DVA Claims
DVA Travel Reimbursement: How to Claim Travel Costs
If you travel to approved medical appointments for your DVA-covered conditions, DVA can reimburse your travel costs. This applies to both White Card and Gold Card holders. The reimbursement covers travel by private vehicle, public transport, taxi, or commercial flights depending on the distance and circumstances.
Most veterans don't claim travel reimbursement because they don't know it exists. If you've been driving to specialist appointments, GP visits, or allied health sessions for accepted conditions, you may be owed back-payments.
Who is eligible
You're eligible if you're travelling to receive treatment for a condition covered by your DVA health card and the treatment has been approved or arranged by DVA. This includes:
- GP visits for accepted conditions
- Specialist appointments (orthopaedic, psychiatric, audiology, etc.)
- Allied health sessions (physiotherapy, psychology, exercise physiology)
- Hospital admissions
- Medical imaging and pathology
- RAP appliance fittings and reviews
What's covered
Private vehicle
DVA reimburses at a per-kilometre rate for travel by private car to approved appointments. The rate applies to the total round-trip distance by the shortest practical route.
Public transport
Reimbursement for bus, train, and ferry fares to approved appointments.
Taxi
DVA covers taxi fares where public transport is not reasonably available or your condition prevents you from using public transport. Some veterans are approved for ongoing taxi transport based on their conditions.
Commercial flights
For veterans in regional or remote areas who need to travel to metropolitan centres for specialist treatment not available locally, DVA can cover commercial airfares. Prior approval is required.
Accommodation
If you need to stay overnight for treatment away from home, DVA can cover accommodation costs. Prior approval is required.
Escort travel
If your condition requires a carer or escort to travel with you to appointments, DVA can cover their travel costs as well.
How to claim
- At the time of your appointment. Some DVA-approved providers can process your travel claim at the practice. Ask the receptionist when you arrive.
- Through MyService. Lodge a travel reimbursement claim online. You'll need the appointment date, provider details, distance travelled, and your card details.
- By phone. Call DVA on 1800 838 372 and request a travel reimbursement.
- By post. Submit a completed DVA travel claim form (D9818) with your receipts.
Keep all receipts for public transport, taxi fares, accommodation, and flights. For private vehicle travel, record the kilometres driven.
Claiming for past travel
If you've been attending DVA-approved appointments and haven't been claiming travel reimbursement, you can submit retrospective claims. DVA generally accepts claims for travel within the last two years, though earlier claims may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Gather your appointment records and submit claims for all eligible travel you haven't previously been reimbursed for.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior approval for every trip?
No. Routine travel to approved treatment providers for your accepted conditions doesn't require prior approval. Prior approval is needed for flights, accommodation, and non-standard transport arrangements.
What if I see a specialist in another city?
If the specialist treatment isn't available locally, DVA will cover reasonable travel costs including flights and accommodation with prior approval. You need to show that the treatment can't be accessed closer to home.
Can I claim travel to Open Arms appointments?
Yes. Open Arms is a DVA-funded service. Travel to Open Arms appointments is reimbursable.
Does the travel reimbursement apply to telehealth?
No. Telehealth appointments don't involve travel, so there's no reimbursement. However, if you're attending a face-to-face appointment that was originally scheduled as telehealth (at the provider's or DVA's request), travel reimbursement applies.
What's the per-kilometre rate?
The rate is set by DVA and indexed periodically. Check the current rate on the DVA website or ask when you lodge your claim.
This article provides general information about DVA travel reimbursement. It is not financial or legal advice. Eligibility depends on your card type and accepted conditions. Contact DVA on 1800 838 372 for personalised guidance.
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