Prescriptions in Australia

Prescriptions in Australia

Unlike the UK when a doctor writes a prescription each medication has to be wrote on its own script. 

You will be responsible for making a copayment for each of the medications up to the limit of $38.80. If you have a concession card the maximum you will pay is $6.30.

If a medication is higher than the $38.80 the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) will pay the gap providing it is on their list. A list of all the medications on the PBS can be found here http://www.pbs.gov.au/browse/medicine-listing

One thing to be aware of is that even if your medicine is listed on the PBS they may only be subsidised for certain conditions. For example a drug may treat multiple conditions but it may only be available on the PBS if you have a specific one.

Although the cost of a prescription available on the PBS says up-to $38.80 they are often a lot cheaper than this especially if you request a generic brand.

Chemist Warehouse is probably the cheapest place to get a script filled. If you have a look at this link you will hopefully be able to find the drug you will need and the cost involved https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/prescriptions

For example, let's look up Pariet 20mg x 30 tablets. 

The price you would pay is $12.99

If you purchased the generic brand it would cost $6.50

Safety Net

If you and your family spend over $1,494.90 combined you will be eligible for a PBS Safety Net. If you are on a concession card this figure is $378.

So before when a script could cost you up to $38.80 your new safety net card will reduce this amount up to $6.30 for the remainder of the year. 

To make sure you keep a record of how much you spend I would recommend using the same chemist or ask for a card which each pharmacy will complete when you get your medication.

The safety net Year runs from the 1st January and resets each year.

Private Prescriptions

Some medications are not on the PBS list. Your doctor still may want you to take them but remember you will be paying the full cost. 

My specialist recently completed a special access scheme under category A for me to be able to access a specific drug that isn't available in Australia. In this situation I can only get this drug from the hospital pharmacy and I have to pay the private cost of $112 each month. 

Remember you can bring certain medications with you when you move over to Australia as long as it is for personal use and no more than 3 months supply.

I recommend ladies stock up on birth control pills because they are not free here.