Free annual health checks for personnel leaving Defence Force

28/6/2019

Free annual health checks for personnel leaving Defence Force

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien reminds Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who are leaving service that from next week, they will be able to book in for their free Veteran Health Check.

From 1 July 2019 all ADF personnel leaving full-time service can gain access to a fully funded comprehensive health check from a GP every year for the first five years.

“These health checks are specifically designed for veterans and allows them to keep on top of their health as they return to civilian life,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Veteran Health Check allows a veteran and their GP to promptly treat any issues that appear, and for the GP to assess their patient’s current physical and mental wellbeing.”

The Australian Government provides more than $230 million a year towards veteran mental health, as part of more than $11 billion for veterans and their families in this year’s budget.

“I encourage all veterans living here in Wide Bay to book in for their Veteran Health Check if they haven’t already,” Mr O’Brien said.  

“If someone in your family, or a friend, has left the ADF recently take a moment to remind them that they should be looking after their health and to talk to their GP today.”

ADF members who transition before 30 June 2019 will continue to be able to gain access to the comprehensive

One-off Veteran Health Check (formerly known as the one-off ADF Post-Discharge GP Health Assessment) at any time post-transition.

For those in need of immediate mental health support and counselling, Open Arms – Veterans and Family Counselling Service can be contacted on 1800 011 046, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To find out more about Veteran Health Checks, please visit the AT-Ease website or call DVA on 1800 555 254. 

ENDS