We understand Defence life and transition
Defence Health has supported the Defence community since 1953. We understand service life and the challenges that can come with transition.
What changes on my transition date?
On your transition date, your ADF health care arrangements will change. Care provided through Joint Health Command and the ADF Family Health Program ends.
From this point, responsibility for managing your health care shifts to you. Medicare becomes your primary entry point to the health system, and DVA support may apply if you’re eligible.
Knowing exactly when this change happens helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected gaps in care.
How we support you
If you join Defence Health around your transition date:
- waiting periods may be waived if you join within 60 days of your transition date
- eligible Veterans may receive ongoing premium reductions
- partners and family members can be included on your Defence Health policy and covered through private health insurance, even though DVA entitlements apply only to eligible Veterans.
View Defence hospital products
As a not-for-profit fund, we put members first.
Even if you don’t need cover for yourself, your partner and children may benefit from private health insurance. We can help you explore options that suit your family’s needs.
Our Defence Hospital cover is designed for permanent ADF members, Reservists and ex-serving Veterans and is very competitively priced.
Whether you’re part of a family looking for comprehensive cover or a single or couple wanting to avoid government penalties, you’ll find the cover your looking for.
Supporting the Defence community
For more than 70 years, Defence Health has supported the Defence community.
As a not-for-profit health fund founded for Defence people, we work alongside organisations that support serving members, veterans and their families. These partnerships help strengthen wellbeing during service, through transition, and into civilian life.
This is part of how we look after our own.
Learn more about how we support the Defence community on our Sponsorships page.
Talk to us early
Everyone’s situation is different. Talking through your options early can help you avoid gaps in cover and make informed decisions.
Transition Checklist
Plan your health care with confidence.
This checklist brings together the key actions to help you prepare before and after leaving the ADF.
Before you discharge:
As you transition:
After discharge:
Sign up to our monthly Transition Newsletter
Our monthly Transition Newsletter shares practical information about health care after service, aligned to where you are in the transition journey.