Veteran Service Cards

Veteran Concession Cards

The Department of Veterans' Affairs funds a range of health services that are clinically required to treat your particular health conditions.

DVA issues health cards to eligible veterans and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), their widow(er)s and dependants. There are different eligibility requirements for each type of card.

The following Veteran Health Cards give you access to certain benefits depending on the card type. You may get free or cheaper health care and support, discounts on medicine, transport, and water and power bills. Some businesses may also give discounts. Three cards are available, Gold, White, Orange, and have different benefits.
If you are a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the reserves and cadets, with at least one day of continuous full-time service (CFTS) then you may be eligible for one of these cards.
A summary of the cards issued by DVA are as follows:

Veteran White Card

White Card

The White Card is a DVA Health Card for Specific Conditions that are accepted by DVA to be a result of your service and covers you for clinically required medical treatment in Australia.
Holders are entitled to be treated at DVA's expense, including subsidised pharmaceuticals, for their accepted disabilities or illnesses only. Holders of White Cards issued under Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) treatment arrangements may be entitled to treatment of malignant neoplasm (cancer), pulmonary tuberculosis, or any mental health condition, subject to meeting eligibility conditions. These conditions do not need to be linked to service.

*Eligibility*
For eligibility, you need to be a current or former Australian Defence Force (ADF) member, including reservists and cadets, with a service-related injury or condition accepted by DVA; or a Commonwealth or Allied veteran with a service-related injury or condition accepted by your country of service.

How to Apply. If you are eligible, you will automatically receive a White Card when:

  • you discharge from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) if you have at least one 1-day continuous full-time service (CFTS); or
  • you have a service-related injury or condition accepted by DVA.

If you don't yet have a White Card for mental health conditions, visit Free mental health care for veterans.

If you think you should have a White Card but you have not received it, please call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Veteran Gold Card

Orange Card

DVA Health Card that covers ALL medical conditions covers you for clinically required medical treatment in Australia.. Holders are entitled to the full range of health care services at DVA's expense, including medical, dental, optical care and subsidised pharmaceuticals. They are also entitled to medical aids and appliances to assist them to manage their health conditions.

*Eligibility* - Australian Veterans who meet the below criteria:
You are a veteran who:

You receive a Disability Pension:

You receive a Service Pension and:

  • you are permanently blind in both eyes
  • you have a permanent impairment under MRCA of at least 30 points from your service-related injuries or conditions; or
  • your income and assets are below certain limits.

How to Apply
If you are eligible, you will automatically receive a Gold Card, otherwise, you will need to apply online 1800 838 372 to request a claim form.

Veteran Orange Card

Orange Card

'DVA Health Card Pharmaceuticals Only' gives access to subsidised pharmaceuticals and medicines under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). Your card cannot be used for medical or other healthcare treatment.

*Eligibility*
You may be eligible if you are a Commonwealth or Allied veteran or mariner and you:

How to apply
If you qualify for the Orange Card and you receive a payment from us, we will automatically send you an Orange Card.
If you are not receiving a payment, complete the claim form and send it to DVA.

Veteran Health Check - after you transition to civilian life, you can have a comprehensive health check with your general practitioner (GP). You are eligible for the One-off Veteran Health Check if you:

  • are a former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including reservists, with at least one day of continuous full-time service (CFTS)
  • transitioned out of the ADF at any time.

You are eligible for the Annual Veteran Health Check if you:

  • are a former member of the ADF, including reservists, with at least
    one day of continuous full-time service (CFTS)
  • transitioned out of the ADF from 1 July 2019.

Medical Care while overseas
You may be able to claim expenses for your medical care overseas through DVA if:

  • you have an accepted condition or injury (contact us if you don't know what this is)
  • a medical professional has assessed that you have a clinical need for treatment

The care and costs must be similar to, or the same as in Australia.
You should do the following before you go: