What are Veteran Cards
Veteran Cards can be used to access DVA funded medical and mental health treatment, as well as prescription medicines in Australia.
States, Territories, and businesses may also offer concessions and benefits to Veteran Card holders.
The Veteran Card is part of the Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant.
The benefits you can get with a Veteran Card will depend on the conditions listed on your card. There are 3 kinds of Veteran Cards:
Veteran Card – Specific Conditions
Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (VCSP) (colloquially known as the Veteran White Card) gives access to treatment for accepted service-related conditions and may give access to mental health treatment. This card is for former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with accepted conditions or certain types of service.
Veteran Card – All Conditions
Veteran Card – All Conditions (VCAC) (colloquially known as the Veteran Gold Card) gives access to treatment for all medical conditions. This card may be issued to veterans with certain types of service, war widow(er)s and some dependants.
Veteran Card – Pharmaceuticals Only
Veteran Card – Pharmaceuticals Only (colloquially known as the Veteran Orange Card) gives concessions on prescription medicines, wound care items and nutritional supplements. This card is for Commonwealth and allied veterans of the Second World War.
2026 Veteran Card reissue
From July 2026, we will be re-issuing DVA Veteran Cards (All Conditions and Specific Condition) as part of a schedule re-issue. The new cards will function the same way but have a new look. If you’re a Veteran Card holder, please update your postal address details on MyService to avoid delivery delays.
Current cards remain valid until the new ones arrive, even if they read expired. Some Veteran Card holders may not receive their new card until October.
Download the FAQs for further information.
How to apply for your Veteran Card
In some cases, if we know you are eligible, we will send you a Veteran Card automatically.
To read more about eligibility and how to get a card, click on the links above.
Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
If you are not eligible for a Veteran Card you may be eligible for a:
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
Digital Veteran Cards
Once you have a Veteran Card you can also access a digital version via MyService.
If you don’t have a MyService account it is easy to get one.
Sign in or register with myGov
If you have linked your MyService account to myGov, you can also add your card to the myGov wallet.
How to add your card to the myGov wallet
To do this:
- Open the myGov app.
- Go to Wallet on the home screen.
- Select the Plus at the top to add a new card to your wallet. Then select the card you would like to add. (MyService must be linked to myGov for card to be added).
- Confirm consent for using the myGov wallet.
Your card is now digitally available through the myGov app!
You can read the Frequently Asked Questions on the Veteran Card in the myGov wallet for more information.
This video also explains how to do so.
How to add your card to the myGov wallet
How you use it
When you use your Veteran Card for medical treatment:
- Tell your health provider that you have the Veteran Card and ask them if they will accept this for your treatment.
- They may ask if you have a referral.
- If you have a Veteran White Card, for the first treatment with a health provider, you will need to show them your accepted conditions available in MyService before receiving treatment.
- In some cases they may need to get prior approval from us.
- Your provider will then tell you if they can accept your Veteran Card.
If you visit your doctor for a prescription, show them your Veteran Card so they can prescribe your items through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).
You also need to show your card to pharmacy staff when you take your prescription to the counter.
Things you should know
- When you apply for a Veteran Card, we will also let you know if you have access to fully funded mental health treatment, if ever clinically required.
- When you apply for a Veteran Card, we will also check your eligibility for the Veterans Supplement.
- Always check with your medical provider that they will accept your Veteran Card — if you don’t show it, they don’t know it.
- When commencing treatment with a new health provider, for Veteran Card – Specific Conditions holders, you will need to show or provide them a list of your applicable accepted conditions. This will need to be done at least once for each different provider you see.
- Veteran Cards work anywhere in Australia but cannot be used overseas.
- Cards have expiry dates but are replaced automatically.
- Current cards will remain valid until the new ones arrives, even if they read as expired.
- If your card is lost, stolen or damaged you can order a new one through MyService or by calling 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
- Our Veteran Cards Privacy Collection Notice explains how information about you is collected, used and disclosed under the Veteran Card arrangements.
Other cards available to you and your family through other Government Agencies
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) for seniors who aren’t eligible for income support payments due to income levels
- Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) for access to cheaper medicines, public transport and utilities if you get an income support pension
- Low Income Health Care Card issued by Services Australia to people who meet an income test