Contraceptive Pill Access In Australia: What's The Cost? (2025)

Contraception options in Australia include the pill, IUDs, condoms, and implants, and international students can access contraception in Australia. While the cost of contraceptive pills in Australia can be covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), costing around $7 with a low-income Health Care Card, newer pills not covered by the PBS can cost between $70 and $90 for a three-month supply. There is a growing push to make contraception free in Australia, with some countries and Canadian provinces already providing free access to prescription birth control.

The cost of the contraceptive pill in Australia

According to Women's Health Matters, contraceptive pills covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) can cost up to $30 every three months, or around $7 if the person also has a low-income Health Care Card. Newer pills not covered by the PBS can be more expensive, ranging from $70 to $90 for a three-month supply. Additionally, hormonal intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) like Mirena can cost around $30 for Medicare cardholders, excluding consultation fees.

International students in Australia can access contraceptive pills through their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For example, nib, an Australian health insurance provider, covers the cost of consultation fees and delivery for OSHC members, and students only need to pay for the contraceptive pills themselves. Similarly, universities and educational institutions often provide free or low-cost on-campus healthcare services that cover sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptive options.

In addition to the cost of the pills themselves, individuals may need to consider the cost of consultations with healthcare professionals to obtain prescriptions and discuss their contraceptive options. As of May 2024, women in South Australia who meet certain clinical criteria can access trained community pharmacists for advice and resupply of their oral contraceptive pill without a doctor's prescription. This initiative provides women with quick and convenient access to contraceptive services, complementing the existing options available through general practitioners (GPs).

While the cost of the contraceptive pill can be a barrier for some individuals in Australia, there are calls for the federal government to fund access to a wider range of contraceptive options, including non-hormonal IUDs, to increase their uptake and provide more choices for women.

Calls for the Australian government to subsidise the pill

There have been calls for the Australian government to subsidise the cost of the contraceptive pill, with some countries already providing free contraception to their residents. In April 2023, British Columbia became the first Canadian province to offer free prescription contraception to all residents, joining the ranks of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. However, in Australia, the cost of contraception remains a significant barrier for many, especially with newer pills not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) costing between $70 and $90 for a three-month supply.

Doctors and pharmacists have advocated for universal access to reproductive healthcare, highlighting that the cost of newer contraceptive pills with greater benefits can be prohibitive for some women. Ms Nicole Filar, a GP and acting deputy medical director at Sexual Health Quarters in Perth, emphasised the potential consequences of financial barriers to contraception, including unplanned pregnancies and abortions, which have a more significant impact on the health economy.

To address this issue, the Victorian Greens announced a plan in their 2022 election campaign to make contraception free, estimating a cost of $10 million to the state over three years. Tim Read, the population health spokesperson for the Victorian Greens, emphasised the importance of removing barriers to contraception access and the relative ease of doing so. However, despite these efforts, there has been a lack of significant progress towards eliminating contraception costs in Australia.

Currently, international students in Australia can access contraceptive pills through services like hub.health, which offers repeat prescriptions with consultation fees and delivery costs covered by organisations like nib OSHC. Additionally, all states and territories in Australia provide low-cost sexual health services, counselling, and online resources to help individuals make informed choices about their contraceptive options.

Accessing the pill in community pharmacies

While there is a growing push for contraception to be made free in Australia, currently, the cost of contraceptive pills varies depending on whether they are covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Pills covered by the PBS cost up to $30 for a three-month supply, or around $7 if the person also has a low-income Health Care Card. Newer pills not covered by the PBS can cost between $70 and $90 for a three-month supply.

From 6 May 2024, South Australian women will be able to access the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) from community pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, provided they meet certain clinical criteria. These criteria include being aged between 17 and 50 (inclusive), taking one of the pills approved for resupply, not being pregnant, and having taken the same pill continuously for two years as prescribed. If eligible, women can speak to trained community pharmacists for advice and resupply of their OCP. This service complements existing services provided by other health providers such as general practitioners (GPs), offering women more choice and access to the healthcare they need.

If you are not eligible for a resupply of the pill, your pharmacist will recommend that you visit your GP or another authorised prescribing healthcare professional. They can discuss the most suitable type of contraception for you and provide a new prescription if appropriate. Your pharmacist can only resupply the same pill that you have been prescribed and will not be able to change the type of pill. Most contraceptive pills available in Australia are included in this service, but some may not be available for resupply. When visiting your pharmacist, it is helpful to bring your prescription or a box of your current pill to confirm which pill you are requesting. The pharmacist may also check dispensing records or your health record to assist in identifying your pill. Your consultation with the pharmacist will take place in a private room or area.

In addition to community pharmacies, there are other options for accessing the pill in Australia. For example, international students can access contraception through their university or educational institution, which often provides free or low-cost on-campus healthcare covering sexual and reproductive health. Alternatively, online services such as hub.health offer repeat scripts for contraceptive prescriptions with convenient delivery to your door. For OSHC members, hub.health covers the cost of the consultation fee and delivery, and you only pay for the cost of the pills.

The morning-after pill in Australia

In Australia, the morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception, is widely accessible and plays a crucial role in ensuring sexual health and peace of mind. It is important to note that the morning-after pill is not an abortion pill; instead, it works by preventing or delaying ovulation, thereby stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. If fertilisation has already occurred, it may interfere with the fertilised egg's ability to implant in the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy from progressing.

The morning-after pill can be obtained through various channels in Australia, including local pharmacies, health clinics, family planning centres, and online platforms. Local pharmacies, both major chains and independent stores, typically offer emergency contraception over the counter without requiring a prescription. This provides a straightforward and prompt solution for individuals in need. Pharmacists are knowledgeable about these products and can provide essential information on proper usage and potential side effects.

Online healthcare platforms, such as Youly, offer a convenient and discreet option for those who prefer privacy. Reputable online pharmacies in Australia provide the morning-after pill, allowing individuals to order from the comfort of their homes with same-day delivery options. Additionally, health clinics and family planning centres offer a more private setting for obtaining emergency contraception. While some clinics may charge a nominal fee, they generally offer comprehensive reproductive health services, including testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The cost of the morning-after pill in Australia can vary depending on the specific brand and source. On average, the price ranges from $20 to $60. Some individuals may be eligible for subsidised or free emergency contraception through sexual health clinics or government programs, depending on their circumstances.

It is recommended to take the morning-after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex to maximise its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. There are two types of morning-after pills available in Australia, each with a different window of effectiveness: LNG-ECP can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after intercourse, while UPA can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after intercourse.

The contraceptive pill for international students in Australia

Contraception options can be overwhelming, with many choices available in Australia, including the pill, IUDs, condoms, and implants. It is important to remember that no method of contraception is 100% effective, and that hormonal contraceptives do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

International students in Australia can access contraception, including the contraceptive pill. For example, international students on nib OSHC can use the nib App to order a contraceptive prescription from hub.health and have it delivered to their door. While nib pays the cost of the consultation fee and delivery, the student must pay for the cost of the contraceptive pills.

All states and territories in Australia offer low-cost sexual health services, counselling, and online resources to help individuals make informed contraceptive choices. Many universities and educational institutions also offer free or low-cost on-campus healthcare services, which cover sexual and reproductive health.

In addition, from 6 May 2024, South Australian women will be able to access resupplies of their oral contraceptive pill without a doctor's prescription by speaking to trained community pharmacists, provided they meet certain clinical criteria. These criteria include being aged between 17 and 50 years, taking one of the pills approved for resupply, not being pregnant, and having taken the same pill continuously for two years as prescribed.

While some countries provide free access to prescription birth control, contraception in Australia can be costly. Pills covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) cost up to $30 every three months, or around $7 with a low-income Health Care Card. Newer pills not covered by the PBS can cost between $70 and $90 for a three-month supply.

There is a growing push to make contraception free in Australia, with some arguing that the cost of contraception is a barrier to women accessing newer pills with greater benefits.

Frequently asked questions