What support does DVA provide?
Depending on your service and circumstances, you may be eligible for health care support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The DVA provides support to current and former serving members and their families and carers through a range of services and payments (including ongoing or one-off payments). These services are designed to assist you to manage your health and lifestyle and support those you care for.
This can include:
- a Veteran Gold Card for clinically necessary care
- a Veteran White Card for treatment of accepted service-related conditions
- Non-Liability Health Care for certain conditions, including mental health support
Eligibility for DVA support
DVA support may cover some or all of your care and can work alongside Medicare. Eligibility varies, so understanding what applies to you can help you plan with confidence.
If you think you might be eligible for a White Card or a Gold Card, you should contact the DVA. Visit the DVA website for full details on eligibility and support for veterans.
You can contact the DVA to confirm what support is available to you.
Phone: 1800 838 372
Email: nlhc@dva.gov.au
What is Non-Liability Health Care (NHLC)?
DVA also provides Non-Liability Health Care for certain conditions, including mental health care. This support:
- does not require the condition to be accepted as service-related
- does not require a diagnosis to access mental health support
- is available to anyone who has ever served in the permanent ADF
Anyone who has ever served in the permanent forces of the Australian Defence Force may receive treatment for mental health, regardless or when they served, for how long or the nature of the service.
Importantly, a diagnosis is not required at the time of applying for mental health support. And you don’t need to prove the condition is a result of your service.
Depending on your type of service, treatment for malignant cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis is also available under (NLHC). You need to have been formally diagnosed before making an application to DVA.
How DVA fits with Medicare
DVA may cover treatment for accepted conditions, while Medicare supports general access to the public health system. Many people use a combination of Medicare, DVA support and private health care providers.
Even if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, it’s worth exploring your options early so you understand what support may be available if you need it later. Knowing what conditions are covered, or could be covered, can help you avoid delays and make informed decisions if your health needs change later.
Accepted conditions are health conditions that DVA has formally recognised as being related to your service. Once a condition is accepted, DVA may cover the cost of treatment for that condition. Examples of commonly accepted conditions can include:
- musculoskeletal conditions, such as back, knee or shoulder injuries
- hearing conditions, including hearing loss and tinnitus
- mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression
- fractures or joint injuries linked to service
- certain skin conditions, including some skin cancers
Acceptance depends on individual circumstances and supporting evidence. Not all conditions are automatically accepted, and your DVA health card will list the specific conditions that apply to you.
Top tip
You can check your accepted conditions and manage DVA claims through your myGov account and MyService. This shows the conditions DVA has accepted for you and the support available.
Next steps
- Explore DVA health cards and what they cover
- Check which conditions DVA has accepted in your individual circumstances
- Learn where private health insurance fits
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