About Osteopathy

Department of Veterans Affairs

Osteopaths may provide services to Australian veterans.  

To access Department of Veterans Affairs services: You will need a referral from a GP, specialist, treating hospital doctor, hospital discharge planner or an osteopath with a current referral.

The Department of Veterans Affairs also advises that people may be able to receive osteopathic services if they have a clinical need and a:

• Veteran Gold Card; or 

• White Veteran Card and the treatment is for an accepted service-related condition.

Some Handy Tips

Before Booking Your Appointment, get a referral

• Get a referral from your GP, specialist, treating hospital doctor, a hospital discharge planner, or an osteopath with a current referral.

When Booking with an Osteopath, ask some questions

• Have your DVA card ready, so your eligibility can be checked.

• Your osteopath must be able to provide services under Medicare, so confirm that they do this before accepting an appointment slot.

• Tell your treating osteopath the name of any other osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor who has provided you with treatment during the previous 12 months.

• This will prevent your current provider from experiencing difficulties in claiming payment for services provided to you.

Costs / Charges

• Your osteopath can claim from DVA directly for an eligible service they provide to you.

• You should not have to pay anything out of pocket.

• Osteopaths are not permitted to charge a Gap Fee.

Gold and White Card Holders

• DVA Gold cardholders: DVA will pay for osteopathic services to meet your clinical needs.

• DVA White cardholders: DVA will pay for osteopathic services related to your accepted injury or disease.

More Information