The DVA Gold Card provides comprehensive health care coverage for eligible veterans. If you hold a Gold Card, DVA covers the cost of all clinically necessary health care — not just treatment for your accepted conditions, but for any health issue. This includes GP visits, specialist appointments, hospital treatment, pharmaceuticals, dental, optical, and allied health services through DVA-approved providers.
The Gold Card is one of the most valuable DVA benefits. Unlike the White Card (which only covers treatment for specific accepted conditions), the Gold Card covers all your health care needs.
Who is eligible for a Gold Card — all pathways:
There are several ways to become eligible for a Gold Card. DVA generally considers the following pathways:
MRCA pathway: You become eligible when your combined impairment points reach 60 or more. This is assessed through the Permanent Impairment process using GARP M.
VEA pathway — Special Rate (TPI): Veterans receiving the Special Rate Disability Pension (commonly known as TPI — Totally and Permanently Incapacitated) under the VEA are eligible for a Gold Card.
VEA pathway — Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA): Veterans who receive the Extreme Disablement Adjustment under the VEA are eligible.
VEA pathway — Prisoner of War: Former prisoners of war are eligible for a Gold Card regardless of impairment points.
VEA pathway — Victoria Cross or George Cross: Recipients of the Victoria Cross or George Cross are eligible for a Gold Card.
VEA pathway — War widow or widower: War widows and widowers recognised under the VEA are eligible for a Gold Card.
Age-based eligibility: All veterans aged 70 or older with qualifying service (including at least one day of full-time service) may be eligible for a Gold Card, even without impairment points.
NLHC pathway: In some cases, veterans who receive Non-Liability Health Care may become eligible for a Gold Card for specific conditions. Verify this directly with DVA.
From 1 July 2026, veterans with existing accepted conditions under DRCA or VEA can qualify for an MRCA Gold Card at the 60 impairment point threshold if they experience at least a 5-point worsening of their already accepted conditions. This means DRCA and VEA veterans do not need to reach 60 points entirely under their original Act — a reassessment showing 5 or more points of worsening can transition them to MRCA eligibility for the Gold Card. This is a significant pathway for veterans whose impairment has increased over time. Verify this directly with DVA as transition rules are complex.
What the Gold Card covers:
The Gold Card covers treatment by approved DVA health care providers. This includes medical consultations, hospital treatment (public and private), prescription medicines (through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), dental care, optical care, physiotherapy and other allied health services, medical aids and appliances, and mental health treatment.
You should carry your Gold Card when attending health appointments. Not all providers accept DVA cards, so it is worth confirming with your provider beforehand.
How to get a Gold Card:
You do not apply for a Gold Card directly. DVA issues it automatically when you meet the eligibility criteria — most commonly when your Permanent Impairment assessment reaches 60 or more points. If you believe you may be eligible through any of the pathways listed above and have not received one, contact DVA to discuss your situation.
This is a guide only. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.