How does the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) work?

Who is eligible for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

Australian residents

You are eligible for subsidised medicines under the PBS if you are an Australian resident and have a Medicare Card.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

You can get more help to buy medicine under the PBS if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian.

Veterans and their families

You can also get PBS medicine if you are a veteran, war widow or widower or dependant who is eligible under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).

Overseas visitors

If you are an overseas visitor from country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, you qualify for subsidised medicines under the PBS. This includes visitors from:

• Belgium
• Finland
• Italy
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Republic of Ireland
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• United Kingdom.

Will I have to pay anything towards the cost of medicines on the PBS?

Yes. You will have to pay something towards the cost of your medicines on the PBS.

This is called a co-payment. The co-payment is adjusted each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

From 1 January 2024:

• If you are a general patient, the maximum you have to pay is $31.60. 
• If you have an eligible concession card, the maximum you have to pay is $7.70. 

You may pay a higher co-payment for some brands of medicine. This is because they often cost more than alternative branded medicines.

How do I access medicines under the PBS?

To access medicine under the PBS, there are 2 steps: