Australian women will soon have better access to affordable contraceptive options thanks to the Australian Government's landmark women's health package.
From 1 November 2025, a new contraceptive option will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) giving women access to more choice and lower cost.
NuvaRing ® is a flexible vaginal ring that comes in a pack of three. It releases a combination of estrogen and progestogen to prevent ovulation. It is used on a monthly cycle and offers an alternative to daily oral contraceptives.
Before the listing of NuvaRing® on the PBS, women might have paid more than $270 a year, now they will pay $31.60 per script or $7.70 if they are concessional, with each script providing three months of the contraception.
From 1 January 2026, under the government's policy they will pay a maximum of just $25 per script.
In 2024, around 44,500 patients accessed a comparable treatment through the PBS.
On the same date, changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule will make long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and birth control implants more affordable.
The changes linked to long-acting reversible contraceptives are expected to benefit around 300,000 women each year, saving them up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
The Australian Government is also funding free training for health practitioners in the insertion and removal of IUDs to boost the number of qualified practitioners and improve access to services.
In addition, a 40 per cent bulk-billing incentive will be introduced, incentivising health professionals to provide long-acting contraception services and support women to have greater contraceptive choice.
These are all part of the Government's landmark Women's Health Package, investing almost $800 million in funding to deliver improved health care for women and girls.
Quotes attributable to Minister Gallagher:
"This is about making sure women have genuine choice when it comes to their reproductive health, choice that isn't limited by cost or access.
"For too long, women have had to navigate unnecessary barriers to the care they need. By making contraception more affordable and easier to access, we're helping women take control of their health and plan their futures with confidence.
"These changes are another example of the Albanese Government delivering practical reforms that make a real difference in women's lives."
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"For too long, women's health needs were sidelined, but the Albanese Government is changing that and delivering more choice, lower costs and better health care.
"Australia has one of the lowest uptake rates in the developed world of long-acting contraceptives, partly due to access and affordability.
"These changes to MBS and expanded options though the PBS will remove cost and access barriers so that more women can choose the contraceptive option that works best for them."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"Access to affordable contraception is essential for women to make informed decisions about their health. By improving affordability, removing barriers and expanding options, we're making it easier for women to choose what works best for them.
"The Albanese Government is changing the way women's health is treated and viewed, no longer as an afterthought, but as a priority.
"For years essential treatments were left off the PBS, and women paid the price. We've listened, we've acted, and we'll keep working to make sure women have access to the care they need."
