In Australia, only Medicare Card holders may gain access to subsidised (low cost) HIV medicine through the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme (PBS). Given this situation, QPP and Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) have produced a factsheet for overseas visitors (working, studying or holidaying in Australia) who are not eligible for a Medicare Card to assist in considering their options for obtaining HIV treatment and medical healthcare monitoring during your stay in Australia, with a focus on support available in Queensland. The factsheet is available in 6 languages: English, Amharic, Swahili, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese.
This resource was developed by Medicare Ineligible PLHIV Working Group. The members of the Working Group are: Satrio Nindyo Istiko (Peer Navigation Team Leader, QPP), Katelin Haynes (ASHM Queensland Program Manager), Dr Julian Langton-Lockton (Clinical Director, Sexual Health & HIV Service, Metro North HHS), Dr Andrew Redmond (Infectious Diseases Unit, RBWH, Metro North HHS), Dr Diane Rowling (Senior Staff Specialist, Sexual Health & HIV Service, Metro North HHS), Dr David Siebert (Princess Alexandria Sexual Health (PASH), Metro South HHS), Dr Mekala Srirajalingam (Ipswich Sexual Health Service, West Moreton HHS), Dr Caroline Thng (Gold Coast Sexual Health, Gold Coast HHS), Dr Ken Koh (General Practitioner/S100 Prescriber, Holdsworth House).
HIV and Immigration
For those who are seeking advice on Australian Permanent Residency application as an HIV-positive person, please contact an Australian Registered Migration Agent. We can also provide support in connecting you with services that will help you with general information regarding immigration for HIV-positive people and help with the referral to migration agencies. Get in touch by referring yourself here.
For clinicians supporting HIV-positive people in their Permanent Residency application, please refer to the following resource developed by QPP and ASHM
