HIV antiretroviral medication is free for all people living with HIV in NSW.

People living with HIV who are ineligible for Medicare have several different options to access their HIV medication in NSW.

Option 1: you can see a public hospital-based doctor and get your HIV medication for free from the hospital-based pharmacy. The cost of consultations and any required pathology will be covered by the hospital.

Option 2: you can visit a regular s100 prescriber/doctor at a GP practice for your prescription, and then use that to pick up your HIV medication from a hospital-based pharmacy. You’ll need to cover the cost of the consultation, and any required pathology will need to be covered by yourself or the practice.

Option 3: you can see a doctor at a NSW sexual health clinic and get your HIV medication for free from a hospital-based pharmacy. The cost of consultations, and any required pathology will be covered by the NSW sexual health clinic.

Option 4: you can access your HIV medication through the self-importation scheme at your own cost.

If you’re living with HIV in NSW and need any support to understand your options or navigate this process, please call Positive Life NSW on (02) 8357 8386, 1800 245 677 (freecall) or contact@positivelife.org.au

TRAVELLING TO AUSTRALIA / VISITING AUSTRALIA

If you’re travelling to Australia, it’s recommended you organise your supply of HIV antiretroviral medication, before you arrive in Australia. You’ll be permitted to bring with you up to 3 months of your HIV medication.

If you’re already living in NSW,

you can access your medication for free here in NSW,
you can import it from an online chemist at your own cost, or
you can import your HIV antiretroviral medication from your home country at your own cost.

NSW Health: HIV treatment for people in NSW who are not eligible for Medicare

Positive Life NSW Factsheet: Medicare Ineligible & HIV Medication