The Department of Veterans’ Affairs may assist eligible veterans with transport to approved medical treatment. One option is the Booked Car with Driver service, through which DVA can arrange a taxi or hire car for a qualifying journey.
Eligibility is not based on Veteran Card ownership alone. The type of card, treatment being received, age, health circumstances, and ability to use public transport can all affect whether DVA-funded taxi travel is available.
Which Veteran Card Holders May Qualify?
Veteran Card – All Conditions and Veteran Card – Specific Conditions holders may be able to access arranged transport when travelling for treatment covered by their card. Specific Conditions card holders generally need transport for an accepted service-related condition or another eligible condition.
Access may be available to qualifying card holders aged 80 or older, as well as those who are legally blind or living with dementia. Veterans receiving certain disability compensation payments or meeting specified impairment categories may also qualify.
Eligible veterans aged 79 or younger may need to satisfy additional medical criteria. This can include a temporary or chronic condition that makes public transport challenging, a condition that significantly limits independence, or recent surgery or treatment that makes ordinary travel difficult.
Individual circumstances should always be confirmed directly with DVA. Approval for one journey does not necessarily mean that every future trip, destination, or type of treatment will be covered.
What Medical Journeys May Be Covered?
DVA-funded taxi travel is intended primarily for eligible journeys to appropriate medical treatment. Transport may be arranged from the veteran’s home to the healthcare provider and, where required, back home after the appointment.
For a safe, reliable and vetted DVA taxi provider, browse here. Before booking independently, confirm whether DVA must arrange the journey and whether the selected provider can accommodate the passenger’s mobility and accessibility requirements.
General trips for shopping, social activities, holidays, or personal errands are not automatically covered simply because someone holds a Veteran Card. The journey normally needs to relate directly to treatment recognised under the person’s entitlements.
Veterans who cannot access the Booked Car with Driver service may still qualify for reimbursement of certain transport expenses. The applicable rules depend on the person’s circumstances, treatment, journey, and relevant legislation.
How Is DVA Transport Booked?
Eligible passengers can request transport through MyService or by contacting DVA. A family member, friend, healthcare provider, or authorised representative may also be able to make the booking on the veteran’s behalf.
The request should include the appointment date and time, pickup address, treatment provider’s location, and return-journey details. Bookings should be made early, particularly for appointments scheduled after hours, on weekends, or early in the morning.
Any special requirements must be explained during booking. These may include a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, space for a walking aid, travel with an attendant, or accommodation for an assistance dog.
When DVA arranges an approved journey, the eligible passenger will generally have no out-of-pocket transport cost. However, paying for a taxi independently does not guarantee reimbursement, so approval and payment arrangements should be confirmed beforehand.
If an appointment is cancelled or rescheduled, the transport booking should be updated promptly. This helps prevent unnecessary vehicle dispatches and ensures that future arrangements remain accurate.
Conclusion
DVA-funded taxi travel may be available to eligible Veteran Card holders attending covered medical treatment. Qualification depends on factors including card type, age, medical circumstances, treatment eligibility, and ability to use public transport.
The safest approach is to confirm eligibility and arrange transport through the appropriate DVA channel. Early booking and complete accessibility information can help ensure that the correct vehicle arrives and the medical journey proceeds smoothly.
