7.1.4 Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Card (Orange Card)

Last amended: 12 July 2022

Who is eligible for the RPBC (Orange Card)

Commencing 1 January 2002, an RPBC Orange Card is issued to British Commonwealth and allied veterans and mariners who:

• have qualifying service from World War I or II,
• are aged 70 years or over, and
• have been resident in Australia for 10 years or more.

Note: A person does not need to be continuously present in Australia in order to be residing here. A person holidaying, or working temporarily, overseas does not necessarily cease to reside in Australia while they are away.     

When the RPBC (Orange Card) is used

The RPBC (Orange Card) provides eligibility for pharmaceutical benefits for most conditions in Australia. This card cannot be used for any medical or other health care treatment. If the person has also been issued with a White Card, they should continue to use their White Card when having a prescription dispensed for pharmaceutical items relating to those conditions.

Entitlements under the RPBC (Orange Card)

The range of pharmaceutical items available under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) is much wider than the range available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PBS).    

• The RPBC (Orange Card) entitles the person to obtain prescribed medication at the concessional rate per item. When the annual safety net limit is reached, there are no further charges for prescribed items for that calendar year.
• Based on clinical need and a request from the doctor, Orange Card holders may obtain items not listed in the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits, with prior approval from the DVA.
• Based on clinical need and a request from the doctor, listed items may also be obtained for a use other than that stipulated in the Schedule, with prior approval from DVA.
• The Orange Card entitles the holder to receive the veterans supplement under Section 118A VEA. The veterans supplement is a fortnightly payment which helps to offset the cost of prescriptions. Some Orange Card holders may also be eligible for  this supplement  with their Disability Compensation Payment entitlement, or if they also hold a White Card, but this does not mean multiple payments under that section.  In addition, an Orange Card holder who receives income support is not eligible for veterans supplement as an equivalent payment is made with their income support pension or benefit.