Is TRT Covered by PBS?

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises certain medications in Australia, including testosterone. However, PBS eligibility for TRT has strict criteria — and many men with genuinely low testosterone don't qualify. Here's how it works.

What the PBS covers

The following testosterone formulations are PBS-listed:

• Reandron (testosterone undecanoate 1000mg injection) — ~$30–$40 per injection on PBS
• Testogel (testosterone gel 1%) — ~$35–$50/month on PBS
• Testosterone undecanoate capsules (Andriol) — rarely prescribed today

Compounded creams (like AndroForte) and enclomiphene are not PBS-listed and must be obtained via private prescription.

PBS eligibility criteria

In April 2015, the Australian Government tightened PBS criteria for testosterone prescribing, resulting in a 37% decline in subsidised TRT prescriptions nationally. The current criteria require:

• Confirmed androgen deficiency caused by an established medical condition — not age-related decline alone
• Serum testosterone below 8 nmol/L (or below 15 nmol/L with specific pituitary/testicular conditions)
• Two separate morning blood tests confirming low levels
• Prescribing initiated by or in consultation with an endocrinologist or urologist (for PBS Authority prescriptions)

Qualifying conditions include:

• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (pituitary or hypothalamic cause)
• Primary testicular failure
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Post-orchidectomy
• Pituitary tumour or surgery
• Kallmann syndrome

What doesn't qualify for PBS

Critically, the PBS does not subsidise testosterone for:

• Age-related testosterone decline ("andropause" or "late-onset hypogonadism")
• Symptomatic low testosterone without an identified underlying medical cause
• Lifestyle-related low testosterone (obesity, stress, poor sleep)
• Testosterone levels between 8–15 nmol/L without qualifying conditions

This means many men with genuinely low testosterone and significant symptoms don't qualify for subsidised treatment — even when TRT would be clinically beneficial.

Private prescriptions: the alternative

If you don't meet PBS criteria, your GP can still prescribe testosterone on a private (non-PBS) prescription. You'll pay the full cost at the pharmacy:

• Reandron private: ~$80–$120 per injection
• Testogel private: ~$70–$100/month
• AndroForte 5% cream: ~$80–$120/month (compounded)
• Enclomiphene: ~$40–$80/month (compounded)

Even on private prescription, the annual cost of TRT is a fraction of what subscription platforms charge. See our full cost breakdown for details.

Can a GP prescribe TRT without an endocrinologist?

Yes. GPs can prescribe testosterone without specialist referral, particularly on private prescription. For PBS Authority prescriptions, initial prescribing must be initiated by or in consultation with an endocrinologist or urologist. However, ongoing management and repeat prescriptions can be handled by your GP under the RACGP guidelines.

For more on the prescription process, see how to get a TRT prescription in Australia.

The bottom line

PBS eligibility is stricter than most men realise. But not qualifying for PBS doesn't mean you can't access TRT — it just means you'll pay more at the pharmacy. A qualified GP can help you navigate both pathways and determine the most cost-effective option for your situation.