Everything you need to know about the Veteran White Card
The Veteran White Card provides access to clinically required treatment anywhere in Australia for accepted service-related conditions.
All veterans with at least one day of full time service, and some reservists, are be able to access free treatment for mental health conditions though Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) without the need to prove the condition was caused by their ADF service.
In addition, some veterans are eligible for NLHC for cancer and tuberculosis. Some states, territories, local governments and private businesses offer concessions or discounts to Veteran White Card holders, however these vary according to your card and the state or territory you live in.
Funded treatment for service-related conditions
The Veteran White Card covers you for clinically required medical treatment in Australia for your accepted service-related injuries or conditions.
This includes treatment at a hospital or day procedure facility, treatment provided by a general practitioner (GP), a specialist, an allied health professional, dental or optical professional, pharmaceuticals, community nursing, and pathology and medical imaging.
Additionally, the Veteran White Card provides access to clinically necessary services and support for accepted conditions. This may include things such as aids for assistive listening, speech and communication, cognition and memory devices. It may also cover bathing, toileting, continence and personal hygiene products, appliances and home modifications, travel to and from medical appointments and care services (including help around the home and garden). Services and support are free or low cost.
Funded treatment for mental health conditions through Non-Liability Health Care (mental health)
For veterans with at least one day of full time service, part-time reserve members who rendered border protection or disaster relief service, or were involved in a serious training accident, a Veteran White Card can also provide access to NLHC for mental health treatment. NLHC covers the cost of mental health treatment even if it isn’t related to your service.
Funded treatment for cancer (malignant neoplasm) and/or pulmonary tuberculosis through Non-Liability Health Care
Some veterans who have a diagnosis of cancer or pulmonary tuberculosis are also entitled to funded treatment. This treatment is available to Veteran White Card Holders with one of the following types of service: eligible war service, operational service, warlike service, non-warlike service, peacekeeping service, hazardous service, and British Nuclear Test Defence service, as defined in the legislation. Veterans with certain peacetime Defence service between 1972 and 1994 are also eligible for this treatment.
There is no need to establish that these conditions were caused by your ADF service.
Using your Veteran White Card
Always check with your medical provider before your appointment that they will accept your Veteran Card.
Treatment by specialists and certain allied health professionals is available on referral from your GP. Medical treatment, services and support are generally provided at no cost if you see a provider who accepts your Veteran Card.
However, there are some services which may incur a cost, including some out of pocket expenses for certain high cost dental items, prescription items provided under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and contributions towards help provided in the home through the Veterans’ Home Care program.
Your card’s expiry date is shown on the front of the card. You will automatically receive a replacement card approximately one month before the expiry.
If we know you are eligible, we will send you your Veteran White Card automatically. If you think you’re eligible for a Veteran Card or want to find out more, call us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). You can also lodge a claim online through MyService.
More information about Veterans Cards, including eligibility criteria, is available on the DVA website or by calling DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).