PBS Co-payment Calculator 2026: How Much Will Your Prescription Cost?
Updated January 2026 · Based on PBS Schedule effective 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, the Australian Government reduced the maximum PBS co-payment from $31.60 to $25.00 for general patients with a Medicare card. This is the largest reduction since the PBS co-payment was cut from $42.50 to $30.00 in January 2023. Concessional patients continue to pay $7.70 per script, with this amount frozen until 2030.
PBS Co-payment Calculator
Based on standard PBS co-payments effective 1 January 2026. Does not include brand premiums. Assumes all prescriptions are PBS-listed.
2026 PBS Co-payment Rates at a Glance
What Changed on 1 January 2026?
The general co-payment dropped by $6.60, from $31.60 to $25.00. This is the second time the government has reduced the co-payment, following the 2023 cut. The concessional co-payment of $7.70 is frozen and will not increase with inflation until at least 2030. The optional $1 pharmacist discount for general patients has been fully phased out as of 1 January 2026, while a reduced discount of up to $0.60 remains available for concessional patients.
Understanding Brand Premiums
Some brand-name medicines carry an additional cost called a brand premium, which you pay on top of the co-payment. This extra charge does not count toward your Safety Net threshold. You can avoid brand premiums by asking your pharmacist for the generic equivalent, which contains the same active ingredient and is approved by the TGA as bioequivalent.
How to Save More on PBS Prescriptions
Beyond the co-payment reduction, there are several ways to lower your annual medicine costs. Check if your medications qualify for 60-day dispensing, which halves the number of co-payments you need to make each year. If you take multiple medications, track your spending toward the PBS Safety Net threshold to get cheaper or free scripts once you reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a free MedsCheck review to identify any opportunities to optimise your medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PBS co-payment?
The PBS co-payment is the amount you pay out of pocket when you fill a prescription for a medicine listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The Australian Government subsidises the remaining cost. From 1 January 2026, the maximum co-payment is $25.00 for general patients with a Medicare card, or $7.70 for concessional patients with a concession card.
How much does a PBS prescription cost in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, general patients pay a maximum of $25.00 per PBS prescription, reduced from $31.60 in 2025. Concessional patients (those with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) continue to pay $7.70, which is frozen until 2030. Some medicines may cost less than the co-payment, and brand premiums may apply on top.
What is the PBS Safety Net?
The PBS Safety Net reduces your prescription costs once you or your family spend a certain amount on PBS medicines in a calendar year. In 2026, the threshold is $1,748.20 for general patients and $277.20 for concessional patients. After reaching the threshold, general patients pay $7.70 per script and concessional patients pay nothing for the rest of the year.
How do I know if I am a concessional patient?
You are a concessional patient if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or a Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Gold, White, or Orange card. These cards entitle you to the lower $7.70 co-payment and the lower Safety Net threshold of $277.20.
Do I need to register for the PBS Safety Net?
You need to keep a Prescription Record Form (PRF) to track your PBS spending. Your pharmacist can help you start one. Once your spending reaches the Safety Net threshold, you can apply for a Safety Net card through your pharmacy. Many pharmacies track your spending digitally if you use the same pharmacy consistently.
Check your PBS costs with medicine·saver
Search your medication to find generics, check 60-day eligibility, and calculate your Safety Net.
Search MedicinesGeneral information only, not medical or financial advice. Prices shown are standard PBS co-payments as published by the Australian Government Department of Health. Actual costs may vary. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice specific to your situation. Data sourced from PBS.gov.au.