Good news for people living in NSW who don’t have a Medicare card. If you are at risk of HIV, you may be able to access free PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) through participating public sexual health services or the NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL).

PrEP is a medicine that helps prevent HIV. It can be an important option for HIV-negative partners of people living with HIV, as well as others who may be at risk of HIV.

You may be eligible if you:

• don’t have Medicare (including international students, temporary visa holders, working holiday makers, or people seeking asylum)

• live in NSW

• are at risk of HIV

• are assessed by a clinician as suitable for PrEP.

You don’t need to know if PrEP is right for you before making contact. A doctor or nurse can answer your questions and help you decide if it’s a suitable option.

 How to access free PrEP

• NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL): 1800 451 624 (select option 5 for PrEP)  Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

• Visit your local NSW public sexual health clinic

If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected.

All sexual health services are confidential, and you can ask questions in a safe, respectful, and judgement-free environment.

This program is funded by the Australian Government until June 2029, meaning eligible people can access PrEP at no cost.

If you have a Medicare card, PrEP is also available at a subsidised cost through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Speak with your GP or local sexual health clinic to find out more.

Learn more

• NSW Sexual Health Infolink: https://shil.nsw.gov.au/general-public/medicare-ineligible-prep

• Find your nearest NSW sexual health clinic: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx

• Ending HIV NSW: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv