What You Pay for PBS Medicines in 2026
| Patient Type | Max Co-Payment | Safety Net Threshold | After Safety Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (Medicare card) | $25.00 | $1,748.20/year | $7.70 per script |
| Concession card | $7.70 | $277.20/year | Free |
What Changed on 1 January 2026
The maximum co-payment for general patients dropped from $31.60 to $25.00 — that's a $6.60 saving per prescription. Over a year with monthly scripts, that's nearly $80 saved. This is the lowest general co-payment since 2004.
For concession card holders, the co-payment stays at $7.70 — frozen until 2030 with no CPI increases. This freeze was introduced in January 2025.
The PBS Safety Net
Once you (or your family) spend enough on PBS prescriptions in a calendar year, the Safety Net kicks in:
- General patients: After spending $1,748.20, you pay just $7.70 per script for the rest of the year
- Concession card holders: After spending $277.20, PBS scripts are free for the rest of the year
Keep a Prescription Record Form (PRF) at your pharmacy to track your spending. The Safety Net resets every 1 January.
60-Day Prescriptions
For many stable, ongoing conditions, your doctor can write a 60-day prescription — giving you twice the medicine for the same co-payment. This effectively halves your annual medicine costs for eligible medications.
Brand Premiums
If you choose a brand-name medicine when a cheaper generic is available, you may pay a brand premium on top of the co-payment. Generics contain the same active ingredient and work the same way — choosing generic saves money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a prescription in Australia?
Most PBS prescriptions cost a maximum of $25 (general patients) or $7.70 (concession card holders) from 1 January 2026. Some medicines cost less than the co-payment — you pay the retail price.
What's the PBS Safety Net?
A cap on your annual prescription costs. General patients: after $1,748.20/year, scripts drop to $7.70 each. Concession: after $277.20/year, scripts are free. Resets every January.
How do I get a concession rate?
You need a concession card — Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or DVA card. Show it at the pharmacy when filling your prescription.
Are all medicines on the PBS?
No. The PBS covers about 900 medicines. Some medications aren't listed and must be purchased at full price. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if a medicine is PBS-listed.