What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net?

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net is designed to protect patients and families who require many PBS items. 

How the PBS Safety Net works for general patients

From 1 January 2024, the safety net for general patients is currently $1,647.90 in the calendar year. 

If your and/or your family’s total co-payments reach $1,647.90, you can apply for a Safety Net concession card. This means you will pay up to $7.70 for each medicine for the rest of the calendar year. 

How the PBS Safety Net works for concessional patients

From 1 January 2024, if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS), the concessional Safety Net is $277.20.  

When you or your family’s total co-payments reach $277.20, you can apply for a Safety Net entitlement card. This means your medicine will be free for the rest of the calendar year.