How to start PrEP
What's involved?
Starting PrEP could be easier than you imagine. The first step involves starting a conversation with a doctor or sexual health nurse practitioner.
Doctors have to learn about a lot of rapidly changing health topics, so not all doctors might know about PrEP for preventing HIV just yet.
Australia has national clinical guidelines and other education resources to help doctors understand how to prescribe PrEP and manage your health while you use it.
The guidelines ensure anybody at risk of HIV can get PrEP as long as there are no medical reasons that make PrEP an unsuitable choice.
PrEP could be right for you if you’re:
-
a man who has sex with men
-
trans or gender diverse
-
an injecting drug user
-
at risk of HIV for any reason
Using PrEP involves seeing a doctor or sexual health nurse practitioner once every three months for comprehensive sexual health tests.
Find a doctor
Visit a doctor or sexual health centre to start PrEP. Some doctors may offer bulk billing. Others may charge standard appointment fees with Medicare rebate.
To locate a doctor or sexual health nurse practitioner known to prescribe PrEP, use our interactive map in the Find PrEP section.
It's best to call in advance to check that PrEP is available from the healthcare professional you're seeing and to request an appointment of appropriate duration.
No Medicare?
If you don't have Medicare, PrEP is still available to you, and in most of Australia it's now free.
With support from the Australian Government, free PrEP services for people without Medicare are available in every state and territory except Queensland, where a service is coming soon. These services cover the cost of your doctor appointments, pathology tests and PrEP medication. They're open to anyone without Medicare, whatever their gender or sexuality. Eligibility can vary between services, so check with the one in your state or territory.
Victoria: You may be eligible for free PrEP through the Victorian PrEP Program. It covers the cost of doctor appointments, testing and PrEP medication. Fill out the online form to register.
New South Wales: You may be able to get free PrEP through Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL). Call 1800 451 624.
Australian Capital Territory: You can get free PrEP at Canberra Sexual Health Centre. There's no cost for the appointment, tests or medication. Call (02) 5124 2184 to book. Meridian also runs the STRIP clinic, which provides PrEP for people without Medicare after work hours.
South Australia: You can get free PrEP through Adelaide Sexual Health Centre. There's no cost for the appointment, tests or medication. Call (08) 7117 2800 to book.
Western Australia: Migrants, international students and others living in WA without Medicare can get free PrEP through the MI-PrEP service. [Button: Contact a free PrEP provider]
Tasmania: Free PrEP is available at Tasmanian Sexual Health Clinics. The consultation, pathology and medication are all free, including delivery if you live outside Hobart. This is only available at these clinics, not from a regular GP:
-
Clinic 60, Hobart: (03) 6166 2672
-
Clinic 34, Launceston: (03) 6777 1371
-
Clinic 23, Devonport: (03) 6777 1371
Northern Territory: You can get free PrEP from Clinic 34. The appointment, testing and medication are all free. There are five locations across the NT:
-
Darwin: (08) 8999 2678
-
Alice Springs: (08) 8951 7549
-
Tennant Creek: (08) 8962 4259
-
Katherine: (08) 8973 9049
-
Nhulunbuy: (08) 8987 0357
Queensland: A free PrEP service for people without Medicare is coming soon. In the meantime, some sexual health centres provide free services to people without Medicare, so contact your doctor or sexual health centre in advance to understand fees. You may also be able to claim some or all of your appointment and pathology costs through your private health insurance policy. Check the details with your insurance provider.
Prefer to import PrEP? You can still personally import PrEP from an overseas online pharmacy (see Buy PrEP below). You'll still need a prescription, and outside the free services you may have to pay for appointments and pathology tests. If you're eligible for a free service, we recommend starting there, since it covers your tests as well as your medication.
Buy PrEP
Thanks to the Australian Government, since April 1, 2018, PrEP has been a subsidised medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means if you have Medicare, buying PrEP in any Australian pharmacy will cost you no more than $25.00 for one month's supply, or $7.70 with a concession.
For anyone with Medicare, discounted PrEP is also available by mail order from a group of Australian pharmacies.
If you don't have Medicare, you can get PrEP, appointments and tests for free through the government-supported services listed above, available everywhere except Queensland (coming soon).
Whether you do or don’t have Medicare, prices start from around $20 per month when you import PrEP from an online pharmacy.
If you can’t afford PrEP for any reason, free PrEP is available through assistance schemes.
The Buy PrEP section includes information on all buying options, a price comparison chart, how to get free PrEP, and details on accessing discounted PrEP anywhere in Australia.
