Ozempic cost guide · 2026 PBS rates · Updated 11 May 2026
Ozempic Cost Australia 2026: PBS Authority, Private Script, T2D Eligibility
Ozempic (semaglutide) is the most cost-variable GLP-1 medication in Australia — depending on whether you qualify for PBS Authority Streamlined ($31.60/month) or pay the private off-label price ($150-$250/month). The eligibility test is type 2 diabetes plus specific HbA1c criteria. This guide covers exactly how to access the PBS rate, what the private alternatives cost, and how Ozempic compares to Wegovy + Mounjaro for weight loss.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Ozempic on the PBS: $31.60/month general script, $7.70 concession — but ONLY for type 2 diabetes patients meeting Authority Streamlined criteria.
- ✓Private (off-label weight loss): $150-$250/month script + GP consultation fees. Subsidy gap: $1,800-$2,800/year.
- ✓Telehealth subscription: $290-$450/month (Juniper, Mosh, Pilot — but most now prefer Wegovy / Mounjaro for weight loss).
- ✓Typical weight loss: 5-15% body weight over 12 months. Most patients regain weight after stopping.
- ✓Intermittent supply shortages — TGA prioritises Ozempic for T2D patients on PBS. Check TGA Medicine Shortages Register.
| Provider ⇅ | Monthly cost ⇅ | Annual + extras ⇅ | Eligibility ⇅ | Notes ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBS Authority Streamlined (T2D-eligible) | $31.60/month general | $7.70/month concession | T2D + HbA1c thresholds | Save $1,800-$2,800/year vs private |
| Private script — your GP | $150-$250/month | + consult fees | No T2D required | Cheapest off-PBS option |
| Telehealth subscription | $290-$450/month | Includes consult + admin | No PBS subsidy | Convenience premium |
| In-person medical clinic | $250-$400/month + $250-$500 program | Includes comprehensive work-up | Some PBS for T2D | Best for comorbidities |
PBS prices as at 1 January 2026 (general script $31.60; concession $7.70). Private script prices from pharmacy data + telehealth platform published rates.
PBS Authority Streamlined for Ozempic — exact criteria
The PBS Authority Streamlined for semaglutide (Ozempic) requires:
- Confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis
- HbA1c > 7% despite treatment with metformin
- Typically also requires trial of one other oral hypoglycaemic agent (sulfonylurea, DPP-4 inhibitor, SGLT-2 inhibitor)
- Use as add-on therapy, not as monotherapy
- Documentation via PBS Authority Streamlined code on the prescription (no phone authority required)
If you meet all 5: your GP writes a script with the Authority Streamlined code, you fill it at any pharmacy, you pay $31.60 (general) or $7.70 (concession). You save $1,800-$2,800/year vs private prices.
When to use Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro
Use Ozempic if: You have type 2 diabetes + meet PBS criteria. Cost ($31-$380/year) is unbeatable.
Use Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) if: You don't have T2D but need a TGA-registered weight-loss medication. Same active molecule as Ozempic but at higher weight-loss-optimised dose. ~15% body weight loss at 68 weeks (vs ~10% with Ozempic 1mg). Cost $330-$450/month.
Use Mounjaro (tirzepatide) if: You want the strongest published weight-loss outcomes. SURMOUNT-1 trial: ~21% body weight loss at 72 weeks. Dual-agonist (GLP-1 + GIP). Cost $330-$450/month. Newer drug — less long-term safety data than semaglutide.
Full compare: Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro vs Saxenda
How Ozempic is prescribed in Australia
Cheapest: your own GP if they're willing to prescribe. Medicare-rebated consultations. Pharmacy fill (PBS or private). Lowest total cost.
Convenient: telehealth platforms (Juniper, Mosh, Pilot, Compass). All-in subscription model $290-$450/month covering consult + script + admin + shipping. Most use Wegovy/Mounjaro now for new weight-loss patients but still prescribe Ozempic for T2D-eligible patients.
Comprehensive: in-person medical weight-loss clinics. Full metabolic work-up (sleep study, lipid panel, HbA1c, liver function, comorbidity screening). Best for patients with multiple comorbidities or complex history. Costs similar to telehealth.
Common questions
How much does Ozempic cost in Australia in 2026?
If you have type 2 diabetes + meet PBS Authority Streamlined criteria: $31.60/month general script, $7.70 concession. Without T2D (off-label weight-loss use): $150-$250/month private script. Telehealth subscription: $290-$450/month (includes consult + admin). The medication cost is similar — the difference is PBS subsidy eligibility.
How do I get PBS-subsidised Ozempic?
Three requirements: (1) Confirmed type 2 diabetes diagnosis, (2) HbA1c above PBS threshold despite metformin (and typically one other oral hypoglycaemic), (3) GP enters PBS Authority Streamlined code on your prescription. No phone authority required — your GP just adds the code. If you have T2D, your GP can check eligibility on the PBS website. $31.60/month is $379/year vs $1,800-$3,000 privately.
Can I get Ozempic off-label?
Yes — many GPs prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, but you pay the private price ($150-$250/month) without PBS subsidy. Since 2023, the TGA has prioritised Ozempic supply for T2D patients due to shortages, making off-label weight-loss prescribing harder. Wegovy (the official weight-loss-indication semaglutide) became widely available in 2024 — most weight-loss prescribers now use Wegovy rather than off-label Ozempic.
Is Ozempic still in shortage?
Intermittent shortages persist as of January 2026, particularly the 1mg and 2mg pens. TGA has prioritised supply for T2D patients on PBS. Wegovy has eased the broader semaglutide market shortage by serving the dedicated weight-loss demand. Check the TGA Medicine Shortages Register for current status.
How much weight will I lose on Ozempic?
Typical weight loss at 1mg dose: ~5-10% body weight over 12 months. At 2mg dose: ~10-15%. Lower than Wegovy 2.4mg dose (~15%) because Ozempic is dosed for diabetes control, not maximum weight loss. Individual response varies — 10-15% of patients are non-responders.
How is Ozempic administered?
Subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection once weekly. Comes as a pre-filled pen. Self-administered after initial GP demonstration. Dose escalation typically: 0.25mg/week for 4 weeks → 0.5mg/week for 4+ weeks → 1mg/week maintenance (most common). Higher 2mg dose for selected T2D patients. Side effects (nausea, GI) most pronounced in first 4-6 weeks during dose escalation, then decrease.
What are the side effects?
Most common (40-60% in first 4 weeks): nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, decreased appetite. Less common: gallstones, pancreatitis (rare), gastroparesis. Theoretical medullary thyroid cancer warning based on rodent data — human studies have not shown increased risk. Most patients tolerate well after first 4-6 weeks with slow titration and dietary changes (smaller meals, lower fat).
Can I stop Ozempic and keep the weight off?
Most patients regain a significant portion of weight after stopping. STEP-4 extension data: approximately 2/3 of weight lost was regained within 12 months of stopping semaglutide without intensive lifestyle change. This is the major clinical question — most patients remain on Ozempic/semaglutide indefinitely or transition to bariatric surgery for durable weight loss.
Is Ozempic safe for older adults?
Generally yes for over-65s if they meet eligibility criteria. Caution: elderly patients with gastroparesis history, severe heart failure or kidney disease, or significant nutritional concerns. Always under GP supervision with regular monitoring. For frail elderly + weight loss, dietitian + behavioural support may be preferred over pharmacological.
Can I take Ozempic during pregnancy?
No — Ozempic is contraindicated during pregnancy and while trying to conceive. Wash-out period of at least 2 months recommended before conception (semaglutide half-life ~7 days). For women planning pregnancy: stop Ozempic, allow 2-3 months washout, then preconception care.
Next step
Use our BMI + pathway calculator to see if GLP-1 medication is right for you, then browse telehealth GLP-1 providers or in-person medical clinics.