What is convalescent care

Short-term care which is medically necessary for recovery following a stay in hospital.

Who can receive it

We will cover the cost of convalescent care for any condition if you have a Veteran Gold Card.

If you have a Veteran White Card, we will cover the cost of convalescent care if we paid for the original hospital admission.

Where you can receive care

Care is available in a range of settings such as:

• public or private hospitals
• multi-purpose services
• Australian Government-funded aged care facilities
• supported residential services in Victoria
• other suitable institutions

Convalescent care cannot be provided in your home.

Hospitals

You do not need prior approval for care in a public or private hospital, or a multi-purpose service. 

There is no limit on the number of days that you can access care in a public or private hospital.

Non-hospital institutions

You need prior approval from us for care in:

• an Australian Government funded aged care facility
• a supported residential service
• other institutions

We will pay for up to 21 days of care in a financial year in a non-hospital institution.

How you access

To access convalescent care, talk to:

• a hospital discharge planner
• your treating doctor 
• a social worker; or
• a nurse

They will contact us if prior approval for the cost of care is required.

Things you should know

• Residential respite care is a different service to convalescent care.
• Commonwealth funding for residential respite care cannot be used to pay for convalescent care services.

What to tell us

You should tell us if you:

• receive a bill for convalescent care; or
• take up more permanent care arrangements, such as residential aged care or palliative care