What is a DVA card?
DVA cards, officially Veteran Cards, pay for your treatment. Which card you have decides what's covered.
Rates and rules checked October 2026
The cards at a glance
Gold CardTreatment for all medical conditions, whether or not they're related to your service.
White CardTreatment for accepted conditions, plus any mental health condition under Non-Liability Health Care.
Orange CardPharmaceuticals only, for some Commonwealth and allied WWI and WWII veterans aged 70+. Not available under the MRCA.
Illustrations only, not images of real cards.
Which card you have
Most current and former ADF members are sent a White Card automatically when they discharge. You get a Gold Card through high impairment ratings or certain payments. Gold Card eligibility.
Using your card
You show your card to a provider who accepts it. Providers who accept a Veteran Card agree to take DVA's fee as full payment, so there's no gap. Not every provider accepts the card, so check before you book.
Common questions
What is a DVA card?
A Veteran Card that lets you get treatment paid for by DVA. The Gold Card covers all conditions, the White Card covers accepted conditions and any mental health condition, and the Orange Card covers pharmaceuticals for some older veterans.
Do I have to pay a gap with my DVA card?
No. Providers who accept your Veteran Card agree to take DVA's fee as full payment.
Sources
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