The numbers at a glance
Key figures
| Women who accessed cheaper contraceptives | More than 400,000 |
|---|---|
| Prescriptions at PBS prices | About 1.27 million |
| Reported savings | About $55 million |
| Previous annual cost to some women (historical example) | Up to $380 |
| PBS co-payment 2026 | Up to $25 general, $7.70 concession |
Source: Australian Government announcement dated 7 September 2026. These are September 2026 figures; PBS listings and retail prices may change.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the contraceptive pill cost in Australia?
For a contraceptive medicine that is PBS-listed and supplied under its listing conditions, the 2026 co-payment is up to $25 for general patients or $7.70 for concession card holders per prescription. Other products, private prescriptions and pharmacy charges may differ. Confirm your medicine’s current price with a pharmacist.
Which contraceptive pills are on the PBS?
PBS listings include Yaz, Yasmin, Slinda and Nextstellis, subject to the current item, pack and patient conditions. Not every pill or prescription qualifies. Some prescriptions written before a medicine’s PBS listing may not qualify for subsidised dispensing; ask your pharmacist whether your current prescription is eligible or whether a new PBS-eligible prescription may be needed. If you need a new prescription, MediRemind can help you send a GP appointment request and keep the prescription organised.
Contraceptive pill costs: PBS and private examples
The PBS co-payment is per eligible prescription, not necessarily per 28-day pack. Depending on the PBS item, one prescription may cover three or four 28-day packs. Check current item, pack and patient eligibility with your pharmacist.
| Medicine | Form | PBS general | PBS concession | Private example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaz | 3 × 28 tablets | Up to $25 per eligible prescription | Up to $7.70 per eligible prescription | $59.99† |
| Yasmin ED | 3 × 28 tablets | Up to $25 per eligible prescription | Up to $7.70 per eligible prescription | $59.99† |
| Slinda | 4 × 28 tablets | Up to $25 per eligible prescription | Up to $7.70 per eligible prescription | $70.99† |
| Nextstellis | 3 × 28 tablets | Up to $25 per eligible prescription | Up to $7.70 per eligible prescription | Not verified |
† Private examples from publicly indexed Chemist Warehouse listings retrieved in October 2026: Yaz 3 × 28 tablets $59.99, Yasmin ED 3 × 28 tablets $59.99 and Slinda 4 × 28 tablets $70.99. Nextstellis private price was not verified. Prices and stock can change. The 2026 PBS maximum co-payment is up to $25 for general patients or $7.70 for concession card holders per eligible prescription; item-specific conditions apply. Confirm today’s price and eligibility with your pharmacy.
What do I pay with a concession card?
In 2026, eligible concession card holders pay up to $7.70 for a PBS prescription. This co-payment applies only when the medicine and prescription are eligible under current PBS rules; private or non-listed supplies can cost differently.
What changed with contraceptive listings?
In an announcement dated 7 September 2026, the Australian Government reported more than 400,000 women accessing cheaper prescriptions, about 1.27 million prescriptions and around $55 million in savings. It described these as September figures, not new October statistics. Past costs of up to $380 a year were a historical example for some women, not a universal price.
How many repeats do I get, and how do I know when they run out?
The number of repeats is written on the prescription and depends on the prescription issued. Your pharmacy can confirm how many remain. MediRemind can help you record repeats and expiry dates, but it does not replace the prescription record or pharmacy advice.
Can a pharmacist resupply my pill?
In some Australian states and territories, eligible patients may obtain a repeat supply of certain contraceptive pills from an authorised pharmacist without first obtaining another GP prescription. Eligibility, medicine types, consultation requirements and fees vary. Ask your pharmacy whether this service is available for your circumstances.
Can MediRemind help me organise pill reminders and request another prescription?
Yes. MediRemind can help you organise prescribed pill reminders, eScripts, remaining repeats and expiry dates. When you need a new prescription, you can send a GP appointment request; if you already have a prescription, you can send a dispensing request to your chosen pharmacy. MediRemind does not issue prescriptions, determine PBS eligibility or guarantee that a pharmacy will dispense a medicine.
Prices and PBS arrangements can change. MediRemind provides prescription and medication management tools and does not prescribe, supply or recommend medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual treatment.