PBS Co-Payment: What You Pay for Prescriptions and How to Save

When you pick up a prescription in Australia, the PBS co-payment, the amount you pay toward the cost of a medicine listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Also known as patient contribution, it’s the portion the government doesn’t cover—so you pay the rest. This system keeps medicines affordable for everyone, but knowing how it works can save you hundreds a year. If you’re on a concession card, your co-payment is much lower than if you’re a general patient. The difference isn’t small: concession holders pay under $10 per script, while others pay over $30. That adds up fast if you take multiple meds daily.

What many don’t realize is that the PBS co-payment, the fixed amount patients pay for subsidized medicines under Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Also known as patient contribution, it’s the portion the government doesn’t cover—so you pay the rest. isn’t the only cost you might face. Some drugs aren’t on the PBS at all, meaning you pay full price. Others have higher co-payments because they’re newer or more expensive. And if you hit the PBS safety net, your out-of-pocket costs drop dramatically—sometimes to just a few dollars per script. The safety net kicks in after you’ve spent a certain amount in a calendar year, which changes annually. For 2025, general patients reach it after spending $1,517.50, while concession card holders hit it at $314.20. Once you’re there, every script after that costs way less.

Many people don’t know they can ask for generic drugs, medications with the same active ingredients as brand-name versions but at lower prices. Also known as non-brand drugs, they’re often the default choice at pharmacies unless you ask otherwise. or authorized generics, exact copies of brand-name drugs made by the original manufacturer and sold under a different label. Also known as same-drug generics, they’re chemically identical but cheaper. to cut costs even further. These aren’t just cheaper—they’re just as safe and effective. Pharmacists are trained to suggest them, but they won’t always bring it up unless you ask. A simple question like, "Is there a generic version of this?" can drop your bill by 80% or more.

And it’s not just about the price at the counter. How you store your meds matters too. Heat, moisture, and light can make them less effective—meaning you’re paying for something that doesn’t work right. Keep pills in a cool, dry place, not the bathroom or near the stove. Check expiration dates, and never use pills that look discolored or smell strange. If you’re on long-term meds, automated refills through trusted online pharmacies can help you stay on track without missing doses or overpaying.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on how to reduce what you pay for prescriptions, how to spot when your meds aren’t working right, and how to avoid hidden costs that sneak up on you. From understanding PBS thresholds to choosing the right generic, these posts give you the tools to take control—not just of your health, but your wallet too.