What is the PBS Safety Net?

The PBS Safety Net is an Australian government scheme that reduces the cost of prescription medicines for individuals and families once they have spent a certain amount in a calendar year.

How do I track my PBS spending?

You can ask your pharmacist for a printout, but the most convenient way is to use an app like MediRemind. Every time you fill a script, log the cost in the app to see how close you are to the Safety Net threshold.

Do private prescriptions count toward the Safety Net?

No. Only medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and dispensed at the PBS rate count toward the threshold.

Can I combine spending with my partner?

Yes. Couples and families can combine their PBS spending. You'll need to link your records at the pharmacy or through Medicare to reach the threshold faster.

What happens when I reach the threshold?

Once you reach the threshold, your pharmacist will issue you a Safety Net card. For the rest of the calendar year, your PBS medications will be no-cost (if you're a concession card holder) or much cheaper (if you're a general patient).

PBS Medications · Australia

PBS Medication Tracker App:
Track Your PBS Scripts Easily

Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme covers thousands of medications, but keeping track of your PBS scripts, repeats, and eScripts can quickly become overwhelming. MediRemind Scripts makes it simple.

30-day trial, then a subscription.

Scan with your phone

MediRemind app showing PBS script expiry reminders and timely alerts before prescriptions run out

What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

The PBS is an Australian Government programme that subsidises the cost of a wide range of medicines for Australian residents. Under the PBS, eligible patients pay a reduced price (the co-payment) for listed medications, with the government covering the remaining cost.

As of 2026, the standard PBS co-payment is $25.00 per prescription, with a reduced rate of $7.70 for concession card holders. The PBS covers thousands of medications across virtually every therapeutic category, making it one of the most comprehensive medication subsidy programmes in the world.

Why you need a PBS medication tracker app

Repeat prescriptions

Most PBS medications come with a limited number of repeats. Tracking how many you have left and when to see your doctor for a new script is critical to avoiding gaps in treatment. Running out unexpectedly, especially on weekends or public holidays, is entirely preventable.

eScript management

Since 2020, Australian GPs issue eScripts sent directly to your phone. Keeping track of multiple eScripts across different medications can be confusing: tokens buried in SMS threads, emails lost in inboxes. A tracker keeps them all in one place.

PBS Safety Net

Once your annual out-of-pocket PBS costs reach a threshold, you qualify for further reductions. Tracking your PBS spending helps you know when you've reached the Safety Net, a significant financial benefit many Australians miss.

Multiple medications

Many Australians take five or more medications daily. Tracking all of them, their schedules, and their repeat status is a significant cognitive load, especially when each has a different number of repeats and a different dispensing date.

How MediRemind Scripts helps you track PBS medications

MediRemind Scripts is specifically designed around Australia's medication system. Add how many repeats remain for each medication, and get notified when you're running low, giving you two weeks' notice to book a GP appointment before you run out.

For eScript users, add and manage your eScript tokens directly in the app. For families, set up a separate profile for each family member so you can track PBS medications for every household member separately.

No-cost Tool · No Sign-Up

How much does your medication cost in Australia?

See the PBS price versus the private price for weekly medications, common scripts and more. Includes concession rates.

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Example: PBS vs Private

PBS Price

$25.00

per dispensing

Private Price

~$150–$460

per month

Compare costs for your specific script in the full calculator →

Open the no-cost PBS calculator

Prices are approximate. Always confirm with your pharmacist. Full disclaimer →

When will your medication run out?

Enter your pack size and repeats, get your exact run-out date and when to organise your next script.

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Will your family reach the PBS Safety Net?

Enter your scripts per month, find out which month your co-payments drop and what you'll pay after.

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Track your PBS scripts and repeat counts to keep your supply organised

30-day trial, then a subscription

Scan with your phone

Frequently asked questions

Does MediRemind Scripts understand the PBS system?

Yes. MediRemind Scripts is built for Australian patients and understands PBS repeat prescriptions, eScript tokens, and the way Australian pharmacies work. It's not a generic international app retrofitted for Australia.

Can I track both PBS and private prescriptions?

Yes. MediRemind Scripts tracks both PBS and private repeat prescriptions. Regardless of how your medication is prescribed, you can add it to the app and track your repeats and reminders.

How does the repeat prescription tracking work?

When you add a medication, you enter how many repeats are authorised. As you fill each repeat at the pharmacy, you update the count. The app alerts you when supplies are running low, giving you enough time to book a new script before running out.

Can I add my eScript tokens?

Yes. You can add eScript QR codes or links directly to the app. Your eScripts are stored in your profile alongside your other medications, so you always know exactly where each prescription is.

Can I track PBS medications for my whole family?

Yes. MediRemind Scripts supports a separate profile for each family member. Create a profile for each family member and track their PBS medications, repeats, and eScripts completely independently.

How much does a PBS prescription cost in Australia?

The standard PBS co-payment is $25.00 per prescription for general patients (2026). Concession card holders pay $7.70. Use the no-cost PBS Medication Cost Calculator at mediremind.com.au/pbs-medication-cost-calculator-australia to compare PBS vs private prices for your specific medication.

Track your PBS scripts and repeat counts to keep your supply organised

30-day trial, then a subscription

Scan with your phone