PBS Safety Net Tracker 2026: How to Hit the Threshold Faster
Updated January 2026 · 2026 thresholds: General $1,748.20 / Concessional $277.20
The PBS Safety Net is one of the most valuable but underused programs in Australia's health system. Once your out-of-pocket PBS spending reaches the threshold, general patients drop from $25.00 per script to just $7.70, and concessional patients pay nothing at all for the rest of the calendar year. If you or your family take multiple medications, tracking your spending toward this threshold can result in significant savings.
Safety Net Tracker
Based on 2026 PBS Safety Net thresholds. Assumes all prescriptions are PBS-listed and no brand premiums apply.
2026 Safety Net Thresholds
Tips to Reach the Safety Net Sooner
Register your Prescription Record Form (PRF) at the start of the year, not when you think you are getting close. Combine your family members' prescriptions on one form, as partners and dependent children can share a single threshold. Use the same pharmacy where possible, as many pharmacies track your spending digitally. Keep all receipts as backup. If you switch pharmacies, make sure your new pharmacy records are transferred.
Safety Net vs 60-Day Scripts
If you use 60-day prescriptions, you will accumulate fewer co-payments per year, which may delay or prevent you from reaching the Safety Net. For patients who were previously reaching the Safety Net, it is worth using the co-payment calculator to compare whether 60-day scripts or Safety Net savings provide better value in your situation. In most cases, 60-day scripts still provide a net saving, but the answer depends on your specific number of medications.
Important Reminders
Brand premiums do not count toward the Safety Net threshold. If you are paying a brand premium, consider switching to a generic alternative so that 100% of your co-payment counts toward the threshold. The Safety Net year resets on 1 January, so spending from the previous year does not carry over. Once you reach the threshold, your pharmacist must issue a Safety Net card before you can receive the reduced rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PBS Safety Net?
The PBS Safety Net is a government program that reduces your prescription costs once you or your family spend a certain amount on PBS medicines in a calendar year. After reaching the threshold, general patients pay $7.70 per script (instead of $25.00) and concessional patients pay nothing for the remainder of the year.
What is the PBS Safety Net threshold for 2026?
For 2026, the general patient Safety Net threshold is $1,748.20. The concessional patient threshold is $277.20. These thresholds are updated on 1 January each year, though the concessional threshold is currently frozen.
How do I register for the PBS Safety Net?
You need to keep a Prescription Record Form (PRF) to track your PBS spending. Ask your pharmacist for one, or download the PB240 form from the Services Australia website. Record every PBS prescription you fill. Once you reach the threshold, your pharmacist can issue a Safety Net card. Many pharmacies also track your spending digitally if you fill your scripts consistently at the same location.
Can I combine family prescriptions for the Safety Net?
Yes. You can combine PBS spending for yourself, your partner, and dependent children on a single Prescription Record Form. This helps families reach the threshold faster. Partners can be married or de facto, and of the same or opposite sex. The same threshold amount applies regardless of whether the family unit is an individual, a couple, or a family with children.
When does the PBS Safety Net year reset?
The PBS Safety Net resets on 1 January every year. Any spending from the previous year does not carry over. This means it is important to start tracking your spending from the beginning of each year, especially if you are likely to reach the threshold.
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.