How can veterans access health care?

Current serving ADF members

ADF members receive their primary health care from on-base at ADF health facilities staffed by both uniformed and contracted health staff. The health system managed by Defence provides free, comprehensive and coordinated health and welfare services, from prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. This includes primary health care, dental and mental health services, hospital care, ancillary health care specialist services, diagnostic and radiology services, rehabilitation and suicide prevention (Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and National Action Plan 2020–2023, p. 12).

Reservists and cadets are eligible for treatment from the ADF for any condition relating to their service (but not for routine health care unless they are undertaking continuous full-time service).

Current serving members can also access Open Arms – Veterans and Families counselling for mental health support. Their families can also access this service. 

During transition

During preparation for separation from the military ADF members:

• will undergo a Transition Health and Dental Examination to identify any current issues

• will be provided with a Transfer of Care Letter outlining their medical history and current problems. 

• are advised to find a new GP and dentist

• are advised to consider obtaining Private Health insurance

• are supported to have a Defence-funded consultation with the new provider prior to the veteran’s discharge from the ADF to handover care.

• are provided a copy of their full medical and dental records to provide to their new civilian provider. Note: for contemporary personnel, these are a download from the Defence electronic health record which can be somewhat difficult to interpret for those with no prior experience of the record, however the transfer of care letter should provide a good picture of the veteran’s health status. You are advised to lodge any compensation claims with DVA and create a DVA My Service account via their My GOV account. Not all veterans do this, or they identify a new problem relating to their service after separation, so they may then seek your assistance with compensation claims (see module 4).

Former serving members

Upon leaving Defence, veterans are now responsible for managing their own health care needs. After transition, veterans access usual civilian health care services under Medicare, state and territory government health arrangements, and the private sector.  In addition, they have access to extra health care supported by DVA. 

Accepted conditions

Former ADF members may be eligible for a White card or a Gold card that covers specific illnesses or injuries accepted as being related to service. These are known as accepted conditions. They are then able to access DVA under health care for those specific conditions (White card) or all conditions (Gold card).  To have conditions accepted, veterans need to put in a claim for compensation with DVA. They may require support from their GP or other specialists to provide medical evidence to support these claims. 

DVA Health cards are not generally provided to serving members, as these costs are ordinarily met by the ADF. Visit the Australian Government’s DVA website to learn more about Veteran Healthcare Cards.

Former members of the ADF (including those in reservist and cadet positions) may be eligible to claim compensation for any medical condition related to their service. The entitlements available depend on the time of service and type of service.

Non-liability health care

Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) allows current and former ADF personnel and some Reservists to receive DVA-funded treatment for 

• Any mental health condition

If a person has eligible service, then they can receive DVA-funded treatment for:

• Cancer (Malignant Neoplasm) and 

• Pulmonary Tuberculosis

More information: Free treatment for cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Open Arms Veterans and Families Counselling provides mental health and wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF and their immediate families. This includes face-to-face, telephone and online counselling, treatment programs and workshops, suicide prevention and community and peer programs.