The legal framework
Most hormonal contraceptives are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Reforms allowing 60-day dispensing for many medicines reduced costs and pharmacy visits, and several states have authorised pharmacists to resupply oral contraception without a new prescription.
Key points
| PBS subsidy | Applies to most hormonal methods; concession card holders pay less |
|---|---|
| 60-day dispensing | Available for many contraceptives, halving the number of visits |
| Pharmacist resupply | Permitted in several states and territories |
| LARC | Implants and IUDs subsidised; Medicare rebates apply to insertion |
| Emergency contraception | Available from pharmacists without prescription |
| Minors | Mature minors can consent; services are confidential |
| Rural access | Telehealth prescribing widely used |
| Long-acting methods | Subsidised, with additional Medicare items introduced to improve access |
In practice
- Ask about long-acting methods — implants and IUDs are the most effective and often the cheapest over time.
- Check contraindications: smoking over 35, migraine with aura and a history of clots rule out combined methods.
- Keep emergency contraception at home; the sooner it is taken, the better it works.
- Only condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Ask for a 60-day script: it is not automatic and doubles the supply for the same fee.
- Use telehealth for repeat prescriptions if the nearest practice has long waits.
Cost and coverage
PBS copayment per script, lower for concession card holders; LARC insertion may involve a gap fee.
Recent changes
Federal and state initiatives have focused on increasing uptake of long-acting methods, which have historically been lower in Australia than in comparable countries.
Where to go
- Family Planning organisations in each state.
- 1800 My Options in Victoria and equivalent services elsewhere.
- Telehealth contraception services for rural and remote areas.
Worth knowing
Ask about the gap fee before an IUD insertion: it varies enormously between public clinics, GPs and specialists for the same procedure. Concession card holders pay substantially less. If you are eligible and have not presented the card, you are paying more than you need to.
Official sources and links
- Federal Register of Legislation — Commonwealth law as made and in force
- Services Australia — government services and payments