Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

What is DVA

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is an Australian Government department that provides support to eligible veterans, serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and certain dependants.

 

Support may include income support, compensation, rehabilitation services, and access to healthcare arrangements funded by the Australian Government.

 

DVA is separate from Medicare, state and territory health services, and private health insurers.

 

How DVA health arrangements are funded

In general, DVA health services are funded by the Australian Government through dedicated veteran support programs with its own legislation and policy frameworks.

 

Healthcare professionals provide clinical care.

 

DVA determines, under relevant legislation and policy, what services may be funded for eligible individuals.

 

What DVA health support may include

For eligible individuals, DVA health arrangements may include:

• Access to medical consultations

• Hospital treatment in public or private settings

• Subsidised prescription medicines

• Allied health services

• Mental health services

• Rehabilitation services

 

The type and scope of support depend on individual circumstances, legislative criteria, and the nature of accepted service-related conditions. 

 

DVA commonly issues health cards to eligible individuals, with different card types often reflecting different coverage levels.  It would be important to highlight the existence of a card does not automatically guarantee every service will be funded as there are specific rules around services as determined by the DVA.

 

Relationship between DVA and Medicare

DVA operates alongside Medicare but is not the same system.

 

In general:

• Medicare provides rebates for eligible services for those who meet Medicare eligibility requirements

• DVA may fund healthcare services directly for eligible card holders under separate arrangements

 

Depending on the service provided and level of coverage, in some circumstances DVA funding may apply instead of Medicare funding.

 

Administrative processes are determined by government policy and provider participation.

It would be important to highlight that private health insurance is separate again and does not replace DVA or Medicare.

 

Who decides what is covered

DVA determines coverage under its governing legislation and policy frameworks. Decisions may depend on individual factors such as:

• Veteran status and/or recognised service

• Accepted service-related conditions

• Legislative definitions

• Clinical documentation

 

Healthcare professionals make clinical decisions about diagnosis and treatment and usually DVA does not replace clinical judgement. 

 

Please note this website does not determine eligibility, entitlement, or funding outcomes.

 

How people typically enter DVA health arrangements

In general, individuals may:

• Apply to DVA for recognition of service and associated entitlements

• Receive a decision regarding eligibility

• Be issued with a DVA health card if eligible

 

Application processes and decision-making criteria are set by legislation and may change over time. Access may vary depending on individual circumstances.

 

Variation and access

Access to healthcare services funded by DVA may vary depending on:

• Location (metropolitan, regional, or remote)

• Availability of participating providers

• Type of health card held

• Legislative changes or policy updates

 

Funding approval processes may apply in some circumstances.

 

How DVA fits within the broader health system

Australia’s health system includes:

• Medicare

• State and territory public hospital systems

• Private health insurance

• The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

• Veteran-specific arrangements administered by DVA

 

These components operate together but are governed by different legislation, funding streams, and administrative processes.

 

For up to date information please refer to the Australian Government Department of Vetrans' Affairs website (https://hpe.servicesaustralia.gov.au/department-of-veterans--affairs.html)

 

 

Important information

This page provides general educational information only. It does not provide personalised advice and does not create a professional, advisory, or clinical relationship. Clinical decisions are made by healthcare professionals. For emergency medical situations, contact emergency services or seek urgent medical care.  This page provides general educational information about the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and related health arrangements. It is not medical, legal, financial, or eligibility advice. Health system rules, funding arrangements, and eligibility criteria can change. Official government sources prevail.

 

Last reviewed: February 2026