How Do You Buy PrEP In Australia
PrEP is on the PBS. You get it on a script and fill it at any Australian pharmacy.
Since 2018, PrEP has been subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). That changed everything. You don’t need to import anything from overseas any more. You get a prescription from your doctor and fill it at any pharmacy in Australia, the same as any other medication.
What it costs
If you have a Medicare card, PrEP is subsidised through the PBS. As of 2026 you’ll pay the standard PBS co-payment per script:
- Around $7.70 if you have a concession or health care card.
- Up to $25 if you don’t.
That covers a month’s supply. It’s worth shopping around. Some pharmacies charge a little under the maximum.
If you don’t have Medicare
You can still get PrEP. Without the PBS subsidy you’ll pay the private price, which is higher, so it’s worth ringing a few pharmacies and talking to your doctor about your options. Some sexual health clinics and community programs can help people who aren’t eligible for Medicare. Don’t let cost stop you. Talk to your doctor, because there’s almost always a way through.
Is generic PrEP the same?
Yes. The generic versions dispensed in Australia contain the same active ingredients (tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine) as the original brand, and they work just as well. If your pills look different from a previous script, that’s completely normal. Here’s why your PrEP can look different.
Talk to your doctor about starting PrEP, and about whether daily or on-demand dosing suits your life better.
Stay safe, team.
Dr George
This information is general in nature and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Speak to your doctor about your specific situation.
— Dr George Forgan-Smith, GP, practising in Sydney and Melbourne