Can Veterans Get a DVA funded Gym Membership

Can Veterans Get a DVA-Funded Gym Membership?
It’s a question I hear often: “Can DVA pay for my gym membership?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope, but the good news is that in certain situations, yes, DVA can fund gym access. However, this isn’t about hitting your choice of gym for general fitness or leisure. Instead, it’s about supporting veterans’ health as part of a structured treatment or rehabilitation program.
DVA recognises that physical activity plays a crucial role in managing a wide range of health conditions. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or working through mental health challenges like PTSD, exercise can be a game-changer. In cases like these, a healthcare professional such as a physio might recommend a supervised exercise program that includes their own gym access.
But here’s the catch: gym memberships aren’t offered as a blanket entitlement. They’re part of a treatment plan specifically tailored to your condition. For example, if you’re recovering from a knee replacement, your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist might prescribe a program to help rebuild strength and mobility. If that program requires access to specialized equipment at a gym, DVA can step in to cover the cost for the duration of the treatment.
The same goes for chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain, where structured, low-impact exercise can help manage symptoms. Veterans struggling with mental health conditions may also benefit from gym-based programs, as exercise is often a powerful tool for improving mood and overall wellbeing.
So, how does it work? First, a healthcare professional—such as your GP, physiotherapist, or exercise physiologist—needs to recommend gym access as part of your treatment plan. They’ll submit a DVA Request/Referral Form for Allied Health Services (D904) to DVA, explaining why the program is necessary and how it will support your recovery or health management.
This form is essential because it formalizes the recommendation and provides DVA with the details they need to evaluate the request. The healthcare professional will outline the specific goals of the gym program, how it aligns with your medical needs, and the expected outcomes.
If DVA approves the request, they’ll fund the gym membership for the specific period required for your rehabilitation. This could be a few weeks, months or even a year, depending on your treatment plan. It’s important to understand that this isn’t a recreational membership; it’s tied directly to your prescribed therapy and must be part of a supervised program.
Now, here’s where some veterans get tripped up: once your treatment program ends, so does the funding for the gym membership. DVA support isn’t designed to provide ongoing access for general fitness or personal goals. That said, if you find the gym environment beneficial, it might be worth considering continuing the membership on your own. Many gyms offer discounts for veterans or run community programs that make it more affordable.
For those who don’t qualify for a DVA-funded gym membership, there are still plenty of options to stay active. Home-based exercise programs are a great alternative, and a physiotherapist can design a routine using equipment like resistance bands or even an exercise bike (which DVA also fund with the correct submission of Forms). Outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or swimming are simple, low-cost ways to maintain your health.
At the end of the day, the goal is to find an approach to physical activity that works for you and supports your health needs. If you think a gym membership could be part of your recovery or health management, start by speaking with us here at TAG and we will guide you through the process.
Your health and wellbeing are worth the effort, and resources like these are there to support you. If you’re unsure about what you’re entitled to or how to access it, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Together, we can help you take the next step toward improving your quality of life.
Related Posts

