VA After-Hours Care: Who to Call When Your VA Clinic Is Closed
Updated September 2026 · Checked against VA.gov and 38 CFR · Sources below
On this page
- Quick decision guide: 911, Crisis Line, VA Health Connect, urgent care or wait for morning
- VA Health Connect: the 24/7 VA nurse and virtual care line
- How to find your VA Health Connect number (by state and VISN)
- Tele-emergency care and same-day virtual urgent care
- VA Health Chat: 24/7 text support
- After-hours prescriptions and refills
- Mental health crisis support any hour
- Going to urgent care or the ER after hours (and the 72-hour rule)
- Preparing for the call: what to have ready
- What your state adds
- Common questions
Quick decision guide: 911, Crisis Line, VA Health Connect, urgent care or wait for morning
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
VA Health Connect: the 24/7 VA nurse and virtual care line
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
How to find your VA Health Connect number (by state and VISN)
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Tele-emergency care and same-day virtual urgent care
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
VA Health Chat: 24/7 text support
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
After-hours prescriptions and refills
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Mental health crisis support any hour
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Going to urgent care or the ER after hours (and the 72-hour rule)
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
Preparing for the call: what to have ready
This section is being written. See the short answer above and the sources below for what is already confirmed.
What your state adds
Common questions
- Does the VA have a 24-hour nurse line?
- Yes. VA Health Connect operates 24/7 in every VA region. Call your VA medical center's main number and choose the VA Health Connect option, or call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411.
- Can VA Health Connect treat me, or only give advice?
- Both. A nurse triages your symptoms and, if appropriate, connects you the same day to a VA provider for a virtual urgent care or tele-emergency care visit, including prescriptions.
- When should I go to urgent care instead of calling?
- If you need hands-on care like stitches, x-rays or a physical exam, use the VA urgent care benefit at an in-network clinic; for life-threatening symptoms call 911 and notify VA within 72 hours.
- What is VA Health Chat?
- A free VA app and web tool for enrolled veterans to text-chat 24/7 with VA staff about non-emergency health concerns, refills and scheduling, using ID.me or Login.gov to sign in.
- Is there a national VA Health Connect phone number?
- No single number. Numbers are set by region and listed on each VA health care system's va.gov page; MyVA411 (800-698-2411) can route you if you are unsure.
Sources
- MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is VA's 24/7 main information line and can connect veterans to health care contacts.
- VA Health Chat lets enrolled veterans connect 24/7 with VA staff for clinical triage, pharmacy support, scheduling and virtual clinic visits.
- The Veterans Crisis Line is reachable 24/7 by dialing 988 then pressing 1, texting 838255, or online chat.
- VA's tele-emergency care service lets veterans get a same-day video evaluation from emergency medicine providers through VA Health Connect.
- Emergency treatment at a non-VA facility must be reported to VA within 72 hours by calling 844-724-7842 or using the online portal.
Related guides
VA Health Care
Every guide in this section
VA Urgent Care Benefit: How to Use It, What It Costs, Where to Go
VA Health Care
VA Emergency Room Coverage: What VA Pays and the 72-Hour Rule
VA Health Care
Veteran Crisis Support: Dial 988, Press 1 - Help Is Available Right Now
VA Health Care
VA Telehealth: How to See Your VA Provider by Video, Phone or App
VA Health Care
VA Prescription Benefits: 2026 Copays, the $700 Cap and How to Refill
VA Health Care
Finding a VA Primary Care Provider: Getting Assigned, Your PACT Team, and Switching
VA Health Care
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and Veterans Alliance is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change; the linked VA.gov pages are always the authoritative source.