Setting you up for a healthy future

Have you considered your health needs after life in the Military?

It is important for ADF personnel to prepare and plan for transition early as it supports a veteran’s long-term wellbeing and preparedness for life after service.

Staying informed throughout the transition process helps ADF personnel to navigate their transition journey, advocate for themselves and their needs and make the right choices for their future.

Healthcare is one aspect of life that will significantly change for ADF personnel and their families as they transition from full time service.

While ADF Personnel and their families will no longer have access to Defence health support once they leave the ADF, those who continue to serve as a reservist, depending on individual circumstances may be eligible for some Defence healthcare support.

Defence is always ready to support ADF personnel and their families’ transition to civilian life when the time comes.

Below you can find a few helpful health tips to consider while you are transitioning.

 Up-to-date copies of your health records

• • ADF personnel can request a copy of their health records at any time during their service, or even after they cease full-time service.
  • It is recommended that you submit requests for these records as soon as the transition process has commenced.
  • For further information about accessing records, visit defence.gov.au/about/accessing-information/personal-information-requests.
• Complete The Transition Health Examination (THE)
  • The Transition Health Examination (THE) supports ADF personnel to prepare for transition by facilitating the transfer of their health care to a civilian general practitioner (GP).
  • ADF personnel are required to complete their final medical examination before their final day of full-time service. It is recommended to schedule the appointment three to six months before their transition date.
  • ADF personnel are encouraged to nominate a civilian GP and any required specialists at the THE, including referral for mental health support.
  • Defence will provide a clinical summary as well as book and fund the first civilian GP appointment. This will help provide continuity of care and handover of healthcare to the civilian health system.
  • Find out more defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/transition/health-care-transition
• Dental Health Examination
  • It is recommend having a final periodic dental examination within six months of the final day of full-time service.
  • Defence will attempt to resolve all dental matters prior to member’s final day of service, however for complex dental needs, the final periodic dental examination will identify the best approach to address individual dental needs and maintain continuity of care through transition.
• Attend an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar
  • ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars help attendees to understand more about the transition process and connect with transition supports available through Defence and in the wider transition ecosystem.
  • It is mandatory for ADF personnel to attend a transition seminar within 12 months of their final day of full-time service.
  • To register to attend a transition seminar visit defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/transition/seminars
• Research Civilian Healthcare
  • ADF personnel before their final day of full-time service should consider the cost of civilian healthcare and the supports available to manage costs.
    • Consider securing private health insurance and ambulance cover
    • Enrol in Medicare
  • Post-transition ADF Personnel may be supported by DVA for the provision of some health care services. ADF personnel can begin engaging with DVA before they leave the ADF.

Whether ADF personnel are currently serving, considering leaving full time service or approaching their final day of full-time service, now is always the right time to invest in your health and wellbeing.

Defence is committed to improving transition experiences and outcomes for ADF personnel and their families. To learn more about the health care transition supports available to ADF personnel and their families visit www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/transition/health-care-transition