Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

PBS Access - government officers working overseas

Access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines for Australian government officers working overseas.

PBS medicines can now be supplied for eligible Commonwealth, state or territory government officers working overseas, and for their accompanying spouses and dependants. PBS medicines supplied for this purpose can be taken or sent out of Australia in quantities required for personal use.

The officer must be eligible for PBS medicines when residing in Australia. A valid Medicare, veteran’s or other entitlement card is required. Information from the officer’s government agency in Australia can be used to establish that they are working, serving or on government duties overseas.

Australian export restrictions on maximum PBS quantities and controlled drugs still apply. Persons taking or sending medicines out of Australia should also check import restrictions in the overseas country.

For more information on these changes refer to the links below or to the fact sheet (PDF 27 KB)

Regarding taking and sending PBS medicines overseas – the Medicare Australia website at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Regarding export controls for medicines, including prohibited exports – www.tga.gov.au
Call the PBS Information Line on 1800 020 613 (free call within Australia)
Email enquiries to: pbs@health.gov.au