The DVA healthcare system can seem confusing, especially when it comes to the different coloured cards. What is Non-Liability Health Care? How is a White Card different from a Gold Card? Understanding these differences is essential for accessing the right level of support.
This article provides a clear breakdown of your DVA healthcare options, what each card covers, and how you qualify for them.
What is Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC)?
Non-Liability Health Care or NLHC is a fantastic initiative that allows DVA to pay for treatment for certain serious conditions, without you needing to prove they are service-related. You do not need to go through the full claims process to get this support.
Any veteran with at least one day of continuous full-time service can get free treatment for the following conditions.
- All mental health conditions.
- Cancer (malignant neoplasm).
- Pulmonary tuberculosis.
This support is accessed using a DVA White Card.
The DVA White Card. Treatment for specific conditions
A DVA White Card is a targeted tool. It covers the costs of medical treatment, medication, and care in Australia for two types of conditions.
- Your DVA-accepted, service-related injuries or disabilities.
- Any conditions eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (as listed above).
It does not cover treatment for any other conditions that are not officially linked to your service.
The DVA Gold Card. Comprehensive healthcare coverage
The DVA Gold Card is a master key to healthcare. It provides comprehensive coverage for all clinically necessary medical conditions, whether they are related to your service or not.
This includes everything from visits to your GP, to specialist appointments, to hospital care, for any health condition you may have. It is the highest level of healthcare support provided by DVA.
The key difference is simple. A White Card covers specific, listed conditions. A Gold Card covers everything.
The pathway to a Gold Card
So, how do you get a Gold Card? While some older veterans may qualify based on their service history alone, for most modern veterans the pathway is through the DVA claims process. The most common ways to become eligible include the following.
- Reaching a certain Permanent Impairment (PI) points threshold (for example, 60 points under the MRCA).
- Being granted the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP).
This means that building a comprehensive DVA case and ensuring all your conditions are properly assessed for Permanent Impairment is the primary route to unlocking this comprehensive healthcare cover.
While NLHC and a White Card provide an excellent and accessible starting point for specific needs, the Gold Card offers complete peace of mind. A strategically managed DVA claim is the key to securing this vital, lifelong support.
