Planning a Surgery Trip to Medellin: The Veteran's Logistics Manual

Logistics win wars and surgery trips. Here is the operational plan for a veteran's medical trip to Medellín, in mission order — from the first document you file to the moment you clear US customs with a healed incision and a reimbursable claim file.

Phase 1: Before you book anything (T-minus 60–90 days)

• File FMP registration (Form 10-7959f-1) if any planned care touches a service-connected condition. Registration first; itineraries later.
• Predetermine anything not obviously covered, and confirm coverage with VA in writing. Written answers only. And know the exclusions cold.
• Send records for remote review: imaging discs, VA treatment notes, ratings letter (for your own condition-mapping — the hospital doesn't need your rating, your claim file does). Video consult follows within days.
• Verify everyone: surgeon in ReTHUS, hospital in the JCI directory. Minutes of homework, zero excuses.

Phase 2: Booking (T-minus 30–45 days)

• Flights: Medellín (MDE) has direct or one-stop service from major US hubs, typically $300–$700 roundtrip. Book flexible fares — surgical dates can shift a few days after in-person workup.
• Lodging: 14–21 nights for major orthopedics. Recovery-friendly means elevator, walk-in shower, and proximity to the hospital — typically $40–$100/night for a solid apartment-hotel. Ask the international-patient department for their vetted list; they all have one.
• Money: hospitals quote in pesos or dollars. Cards and wires add 3–5% in fees and spread; most readers pay via Wise at the mid-market rate (affiliate link; costs you nothing extra). The peso strengthened ~15% against the dollar across 2026 — budget on current rates.
• Direct billing: ask whether the provider will bill the VA directly for covered care — some will, which converts reimbursement into simply not paying.

Phase 3: In-country (the mission)

• Arrive 3–5 days pre-op: labs, current imaging, anesthesia clearance, in-person consult — all typically inside the same week (the full timeline).
• Build the claim file as you go: itemized invoices naming each service, diagnosis documentation tying treatment to your rated condition, proof of payment for every peso. Collect at discharge, not by email afterward. Checklist here.
• Recovery discipline: attend every physio session, keep the surgical follow-ups, and get written fly-home clearance (DVT-risk protocols for long flights after joint work are standard, not optional).

Phase 4: RTB — return to base

• Fly home with the complete English-language surgical file — operative report, imaging, implant documentation, medication list.
• File the FMP claim online (available since March 2026, with direct deposit). The window is two years, but file in week one while everything is organized.
• Re-engage stateside care: VA or community follow-up per your normal eligibility — your VA benefits are untouched by care abroad.

Frequently asked questions