Ozempic PBS Eligibility Australia: Who Qualifies for the Subsidy?

Ozempic (semaglutide 1mg) is PBS listed in Australia — but only for type 2 diabetes. If you want it for weight loss, you pay full private price. Here's exactly how it works.

Is Ozempic on the PBS?

| Use case | PBS listed? | You pay | |----------|------------|---------| | Type 2 diabetes (with criteria) | Yes — PBS item 12573L | $31.60 general / $7.70 concession | | Weight loss (off-label) | No | $130–200 per pen (full private price) | | Pre-diabetes | No | $130–200 per pen |

PBS eligibility criteria for Ozempic

To get Ozempic on the PBS, you must have:

1. Diagnosed type 2 diabetes (not type 1, not pre-diabetes)
2. Tried metformin first (or have a documented reason you can't take it)
3. HbA1c above target despite existing treatment
4. A prescription from an authorised prescriber (your GP can do this)

Your GP writes a PBS prescription. The pharmacy processes it as a PBS script. You pay the copay.

What if I want Ozempic for weight loss?

The PBS does not cover Ozempic for weight loss. If your doctor prescribes it off-label for obesity, it's a private prescription at $130–200 per pen.

Alternatives for weight loss:

• Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) — the weight-loss-specific version. Also not PBS listed. $269–390/month.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — dual GIP/GLP-1. Not PBS listed. $285–690/month.

What about the PBS Safety Net?

Even if Ozempic is PBS-subsidised (for diabetes), the Safety Net can reduce costs further:

• General Safety Net: Once your family's PBS costs reach $1,563.50 in a calendar year, subsequent PBS scripts are $7.70 each
• Concession Safety Net: After $262.80, remaining scripts are free

Keep all your PBS receipts. Your pharmacy can track this for you.

Mounjaro PBS status

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not PBS listed in Australia for any indication as of April 2026. Whether prescribed for diabetes or weight loss, you pay the full private price ($285–690/month depending on dose).

What to ask your doctor

• "Am I eligible for Ozempic on the PBS?" (must have T2DM)
• "If not, what's the private script cost at my pharmacy?"
• "Are there any patient assistance programmes for tirzepatide?"
• "Should I use Ozempic (1mg) or Wegovy (2.4mg) for weight management?"