Health Entitlement

Receiving Medical Treatment while Overseas

Overview

This Factsheet outlines the arrangements for receiving medical treatment whilst travelling or residing overseas. It provides information on:

·         what arrangements you should make before going overseas;

·         how to seek a refund for eligible treatment received overseas, and

·         what happens if you cannot pay for your treatment whilst overseas.

Will DVA pay for medical treatment while I am overseas?

While you are overseas you will be eligible for treatment at DVA expense for your accepted service related disabilities only. Please contact DVA on the phone numbers listed on page 3 if you are unsure of your accepted service related disabilities.

Can I still use my Gold or White Card when I am overseas?

No, your Gold or White Card can only be used within Australia.  These cards are not accepted by health providers outside Australia.

Do I need overseas travel insurance?

It is important that you consider taking out travel insurance to cover you for treatment of any non service related conditions should the need arise whilst you are overseas.

Do I need to notify DVA before I go overseas?

Yes, you need to notify DVA of your intention to travel overseas before you leave so the Department can advise you of the arrangements for receiving medical treatment at DVA expense.

If you do not notify DVA, you may not be aware of the treatment expenses that can be refunded and payment for any treatment while you are overseas cannot be guaranteed.

What information will I receive from DVA?

Once you notify DVA of your intention to travel overseas you will be provided with information relating to:

·       your entitlement to treatment while overseas,

·       DVA’s prior financial authorisation requirements and limits that apply to some services,

·       DVA’s treatment agreements with overseas Governments,

·       procedures for claiming a refund of treatment expenses, and

·       direct contact details for the DVA officers who will be your point of contact whilst overseas.

What treatment expenses can be refunded by DVA?

Veterans are entitled to treatment of accepted service related disabilities, the same as, or similar to, treatment and cost that would be considered appropriate in Australia.

What type of treatment expenses are not refunded by DVA?

DVA does not refund expenses incurred for:

·       health care services that are not generally available to eligible veterans in Australia
(eg cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal treatments, iridology, etc);

·       treatment where a significant reason for overseas travel was/is to obtain treatment; or

·       travelling expenses outside Australia or to return to Australia to obtain treatment.

What happens if I cannot pay for my treatment while overseas?

If you cannot pay for treatment of an accepted service related disability whist overseas contact the Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate in that country. Australian officials can contact DVA to arrange payment.

Who else should I contact before going overseas?

Contact Medicare Australia to find out about the health care arrangements that are available to all Australian in other countries.  The website is: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.

What information must I provide to DVA to be refunded for treatment overseas?

Once you have received and paid for your treatment, submit the original account(s) and receipt(s) to DVA as well as a signed:

·       Application for Refund or Payment of Medical Expenses Privately Incurred (D1181) form; or

·       letter requesting a refund of your treatment expenses.

All accounts should:

·       clearly state the patient name and medical condition(s) that were treated and be signed by the health provider;

·       be itemised and include details of the treatment provided including the number of visits, dates of treatment, and, if an in-patient, the period spent in hospital;

·       include the name, dosage and cost of any pharmaceutical item dispensed;

·       be accompanied by the health provider’s certification that the treatment was provided in an emergency and/or in a private hospital due to no public hospital availability, if relevant;

·       be accompanied by receipts;

·       be originals and be accompanied by a translation into English where documents are in a foreign language; and

·       be lodged within six months of the date the treatment was provided.

Note:      It is essential that you provide all the information requested above to ensure that DVA is able to process your claim quickly.

Other Factsheets and Forms

Other Factsheets and Forms related to this topic include:

·       Medical Expenses Privately Incurred: HSV64

·       Travelling Overseas: IS77

·       Application for Refund or Payment of Medical Expenses Privately Incurred: D1181.

More information

If you need more information about this topic or need to contact DVA while overseas:

E-mail:                                    OSTREAT@dva.gov.au

Post:                                       Overseas Treatment Officer

                                               Department of Veterans' Affairs

                                               GPO Box 9998

                                               HOBART   TASMANIA   7001

                                               AUSTRALIA

Fax:                                        61 3 6221 6610

Outside Australia phone:       61 3 6221 6609 or

DVA General Enquiries

All DVA Factsheets are available from DVA offices, and on the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au 

You can phone DVA for the cost of a local call on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 for country callers. Use a normal landline phone if you can. Mobile phone calls may cost you more.

You can get more help from any DVA office