Refer to the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cwlth) for details of eligible DVA beneficiaries.

Whether or not charges for this episode of care are met by the DVA is routinely established as part of hospital admission processes.

Eligible veterans and war widows/widowers can receive free treatment at any public hospital, former Repatriation Hospitals (RHs) or a Veteran Partnering (VP) contracted private hospital as a private patient in a shared ward, with the doctor of their choice. Admission to a public hospital does not require prior approval from the DVA.

When treatment cannot be provided within a reasonable time in the public health system at a former RH or a private VP hospital, there is a system of contracted non-VP private hospitals which will provide care.

Admission to a contracted private hospital requires prior financial authorisation from DVA. Approval may be given to attend a non-contracted private hospital when the service is not available at a public or contracted non-VP private hospital.

In an emergency a Repatriation patient can be admitted to the nearest hospital, public or private, without reference to DVA.

If an eligible veteran or war widow/widower chooses to be treated under Veterans' Affairs arrangements, which includes obtaining prior approval for non-VP private hospital care, DVA will meet the full cost of their treatment.

To assist in analyses of utilisation and health care funding.