Article at a glance
- Medicines only: access to the RPBS for pharmaceuticals, with no treatment cover.
- Who it is for: a small group of older Commonwealth and allied veterans.
- What you pay: a concession rate per item, with Safety Net protection once you reach the threshold.
- Wider than PBS: the RPBS can cover more items, plus wound care and nutritional supplements.
The DVA Orange Card is the most focused of the three veteran cards. Officially the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card, it is for medicines only and does not cover any medical or other health care treatment.
This guide explains what the Orange Card covers, who is eligible, what you pay, and how it compares to the Gold and White Cards. To see all three side by side, visit our DVA card eligibility page.
What is the DVA Orange Card?
The Orange Card, officially the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card, entitles the holder to obtain pharmaceuticals under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). It is for medicines only and does not entitle the holder to any form of treatment benefit. The range of items available under the RPBS is wider than the standard Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which can make a real difference to veterans managing ongoing or age-related conditions.
Who is eligible?
The Orange Card is issued to a select group of older veterans who meet strict service and residency criteria. It is generally for Commonwealth and allied veterans of the Second World War who are no longer serving and need consistent access to subsidised prescription medicines. In some cases, where DVA already knows you are eligible, a card is sent automatically. Otherwise you can apply using DVA’s claim form for a Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card. Most current or recently discharged veterans will be better suited to the White or Gold Card, which offer broader support.
What the Orange Card covers
The card provides concessions on prescription medicines under the RPBS, and can also cover wound care items and nutritional supplements where these are prescribed and meet RPBS criteria. It cannot be used for doctor visits, hospital care or any other treatment. Based on clinical need and a request from your doctor, items not listed on the schedule may be supplied with prior approval from DVA.
What you pay
A concession rate applies per item when you present your Orange Card and your RPBS prescription at the pharmacy. Once you reach the RPBS Safety Net threshold for the calendar year, there are no further charges for prescribed items for the rest of that year. Always show your card to both your doctor and the pharmacy. If you forget, you may pay more, and the cost will not count towards your Safety Net.
Orange, White and Gold: how they compare
- [Gold Card](/blog/dva-gold-card): the broadest cover, funding treatment and medicines for all conditions.
- [White Card](/blog/dva-white-card): treatment and medicines for accepted service-related conditions, plus mental health care.
- Orange Card: medicines only under the RPBS, with no treatment cover.
If you hold both a White Card and an Orange Card, use the White Card for medicines relating to your accepted conditions, and the Orange Card for medicines for all other conditions.
The Veterans Supplement
Orange Card holders may also be eligible for the Veterans Supplement, which provides additional financial support towards ongoing medication costs. When DVA processes your card, it will check your eligibility for this supplement.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which card you qualify for?
Many veterans are entitled to broader cover than they realise. Our expert team can help you work out which card fits your service and circumstances.
Related from KSC Law
- DVA card eligibility: Gold, White and Orange
- DVA Gold Card: benefits and eligibility
- DVA White Card: benefits and eligibility
External resources
Frequently asked questions
No. The Orange Card is for pharmaceuticals only and cannot be used for any medical or other health care treatment.
No. Veteran Cards work anywhere in Australia but cannot be used overseas.
Both happen. Where DVA already knows you are eligible, a card may be sent automatically. Otherwise you can apply using DVA’s claim form, or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).