The Power of Preventative Health: Being Ready for Life During and After Service

Readiness has always been central to Defence, but readiness doesn’t end when your time in uniform does. Whether you’re still serving, preparing for transition, or already settled into veteran life, staying healthy is about more than reacting when something goes wrong. It’s about taking proactive steps to protect your wellbeing now, so you can stay active, capable and confident long into the future.

At Navy Health, preventative health has always been a priority. Since 1955, we’ve supported the Defence community as a not-for-profit health fund that puts the needs of our members and the Defence community first. That commitment means helping our members stay well, not just covered.

Prevention: The foundation of long-term wellbeing

Preventative health is about simple, consistent habits that protect your health before issues arise. For Defence members and veterans, whose bodies and lifestyles often reflect years of demanding work, these proactive steps can make all the difference.

Preventative care includes:

• Routine GP check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, joint health and overall wellbeing.
• Regular dental checks and cleans, which prevent gum disease and oral issues that can escalate quickly.
• Eye examinations to maintain long-term vision health and detect changes early.
• Hearing assessments for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hearing loss.
• Allied health support, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy and podiatry, ideal for managing past injuries, improving mobility and preventing future issues.

These small actions help you stay mobile, independent and in control of your health throughout every stage of life.

Extras Cover: A practical tool for preventative health

One of the most effective ways to stay on top of your wellbeing is through consistent access to allied health, including dental, optical and other preventative services.

With Navy Health Extras, you can access:

• Unlimited general dental with Healthy Living & Premium Extras cover, which helps you maintain strong oral health with fewer out-of-pocket costs.
• Discounted optical benefits through partner providers, supporting regular eye exams and eyewear needs. If you’d like to view Navy Health’s partnered providers, please visit: Optical Provider | Navy Health
• Physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and podiatry for maintaining mobility, managing the wear and tear of service life, and preventing long-term joint or muscle problems.
• Tiered Extras options, so you can choose a level of cover that matches your lifestyle, budget and health goals.

Our cover is practical and built to cover the diverse needs of our members post-service, especially for those with injuries or chronic conditions not covered by DVA.

For veterans holding a DVA Gold Card, many choose to complement their entitlements with Extras cover. While DVA may cover certain essential treatments, Extras can support broader access to preventative care.

Here for you through every stage of transition

Whether your months away from discharge or already settling into civilian life, Navy Health is committed to making health cover simple and accessible.

You’ll experience:

• Clear, easy-to-understand cover options.
• Fast digital claiming, with Extras claims processed in just 2 days on average*!
• We answer your calls in seconds, not hours, so you can enjoy more time with family or doing what you love.
• Support from our dedicated Australian-based team who understands the challenges Defence veterans can face.
• Hassle-free switching: we’ll take care of cancelling your previous cover, help you choose the right product, and honour any waiting periods you’ve already served.
• No waiting periods if you join Navy Health within 90 days of discharging and backdate the policy to start on your discharge date.

Take the next step towards better health

Join Navy Health with combined cover before 31 March and in addition to the 10% DVA discount**, you may be eligible to receive:

• 6 weeks free^
• 2 & 6 month waits waived on Extras^

It’s our way of helping you build a healthy foundation for your life now and well into the future.

Navy Health. Serving everyone connected to Defence.

* Based off Navy Health’s Call Centre data from January 1 2025 to June 30 2025.

** DVA card holders only. Terms and conditions apply.

^ New members only. Terms and conditions apply.