Travel for treatment
DVA’s Travel for Treatment program helps DVA clients and their attendant with transport costs to attend treatment that is:
- covered by their Veteran Card
- within Australia.
Through DVA, you may be eligible for:
- reimbursement of travel expenses, including private vehicle allowance, parking, tolls, public transport, meals, and accommodation
- pre-arranged and pre-paid transport to and from medical appointments
- DVA funded Ambulance services, including transfers from remote or small hospitals to larger tertiary facilities for definitive care
- Travel assistance for permanent relocation to a Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF)
Your travel entitlements may vary depending on both the date you travel, and the location of the treatment provider you choose to attend.
Back to topTravel for treatment
For travel for treatment on or after 1 July 2026, DVA assesses claims under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
You have an entitlement to reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses to access treatment covered by your Veteran Card, including transport, accommodation and meals.
Other travel reimbursements
We may reimburse your travel costs if you attended a medical examination at DVA’s request
If you had to:
- get evidence for a Veteran Review Board (VRB) hearing
- attend a VRB hearing
Travel for treatment entitlements do not extend to:
- attend a hearing at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
- be treated outside Australia
- go to your usual rehabilitation activities as part of your rehabilitation program
Certain types of travel, such as travelling in connection with a service pension claim, will continue to be assessed under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.
For more detailed information – Claim travel expenses under the improved MRCA.
Back to topBooked Car with Driver (BCWD)
BCWD is a service available to clients travelling for treatment covered by their Veteran Card who meet the BCWD access criteria. DVA uses contracted transport providers to deliver the BCWD service, with a focus on quality and reliability.
Bookings can be made online through MyService.
Back to topEmergency and Non-Emergency Ambulance
In the event of an accident or a health emergency, always call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
We will pay for an ambulance service when medically required for treatment of a condition covered by your Veteran Card.
We may also pay for non-emergency ambulance transport when arranged by a medical provider. The provider will liaise with DVA to confirm you are eligible before they make the booking with the ambulance provider.
Find out more about Ambulance transport here: Ambulance Transport
Back to topPermanent or Temporary Relocation
Your travel entitlements are based on your location at the time of treatment. DVA provides travel assistance to access treatment at the place where appropriate treatment is available (PWATA).
DVA may not pay the full amount of your travel expenses if you continue accessing treatment at previous treatment locations when you move to a new residential address.
Before relocating permanently, discuss your treatment needs with your usual medical and allied health providers. They will be able to assist you in transferring to new providers in your area.
When you are temporarily away from your permanent residence, such as holidaying or visiting family or friends, your travel entitlements are based on your temporary location. DVA recommends you discuss your health care needs with your medical and allied health providers in case you need to access treatment while you are away.
Back to topLodging your travel for treatment claim
You can lodge your travelling expenses claims using DVA’s online service, MyService.
For more information, please visit the MyService website.
Alternatively claims can be made by completing form D0800 - Claim for Travelling Expenses.
Remember to attach your receipts when submitting your claim.
Back to topClaims for journeys taken before 1 July 2026
All claims for travel expenses for journeys taken before 1 July 2026 will be assessed under the Act that applied at the time and date of travel (the MRCA, DRCA or VEA).
This will apply even if the claim is lodged after 1 July.
For further information on travel entitlements for journeys prior to 1 July 2026 please see the links below.
Claim travel expenses under the VEA for journeys prior to 1 July 2026
Claim travel expenses under the MRCA or DRCA for journeys prior to 1 July 2026
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