Veteran Services Taree

It depends on the DVA card held. Gold Card holders can access clinically necessary treatment for all health conditions — GP visits, specialists, allied health, hospital care, mental health treatment and subsidised medications — with costs billed directly to DVA rather than the veteran, provided the provider accepts DVA arrangements. White Card holders receive the same coverage but only for their DVA-accepted conditions, such as a service-related injury, plus any condition covered under non-liability arrangements.

Notably, all current and former ADF members with at least one day of continuous full-time service can access free treatment for any mental health condition under non-liability health care, regardless of whether the condition relates to service — no claim or proof required. Medications for covered conditions are supplied under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at concessional rates. The practical step is confirming a practice accepts DVA billing when booking, and bringing your card to appointments.

The Gold Card covers clinically necessary treatment for all of a veteran's health conditions, whether or not they relate to service. It's issued to specific groups including veterans aged 70 or over with qualifying service, those receiving certain disability compensation levels, former prisoners of war and some war widows and widowers. Treatment across GPs, specialists, hospitals, allied health and dental is funded by DVA within its arrangements.

The White Card is condition-specific — it covers treatment only for injuries or illnesses DVA has accepted as service-related, plus mental health conditions under non-liability health care, and for some veterans, cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis. Any veteran with an accepted condition can hold a White Card, and all former ADF members with eligible service can obtain one for mental health treatment. In practice, the distinction matters at billing: a Gold Card is presented for any treatment, while White Card treatment must relate to a listed condition, which the GP checks before billing DVA.

Yes, in most circumstances. Under non-liability health care, DVA funds treatment for any mental health condition for current and former ADF members with at least one day of continuous full-time service — without needing to prove the condition relates to service and without a compensation claim. This coverage operates through a White Card (issued for mental health treatment if the veteran doesn't already hold one) and funds GP care, psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health services within DVA arrangements.

The usual pathway starts with a GP, who assesses what's going on and refers to a psychologist or other provider under DVA billing. Veterans and their families can also access Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling, a free, confidential counselling service available 24/7 on 1800 011 046, without any card or referral at all. Between DVA-funded treatment and Open Arms, cost should never be the barrier that stops a veteran seeking mental health support.