Want to know how to get PrEP in Melbourne or Victoria? Here’s everything you need to know about finding a doctor, PrEP on the PBS, buying online and free PrEP for anyone who needs it.
PrEP for guys without Medicare in Melbourne
Men living in Victoria who do not have Medicare may be eligible for free PrEP through the Victorian PrEP Program.
The program covers the cost of the doctor appointments, testing and PrEP medication.
Click on the button below and fill out the form to register.
PrEP for guys with Medicare
If you have Medicare, PrEP is available on the PBS. This means you can purchase PrEP with a valid prescription from any local pharmacy in Victoria for no more than $25 per month. This is the current maximum PBS cost.
For patients with a concession (Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card holders), PrEP costs no more than $7.70 per month.
Further cost savings may be available for anyone with a concession, anyone who buys other PBS medicines, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, people without Medicare, or anyone who can’t afford PrEP. Discover your options in How to buy PrEP – even if you can’t afford it.
While any pharmacy can dispense PrEP, it might not always be in stock. It is best to check with your pharmacy in advance. PrEP can be ordered for you, though this could take a few days. Be sure to top up your supply before you run out.
Finding a doctor in Victoria
Several doctors in Melbourne and Victoria prescribe PrEP. Although any doctor or sexual health nurse can prescribe PrEP, some might not know about it.
If you are uncertain whether your doctor knows about PrEP, You can show them this letter. The letter provides information to help your doctor prescribe PrEP and manage your healthcare.
Community groups such as PrEP’D For Change and PAN (PrEPaccessNOW) provide interactive maps to locate doctors known to prescribe PrEP near you.
Buying online for personal import in Melbourne
Whether you do or don’t have Medicare you can personally import PrEP from an online pharmacy. Prices start from around $20 per month.
You will still need to see a doctor for sexual health tests and obtain a prescription for ordering PrEP online.
Find our comprehensive guide for importing PrEP in How to buy PrEP online for personal importation.
Free PrEP through financial support
If you cannot afford PrEP for any reason, PAN offers a scheme to provide free PrEP.
PrEP is a program
Using PrEP is just one step in maintaining a sexual health strategy, regardless of whether you live in Melbourne, regional Victoria or elsewhere in Australia. This involves using PrEP as advised and seeing a doctor or sexual health centre every three months for a sexual health check-up to test for HIV and STIs.
While PrEP protects against HIV, it doesn’t protect against STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis. Testing regularly and receiving treatment, if necessary, is a great way to stay healthy and help curb the spread of STIs. Using a condom every time you have sex helps prevent most STIs.
Where to find help and support in Victoria and Melbourne
For friendly advice and information, talk to us on Instagram, Messenger or get in touch through our contact form.
Alternatively, check out Got a PrEP question? Here’s where to find support
How to get PrEP elsewhere in Australia
PrEP is available across Australia now. Click on your state/territory for information on how to get PrEP:
About the Author
Chris (he/him) moved from the UK to Australia over a decade ago and unexpectedly found his life’s purpose in HIV activism and LGBTIQ+ health communications. He co-founded PrEP’D For Change, Australia’s largest online PrEP community, before joining the Emen8 Project, which he loves and now leads. Chris lives in Naarm (Melbourne) with his very handsome partner and their chronically needy cat and spends his downtime making DJ sets for an audience of approximately three people and one cat.
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