Free PrEP if you don't have Medicare

​On this page

1. Who can access free PrEP?
2. Where can I access free PrEP?
3. What is PrEP
4. Who is PrEP for?
5. Does PrEP have side effects?
6. For health workers and community organisations
7. Frequently asked questions

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication taken by HIV negative people to help prevent HIV transmission.

If you live in NSW and don't have a Medicare card, you may be able to get free PrEP through participating public sexual health services or the Sexual Health Infolink.

Who can access free PrEP?

You may be able to access free PrEP if you:

• do not have Medicare
• are living in NSW
• are at risk of HIV
• are assessed by a clinician as suitable for PrEP

You may be able to access free PrEP if you are an international student, temporary visa holder, are on a working holiday visa, are seeking asylum, or do not have Medicare for other reasons.

You do not need to know for sure whether PrEP is right for you before contacting a service. A nurse or doctor can talk with you about your options.

Where can I access free PrEP?

You can access free PrEP:

• at most NSW sexual health clinics
• through the NSW Sexual Health Infolink

The NSW Sexual Health Infolink, also known as SHIL, is a state-wide, nurse-led, NSW Health service. SHIL supports people to manage STIs, BBVs, HIV PrEP and PEP, and other emerging infections.

SHIL's experienced sexual health nurses can:

• answer questions about PrEP
• help you find your local sexual health clinic
• talk through whether telehealth is an option for you
• give you information about HIV prevention, sexual health testing and local services

Call: SHIL on 1800 451 624 then select: option 5 (for PrEP). The phone line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm.
Visit: SHIL | Medicare Ineligible PrEP

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a way of protecting yourself from getting HIV.

If you choose to take PrEP pills, you can take the pill daily, on-demand (when needed), or periodically (from time to time). All of these are effective in preventing HIV. Find out which works best for you using the PrEP dosing frequency tool.

PrEP does not stop you from getting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is still important to use condoms to help you avoid getting other STIs.

Who is PrEP for?

PrEP may be recommended for people who have an increased chance of getting HIV.

This may include people who:

• are a man who has sex with men (including transgender men), and you do not always use a condom
• are a transgender woman who has anal sex with men, and you do not always use a condom
• have sexual partners who include men who have anal sex with men
• inject drugs
• have a partner who has HIV and has not achieved an undetectable viral load, and do not always use condoms
• have a partner who has HIV and want to have a baby

Talk to your doctor or sexual health clinic to find out if PrEP is right for you. You can call the Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL) on 1800 451 624.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) can help you speak to health services in your language. Call TIS National on 131 450 and tell them you need an interpreter and what language you need. Ask the operator to connect you to the health service you want to call. The interpreter will then connect you in a three-way conversation.

Does PrEP have side effects?

Most people on PrEP do not have any side effects.

Short-term side effects can include nausea (feeling like you might vomit), dizziness (feeling like you might fall or the room is moving), headaches (your head hurts), tiredness (feeling sleepy), stomach cramps (pain in your stomach) and diarrhoea (having liquid poo). Usually, these stop after a few weeks. If they last longer, you should talk to your doctor.

If you are taking PrEP, your doctor will do a blood test every three months to check on your health.

This program supports access to PrEP for people in NSW who are not eligible for Medicare and are at risk of HIV.

For health workers and community organisations

Health workers and community organisations can help by:

• telling eligible people that free PrEP may be available
• referring people to the Sexual Health Infolink or a participating NSW Health sexual health service
• sharing approved promotional materials
• supporting people who may face barriers due to language, visa status, stigma, cost or lack of familiarity with the Australian health system

PrEP Medicare Ineligible promotional resources are available.

More information for health workers and community organisations

• PBS listing of HIV PrEP
• ASHM - HIV PrEP Clinical tools
• PrEP Patient information booklet
• Australian STI Management Guidelines

Frequently asked questions

Are sexual health services confidential?

Yes. Sexual health services are confidential.

You can talk to a nurse or doctor about PrEP, HIV prevention, testing and sexual health without judgement. They can help you understand whether PrEP is right for you and how to get it.

How much does PrEP cost?

For eligible people, PrEP is free through this program. There is no cost.

The program is funded by the Australian Government until June 2029 to support HIV elimination efforts.

What if I have Medicare?

This program supports equitable access to HIV prevention for people in Australia who cannot get Medicare-subsidised PrEP. In NSW, this program is specifically for people who live in NSW, do not have Medicare, and meet the Australian clinical criteria for PrEP.

If you are an Australian Citizen or Australian resident with a current Medicare card, you can get PrEP through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Find out more about PrEP access options in NSW.

Therefore, if you have a Medicare card, this federally funded program is not for you. Most of the cost of the PrEP medication is covered by Medicare. Most people need to make a small co-payment at the pharmacy.

Speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic about whether PrEP is right for you.