Status: PrEP is listed on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) and has been since August 2018. Cost: ~$30–35/month (standard PBS rate) or ~$6–7/month (concessional). The catch: You need a prescriber willing to initiate it and monitoring tests every three months.

For the clinical background — what PrEP is, how it works, daily vs. on-demand dosing — see PrEP Mechanics: Daily, On-Demand & Injectable first.

How to Get PrEP

Step 1: Find a Prescriber

PrEP can be prescribed by any registered Australian doctor (GP or specialist), but your best options are:

  • Sexual health centres: Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, and their state equivalents. This is the ideal route — they do the full baseline tests in one visit and understand the monitoring schedule.
  • ACON / LGBTQ+ health services: ACON in NSW, Thorne Harbour in Victoria, and equivalents run dedicated PrEP programs with bulk-billed appointments.
  • LGBTQ+-affirming GPs: Some GPs specifically work with gay and bisexual men and are experienced PrEP prescribers. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia's directory (lgbtiqhealth.org.au) can help you find one.

Step 2: The Baseline Tests

Before starting PrEP, you need:

  • HIV test (must be negative)
  • Kidney function (eGFR/creatinine) — tenofovir can affect kidneys in rare cases
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen and surface antibody — important because TDF/FTC is also used to treat hepatitis B; starting PrEP in undiagnosed Hep B can cause issues
  • STI screen (three-site gonorrhoea/chlamydia, syphilis)
  • Full STI screen recommended

All of this is bulk billed at a sexual health centre.

Step 3: The Prescription

Your doctor prescribes generic tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) — the generic equivalent of Truvada. This is what's on the PBS.

Note on TAF/FTC (Descovy): Tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC) has a different side effect profile — slightly better for kidneys and bone density — but as of 2026, it may not be listed on the PBS for PrEP. Ask your prescriber about the current status and whether it's available in your situation.

Step 4: The Pharmacy

Take your prescription to any pharmacy. Confirm they stock it (most major pharmacies do; call ahead if uncertain). Pay the PBS price. Get 1–3 months of supply. Most prescriptions come with repeats.

The Monitoring Routine

PrEP requires regular monitoring. The standard schedule is every three months:

  • HIV test (mandatory — PrEP must never be continued if HIV status changes)
  • Three-site STI screen (gonorrhoea/chlamydia throat, rectal, urethra)
  • Syphilis serology
  • Annual: kidney function, hepatitis serology

Many sexual health centres now offer telehealth monitoring — a phone or video consultation combined with a home test kit or pathology referral. You don't always have to come in physically for every review.

The "I Can't Get an Appointment" Problem

Sexual health centres in major cities can have wait times for new PrEP initiations. Options while you wait:

Buy it yourself (legally)

Generic PrEP is available from online compounding pharmacies and some overseas online pharmacies (e.g., those operating from India or Thailand). This is legal to import in personal-use quantities under Australian law.

Cost when self-purchasing: $30–60/month depending on source, which is comparable to the PBS price. The key difference is you're bypassing the prescription requirement — so make sure you're HIV-negative before starting.

Monitoring: Even if you purchase PrEP yourself, you can — and should — still use public sexual health services for the free monitoring tests. Tell the clinic: "I'm sourcing my own PrEP, I need the monitoring tests." They will accommodate this.

Use a GP as a bridge

If you have an affirming GP, they can initiate PrEP while you wait for a sexual health centre appointment. This is perfectly appropriate and ensures there's no gap in protection.

State and Territory Notes

NSW: ACON's PrEP programs and Sydney Sexual Health Centre are the main routes. ACON's "Ending HIV" campaign has made NSW a leader in PrEP access.

Victoria: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Thorne Harbour Health are the main access points. The "PrEPd for it" campaign ran extensive community education.

Queensland: Metro North Sexual Health is the main clinic route. Some LGBTQ+-affirming GPs in Brisbane are experienced PrEP prescribers.

WA: Sexual Health Quarters (Perth) and the SHQWA network. Access is more limited compared to eastern states.

SA: Clinic 275 (Adelaide) and the South Australian Sexual Health Service.

ACT: Canberra Sexual Health Centre — smaller than the major city centres but competent.

NT and Rural Areas: See Outside the Major Cities: Regional Access.

Summary

PrEP is cheap and available. The barriers are mostly logistical, not financial. The best first step is booking at your state's sexual health centre or an LGBTQ+-affirming GP. If you can't get an appointment quickly and you need coverage now, purchasing generic PrEP while you wait is a legitimate option — just keep getting your monitoring tests.

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