How to Get PrEP via Telemedicine in Australia

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, usually shortened to PrEP, is a medicine that can lower your chance of catching HIV. It is intended for people who are at risk of HIV exposure, and it is not used to treat HIV.

In Australia, you can get PrEP with a prescription from a doctor, and ongoing check-ups are typically required once you start.

Please note - MediCompare does not provide medical advice. If you think PrEP may be relevant for you, a GP, sexual health clinic, or telehealth clinician can discuss with you.

There are several major differences between daily PrEP and on-demand PrEP.

Firstly, daily PrEP is usually the most common approach in Australia and involves taking PrEP each day. As stated by Healthdirect, “Start PrEP at least 7 days before potential HIV exposure.” [1].

In contrast, on-demand PrEP is an event-based dosing option that is only advised for men who have sex with men. A commonly described protocol is two tablets 2 to 24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later, then one tablet another 24 hours later, with additional dosing if sex continues over multiple days [2].

Furthermore, on-demand PrEP is not suitable for some people, including those living with chronic hepatitis B.

While the process can vary by provider, the telehealth PrEP process generally follows these steps.

1. Online consult: You complete a telehealth consult or structured assessment with an Australian clinician.
2. Pathology testing: Before prescribing, clinicians generally need recent HIV testing and will often check for other STIs, hepatitis, and kidney function.
3. Prescription: If clinically appropriate, a script is issued. In Australia, PrEP can be prescribed by any doctor or authorised nurse practitioner [3].
4. Supply and delivery: Depending on the service, you may receive an electronic script to use at a local chemist in Australia, or you may be offered home delivery.
5. Ongoing follow-ups: After starting PrEP, check-ups are typically every 3 months [4].

If you’re looking for PrEP providers in Australia, the following section may assist you. I’ve outlined five providers that offer telehealth consults online.

1. Hola Health: They offer an excellent 24/7 telehealth service. Hola Health also offers bulk billing for certain services.
2. Prime Medic: Another excellent choice in terms of 24/7 telehealth care.
3. Healthy Life: With this provider, you will receive fast consults, free delivery, and they offer 24/7 telehealth services.
4. Updoc: This PrEP rovider is highly rated among Australian customers and provides affordable rates.
5. Instant Consult: They deliver quick and easy telehealth services, including PrEP.

There is no single price for PrEP via telehealth, because costs depend on an individual’s Medicare eligibility, the provider’s consultation fees, the pharmacy price, and whether you are using a PBS- subsidised supply.

PBS and Medicare

Australian residents with a current Medicare card can access PrEP through the PBS and pay a co-payment.

Private prescriptions

If you do not have Medicare, you may still obtain a private prescription, but the cost may be higher than PBS pricing.

Importation of generic PrEP

Some people may import generic PrEP from a trusted overseas supplier, but this still requires a prescription [5].

Consultation rebates

Some telehealth clinics provide Medicare rebates for consult fees (where eligible). PrEP Connect, for example, states you can claim rebates with a Medicare card [6].

Telehealth can help with access and continuity, particularly if you live regionally, have limited clinic appointment availability, or prefer discreet care.

Many services also streamline pathology referrals and digital scripts, which can reduce admin for follow-up visits.

Telehealth is not always the best fit. If you have symptoms that need urgent assessment, have had a potential HIV exposure very recently, or cannot complete required pathology testing and follow-ups, an in-person sexual health service may be more appropriate.

[1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/Pre-exposure-prophylaxis-PrEP
[2] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/Pre-exposure-prophylaxis-PrEP
[3] https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/july/prescribing-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-in-general-pr
[4] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/Pre-exposure-prophylaxis-PrEP
[5] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/Pre-exposure-prophylaxis-PrEP
[6] https://www.prepconnect.com.au/