DVA CARDS
Understanding DVA card eligibility
DVA cards give Australian veterans access to healthcare, treatment and concessions. But the Gold, White and Orange cards each cover different things and have different eligibility rules. This guide explains who qualifies for each DVA card, what it covers, and how to apply.
At KSC Law, our expert team helps veterans confirm their eligibility and apply with confidence. If you are unsure which card applies to you, we can talk it through.
Three cards, at a glance
Gold all conditions, broadest cover
White accepted conditions + mental health
Orange pharmaceutical concessions
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
The three DVA card types
The Department of Veterans Affairs issues three cards, each serving a different purpose.
Card 1
Gold Card
The broadest cover. Pays for clinically necessary treatment for all conditions, whether service-related or not, for eligible veterans.
Card 2
White Card
Covers treatment for accepted service-related conditions, plus mental health support for all veterans.
Card 3
Orange Card
A pharmaceutical-only concession card for eligible Commonwealth and allied veterans and mariners.
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Which DVA card might you qualify for?
Answer a few quick questions to see which DVA card, Gold, White or Orange, may fit your situation. This is a guide only, not a determination. Our expert team can confirm your eligibility and handle your application from start to finish.
Which DVA card could you be eligible for?
Answer a few quick questions and we will point you to the card that most likely fits. This is a guide only, not a determination.
This is a general eligibility guide only and not a determination by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. It does not constitute legal, financial or medical advice. Book a free consultation for a personalised assessment.
TALK TO OUR EXPERT TEAM
Get your card eligibility checked
Card eligibility depends on your service history, your accepted conditions and which Act your claim falls under. It is rarely as simple as it looks on paper. Send us a few details and our expert team will tell you where you stand.
Veteran-led. Our co-CEOs have served, so you are not explaining your service to someone who has never done it.
We handle the paperwork, the evidence and the follow-up with DVA on your behalf.
Straight answers about what you are entitled to, with no obligation to go further.
Prefer to talk it through? Call us on 07 2112 4752.
Request a free eligibility check
We usually respond the same business day.
Gold Card
GOLD CARD
DVA Gold Card eligibility
The Gold Card provides the widest healthcare cover. You may be eligible through several pathways:
Veterans aged 70 or older with qualifying war or operational service, including former prisoners of war.
Veterans receiving Disability Compensation at 100% or more.
Veterans with 60 or more DVA impairment points under MRCA.
Eligible service pensioners under 70 with serious disability or health issues, subject to income and asset limits.
Eligible Commonwealth and allied veterans, and certain Australian civilians who served in wartime roles.
Eligible dependants, including some war widows and widowers, where the veteran’s death or incapacity is service-related.
Current serving ADF members do not receive a Gold Card, because Defence covers their medical care while serving. For a full breakdown of cover and how to apply, see our DVA Gold Card guide and our explainer on DVA impairment points.
White Card
WHITE CARD
DVA White Card eligibility
The White Card covers treatment for conditions the DVA has accepted as service-related, and provides mental health treatment for all veterans regardless of whether the condition is accepted. Qualifying service-related conditions commonly include musculoskeletal injuries, hearing loss and tinnitus, respiratory and skin conditions, PTSD, depression and anxiety, and cardiovascular conditions.
Even if your specific condition is not listed, it may still qualify if it can be linked to your service. For full detail, see our DVA White Card guide.
Orange Card
ORANGE CARD
Veteran Orange Card eligibility
The Orange Card is a pharmaceutical concession card for Commonwealth and allied veterans and mariners. It is not a treatment card, it only provides concessions on prescription medicines, wound care items and nutritional supplements. To qualify, you must:
Be a Commonwealth or allied veteran, or mariner.
Be 70 years of age or older.
Have qualifying service from the Second World War.
Have lived in Australia for 10 years or more.
With an Orange Card, you pay the standard concessional amount for each prescription item until you reach your Safety Net threshold for the calendar year, accessing medicines through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). The card cannot be used for medical or other healthcare treatment. Eligible holders may also receive the Veterans Supplement automatically.
KSC LAW BLOG
DVA guides and resources
Plain-English guides on every DVA card, who qualifies, what each covers, and the entitlements that come with them. Explore the full library below.
GET EXPERT HELP
Not sure which DVA card you qualify for?
Our expert team can confirm your eligibility and guide your application from start to finish. Book a free consultation today.