
In Australia, HIV treatment is free for everyone, even for those without a Medicare card. HIV medication is available for free when collected through government-funded hospital pharmacies. However, in some states, such as South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, patients may need to pay a copayment and/or other charges. Additionally, those with Medicare may be charged a copayment at the hospital's discretion. In Queensland, HIV antiretroviral medication is free to all residents, regardless of their Medicare status. This medication can be accessed through local pharmacies, online pharmacies, or hospital-based pharmacies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| HIV testing and treatment free for all? | Yes, HIV testing and treatment are free for all in Australia, regardless of eligibility for Medicare. |
| HIV medication free for all? | HIV medication is free for all in some states like Queensland, Western Australia, and the ACT. In other states, it may be free only for Medicare cardholders. |
| HIV medication delivery options | HIV medication can be collected from government-funded hospital pharmacies or delivered to a suitable location. It can also be bought online or obtained from local pharmacies in some states. |
| HIV treatment costs | Treatment costs are highly subsidized by the Australian Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). |
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What You'll Learn
- HIV medication is free* for all in Australia, regardless of Medicare eligibility
- HIV medication is free* in Queensland, regardless of Medicare status
- HIV medication is free* in Western Australia for all, including those without Medicare
- HIV medication is available free* of charge in NSW for those with a Medicare card
- HIV medication is free* for those on medium- and long-term visas in Australia

HIV medication is free* for all in Australia, regardless of Medicare eligibility
HIV medication is now free for all in Australia, regardless of Medicare eligibility. This is a result of a Commonwealth policy shift that has made HIV testing and treatment free for everyone in Australia. This includes people on student, travel, and temporary work visas.
In Queensland, HIV antiretroviral medication is free to all residents, regardless of their Medicare status. This is due to the Queensland Government's decision to waive the co-payment associated with PBS medicines, making HIV treatment free for all residents for the first time.
In Western Australia, HIV treatment is provided for free to everyone through the public system. However, it is important to note that not all states provide HIV treatment free of charge for people without Medicare cards. If you move to another state, you may need to pay for the medication yourself.
HIV medication can be accessed through local pharmacies, online pharmacies, or hospital-based pharmacies, depending on what suits an individual best. Hospital-based pharmacies provide HIV medication for free, while local and online pharmacies may require a co-payment. It is recommended to speak with a doctor about any changes to your current arrangement.
HIV medication in Australia includes antiretrovirals (ARVs), which reduce the level of HIV in the body and prevent it from harming the immune system. With timely treatment and care, HIV can be effectively managed, and the risk of transmission to partners is eliminated.
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HIV medication is free* in Queensland, regardless of Medicare status
HIV medication is available free of charge in Queensland, regardless of Medicare status. This means that people with HIV in Queensland can access HIV treatment without having a Medicare card. This is made possible through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), a scheme by the Australian Government that aims to create affordable medicines for all Australians.
The Queensland Government has published a guideline, 'HIV treatment and care for people who are not eligible for Medicare', outlining eligibility criteria, prescribing, dispensing, and reimbursement requirements for s100 prescribers and public hospital pharmacists. To access this scheme, patients must be ineligible for Medicare and be receiving appropriate specialist medical care as an outpatient in a public health service, such as a sexual health clinic or public hospital.
HIV medication can be collected through government-funded hospital pharmacies, and a copayment may be charged at the hospital's discretion. Prescriptions must be written by a doctor who is authorised to prescribe HIV medications (an s100 prescriber). If your current doctor is not one of these, they will refer you to one who is. If it is difficult to collect medication from a hospital pharmacy, other access options can be discussed, such as arranging delivery to a suitable location.
In addition to Queensland, HIV medication is also available for free in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for people without Medicare. In South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, however, there may be copayments or other charges for HIV medication. While HIV treatment is highly subsidised for Medicare cardholders throughout Australia, there may be costs associated with private practitioners or specific states.
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HIV medication is free* in Western Australia for all, including those without Medicare
As of the 12th of May 2023, HIV medication is free* for all in Western Australia, including those without Medicare. This is thanks to a new government-funded scheme that allows people without Medicare to receive HIV treatment for free through hospital outpatient pharmacies. Under this scheme, HIV treatment must be dispensed from a hospital pharmacy. If this is not possible due to distance or other factors, arrangements can be made to have the medication delivered to a suitable location (courier fees may apply).
In Western Australia, HIV treatment is provided free to everyone through the public sector. However, if you choose to go through a private practitioner, there will be costs. Not all states in Australia provide HIV treatment for free to those without Medicare cards, so it is important to be aware of the specific rules in each state. For example, in Queensland, HIV treatment is now free for all residents, regardless of their Medicare status. This is due to the Queensland Government's decision to waive the co-payment typically associated with PBS medicines.
In South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, you may need to pay a copayment and/or other charges for HIV medication. HIV medication is free if collected from the Canberra Hospital pharmacy. Prescriptions must be written by a doctor who is authorised to prescribe HIV medications (an s100 prescriber). If your current doctor is not one of these, they can refer you to one who is.
HIV treatment has changed a lot over the years, and the medication available in Australia is highly effective. HIV is treated with medications called antiretrovirals (ARVs), which reduce the level of HIV in the body and stop it from harming the immune system. Once the virus has been reduced to low enough levels, HIV cannot be passed on through sexual contact. With timely treatment and care, HIV can be a chronic manageable condition, and people with HIV can live long, happy, and healthy lives.
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HIV medication is available free* of charge in NSW for those with a Medicare card
HIV medication is available free of charge in NSW for those with a Medicare card. In fact, HIV medication is available free of charge for Medicare cardholders in all states and territories of Australia. This includes people on student, travel and temporary work visas.
In NSW, HIV medication is also free for those without a Medicare card, but only if their country is listed within the Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with the Australian Government. In other states, HIV medication is not free for people without a Medicare card. However, as of 1 July 2022, people living with HIV who are ineligible for Medicare can access their HIV treatment for free in Queensland, Western Australia, and the ACT. In these states, HIV medication is available free of charge when collected through government-funded hospital pharmacies.
In South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, a copayment and/or other charges may be required for HIV medication. However, HIV treatment is highly subsidised by the Australian Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which aims to create affordable medicines for all Australians.
It is important to note that HIV medication must be prescribed by a doctor who is authorised to prescribe HIV medications (an s100 prescriber). If your current doctor is not one of these, they can refer you to one who is.
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HIV medication is free* for those on medium- and long-term visas in Australia
In Western Australia, HIV treatment is provided free to everyone through the public system. If you don't have a Medicare card, you can still receive HIV treatment for free. However, if you go through a private practitioner, there will be costs. Not all states provide HIV treatment free for people without Medicare cards, so it's important to check the specific rules of your state or territory.
In Queensland, HIV antiretroviral medication is free to all residents, regardless of their Medicare status. This is due to the Queensland Government's decision to waive the co-payment associated with PBS medicines. This means that, as of 3 October 2023, HIV treatment is free for all residents of Queensland.
In South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, you may need to pay a copayment and/or other charges for HIV medication. HIV medication is free if collected from the Canberra Hospital pharmacy. Prescriptions must be written by a doctor who is authorised to prescribe HIV medications (an s100 prescriber). If your current doctor is not one of these, they can refer you to one who is.
In NSW, HIV medication is free or subsidised for people with Medicare or a Medicare card, or those from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the Australian Government. People without Medicare can access free HIV medication through the Medicare Ineligible Scheme.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, HIV medication is free in Australia for all residents, regardless of their Medicare status.
No, HIV medication is free in Australia even for those visiting on medium- and long-term visas.
HIV medication can be obtained from your local pharmacy, an online pharmacy, or a hospital-based pharmacy.
Yes, HIV testing is free in Australia and recommended at least once a year or more frequently if you have multiple sexual partners.
No, while HIV medication is free in most states, in South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, you may need to pay a copayment and/or other charges.











































