(CRBA) Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Assistance with Obtaining a U.S. Birth Certificate for Children Living Abroad

We support U.S. veterans in filing for a U.S. birth certificate for their children residing outside the United States.

To establish proof of citizenship, the veteran must provide the child’s U.S. birth certificate, which must include the child’s full name, date and place of birth, and parents’ names. The birth certificate should also show the date it was filed with the registrar’s office (typically within one year of birth), the registrar’s signature, and the official seal or stamp of the issuing authority. Alternatively, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certificate of Citizenship may serve as acceptable proof of citizenship.

Details:

• U.S. Birth Certificate:
  The standard document is a birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state where the child was born. It must clearly state the child’s full name, birth date, birthplace, and parents’ names, along with the registrar’s signature and official seal or stamp.
• Alternative Documents:
  If a birth certificate is not available, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Certificate of Citizenship can be submitted as proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Proof of Parentage:
  Veterans must also provide evidence of their parental relationship to the child. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or legal papers confirming paternity or guardianship.
• Military Birth Abroad:
  For children born abroad to U.S. military members, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) is usually issued by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Adoptions:
  In cases of adoption, the adoption decree must be submitted.

For specific inquiries or to update dependent information with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans can visit the official VA website.

Accessing Medical Care Abroad Through FMP & TRICARE

Veterans living or traveling outside the U.S. can access medical care for service-connected disabilities through the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP). The FMP covers necessary treatment costs when care is received overseas for disabilities related to military service.

How to File a Claim with FMP:

1. Register for FMP:
   Veterans must first register with the VA to be eligible for the program.
2. Receive Care:
   Obtain treatment for a service-connected disability or an aggravating condition from a qualified foreign healthcare provider.
3. File a Claim:
   The medical provider may submit the claim on your behalf. If not, you can file it yourself by mail or fax.
4. Submit Required Documents:
   Include a completed FMP Claim Cover Sheet (VA Form 10-7959f-2) along with supporting documentation.
5. Payment:
   Approved claims result in payment via a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit, if set up.

Eligibility:

• Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability
• Veterans with conditions aggravated by a service-connected disability
• Veterans in the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program receiving related care

Important Notes:

• FMP covers only care received outside the U.S.
• Non-service-connected care requires a referral from a VR&E case manager
• Submit all claims in English to expedite processing

Filing a TRICARE Claim for Medical Benefits Abroad

To claim TRICARE benefits while overseas, beneficiaries must pay for services upfront and then submit a claim to the TRICARE Overseas claims processor. Claims can be filed using a form available on the TRICARE website or through the TRICARE Overseas Secure Claims Portal, and must be submitted within three years of the service date.

Process Overview:

1. Enrollment:
   Ensure you are enrolled in a TRICARE plan (e.g., TRICARE Select Overseas) and registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
2. Claim Form:
   Complete DD Form 2642, the official TRICARE claim form.
3. Supporting Documentation:
   Provide itemized bills or invoices, detailed descriptions of services received, proof of payment, and information about any other health insurance (OHI) coverage if applicable.
4. Claim Submission:
   Submit online via the TRICARE Overseas Secure Claims Portal for faster processing and direct deposit.
   Alternatively, mail the completed claim to the TRICARE Overseas claims processor serving your region.
   Consult the TRICARE Overseas website or International SOS, the contractor for overseas claims, for assistance and tutorials.
5. Timeliness:
   Claims must be filed within three years from the date of service.
6. Reimbursement:
   TRICARE reimburses beneficiaries based on allowable charges for the services received.
7. Provider Search:
   Authorized overseas providers can be found through the TRICARE Overseas provider directory or by contacting International SOS.

Additional Considerations:

• Prior Authorization:
  Some services, including specific nonemergency inpatient admissions for substance use and mental health treatment, require prior approval.
• Cost Sharing:
  Beneficiaries typically pay 25% of the TRICARE allowed amount for overseas care.
• Catastrophic Cap:
  For TRICARE For Life members, out-of-pocket expenses for covered care are capped to limit costs.