Veterans
DVA Gold Card vs White Card: what each covers at home in 2026
By Loving Hands Care · · 6 min read
The DVA Gold Card and White Card are both Veteran Cards issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, but they cover very different things. Knowing which card you hold — and what it pays for — makes it much easier to get the right nursing and support at home.
This guide compares the two cards for veterans and families in Queensland, using the latest information from DVA in 2026.
The quick answer
The Gold Card (Veteran Card – All Conditions) covers clinically required treatment for all health conditions in Australia. The White Card (Veteran Card – Specific Conditions) covers treatment for accepted service-related conditions, plus certain conditions under non-liability health care, such as mental health care, cancer and tuberculosis, where eligible.
Gold Card vs White Card compared
Either way, treatment must be clinically required and delivered by a provider who accepts the card. Full details are on DVA's Veteran Card page (opens in new tab).
| Gold Card | White Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | All clinically required conditions | Accepted conditions and eligible non-liability conditions |
| Typical services | GP, specialists, hospital, dental, optical, medicines, community nursing | Treatment, medicines and services for the accepted condition |
| Mental health | Covered | Covered under non-liability health care |
| Community nursing | Any assessed clinical need | Clinical need linked to an accepted condition |
DVA community nursing with each card
DVA's Community Nursing Program funds clinically required nursing and personal care at home through DVA-contracted providers. Gold Card holders are eligible for any assessed clinical need. White Card holders are eligible when the need relates to a DVA-accepted condition.
Typical care includes wound care, medication management, chronic disease management, continence care and help with hygiene and showering. Gold Card holders generally pay nothing for community nursing.
Community nursing vs Veterans' Home Care
Community nursing is clinical. Help with cleaning, gardening, light personal care or respite comes through a separate program, Veterans' Home Care (VHC), which has its own assessment through the VHC Assessment Agency on 1300 550 450. Learn more on DVA's help at home page (opens in new tab).
How Queensland veterans access care at home
- See your GP or treating health professional and ask for a referral for DVA community nursing.
- Choose a DVA-contracted community nursing provider in your area.
- Tell the provider whether you hold a Gold or White Card; White Card holders should name the accepted condition.
- Check your accepted conditions and digital card any time in MyService.
- For questions, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Loving Hands Care provides DVA community nursing on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and Northern NSW. We can help coordinate the referral with your GP.
Sources
- DVA — Veteran Card
- DVA — Veteran Card – All Conditions (Gold)
- DVA — Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White)
- DVA — Help with personal care
This article is general information, current at 15 October 2026. Check your own situation with your GP, My Aged Care or DVA.