross-border tax attorney, and VA before moving.
  • EFMP families: use the EFMP / specialty care filter and check scores before moving — FMP covers service-connected care only, not dependent specialty needs.

FAQ

Can I keep my VA disability if I live abroad?

Yes. VA disability is paid at the same rate in nearly every country via International Direct Deposit. Only Treasury-restricted countries (currently Cuba and North Korea) are excluded.

Does the GI Bill work at foreign schools?

Yes — at any school in the VA WEAMS database. 2026-27 rates: $2,522/mo MHA at foreign schools in-person ($1,261 online), up to $30,908.34/yr tuition. U.S. territories use location-based MHA (often similar to CONUS zip rates). Active duty and transferor spouses receive $0 MHA.

What about U.S. territories?

Territories use the full VA healthcare system (not FMP), location-based GI Bill MHA, and no visa or foreign tax filing. They function as "stay in the system but reset COL."

Where is the only VA clinic outside the U.S.?

The Philippines — Manila VA Clinic on Roxas Boulevard. Everywhere else, FMP covers service-connected conditions only.

VA Disability Calculator

Calculate your combined rating with bilateral factor and dependent additions.

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State Benefits

Property tax exemptions and military retirement tax treatment by state.

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Overseas PCS Guides

Germany, Japan, and more — OCONUS planning from USMilitaryMoves.

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