TRAVEL Act of 2025

This legislation, known as the TRAVEL Act of 2025 , authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assign physicians to serve as traveling physicians for periods of up to one year. These physicians will provide essential healthcare services to veterans residing in various U.S. territories and possessions, including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, at Department facilities or other approved locations. The program allows for the assignment of multiple physicians to enhance access to care in these areas. To ensure comprehensive and high-quality care, these traveling physicians are mandated to coordinate with non-Department medical providers whenever practicable. The bill also stipulates that traveling physicians will receive a relocation or retention bonus , similar to existing VA incentives, to attract and retain qualified medical professionals for these assignments. This initiative aims to address healthcare access challenges for veterans in these remote areas, while also extending certain limits on payments of veterans' pensions from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2032 .