DVA services
If you are a veteran or eligible member of the veteran community, you may be able to access fully funded podiatry care through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). This support helps cover the cost of clinically necessary foot and lower limb treatment, tailored to your individual needs and health conditions.
Who is eligible?
- DVA Gold Card holders are entitled to podiatry services for all clinically necessary conditions, with no limits on the type of condition.
- DVA White Card holders can access podiatry care only for specific DVA‑accepted conditions that are related to their service. Eligibility must be established for those conditions.
Referral requirements
To access DVA-funded podiatry care, you need a valid referral from your General Practitioner (GP). This referral may also be provided by a medical specialist, treating hospital doctor, or hospital discharge planner.
Important details
Under DVA arrangements, a referral entitles you to a treatment cycle that covers up to 12 podiatry sessions or 12 months of care (whichever comes first).
- Once a treatment cycle is complete, a new valid referral from your GP is required to continue care.
- You can have multiple treatment cycles over time if clinically necessary.
What’s covered
With a valid referral and DVA card:
- Your podiatry consultations are paid for directly by DVA — you do not pay out of pocket and no “gap” fee applies.
- Standard podiatry services such as assessment, nail and skin care, diabetic foot care, mobility assessments and other clinically necessary treatments are covered within the treatment cycle.
- Some treatments and devices (e.g., orthotics or specialised aids) may require prior approval from DVA before they can be funded.
Ongoing care and reporting
After a treatment cycle, your podiatrist may prepare an End of Cycle Report to your GP summarising progress and outcomes. A new referral can then be issued for further care if required.