White Card & Non-Liability Health Care
The DVA Health Card — Specific Conditions, commonly known as the White Card, provides funded treatment for specific conditions that DVA has accepted as service-related. Unlike the Gold Card, it only covers those accepted conditions and any directly related treatment.
Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) operates differently. It covers treatment for all mental health conditions, cancer, and pulmonary tuberculosis without requiring you to establish a service connection. Any veteran with at least one day of continuous full-time service can access NLHC for these conditions by completing Form D0543.
NLHC is one of the most underutilised entitlements in the DVA system. Many veterans who have left the ADF without any accepted conditions are unaware they can access funded mental health treatment immediately, without waiting for a liability claim to be decided.
Who is eligible
White Card: you have at least one accepted condition under MRCA, DRCA or VEA
NLHC mental health: at least one day of continuous full-time service
NLHC cancer: at least one day of continuous full-time service
NLHC pulmonary tuberculosis: at least one day of continuous full-time service
NLHC does not require an accepted condition or a claim to be pending
How it works
Identify the Applicable Pathway
We determine whether you need a White Card (existing accepted conditions), NLHC (mental health, cancer or tuberculosis), or both.
Gather Evidence
We prepare the required documentation, including Form D0543 for NLHC applications and supporting evidence for White Card applications.
Application and Acceptance
We lodge your application with DVA and follow up until your card or NLHC approval is issued.
How Clear Path helps
We identify whether NLHC, a White Card, or both apply to your circumstances
We prepare Form D0543 and any supporting material for NLHC applications
We ensure NLHC is applied for at the time of lodging any liability claim
We manage the application process through DVA
Common questions
What conditions does the White Card cover?
The White Card covers treatment for your specific DVA-accepted conditions and any directly related health needs. It doesn't cover conditions that aren't accepted. If you want coverage for a new condition, a separate initial liability claim needs to be accepted first.
How quickly can I access NLHC?
NLHC can be accessed once DVA processes your D0543 application. Processing times vary, but because NLHC doesn't require a liability determination, it can often be set up faster than a compensation claim. We apply for it as part of any initial engagement so you're not left waiting.
Does NLHC cover family members?
No. NLHC covers the veteran only. Family members are not eligible for NLHC under the veteran's entitlement, though separate programs may be available through DVA's family support initiatives.
Ready to get started?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through what this means for your situation.
Book a free consultationMore from Health Cards & Medical Treatment