PrEP is a medication that can prevent HIV. Medicare Ineligible PrEP, or MI-PrEP, is a service for migrants, international students, or others living in Western Australia without Medicare. Take the eligibility survey to find out if PrEP is right for you.
PrEP is a medicine that prevents HIV. When taken correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by up to 99%. You will need a prescription to get PrEP.
MI-PrEP (Medicare Ineligible PrEP) can help anyone living in Western Australia who does not have Medicare to get a prescription and access PrEP.
No. MI-PrEP (Medicare Ineligible PrEP) is designed for people who do not have Medicare. You do not need Medicare to use this service. MI-PrEP is for migrants, international students, and others living in Western Australia who do not have Medicare.
PrEP is a medicine that stops you getting HIV. It is recommended for people who are at risk of getting HIV. You do not need to belong to a specific group. Australian guidelines now support broad access to PrEP for anyone at medium or high risk of HIV infection.
You may be able to take PrEP if you:
If you were born in a country where HIV is common, you may have a higher chance of getting HIV.
You should NOT take PrEP if you already have HIV.
If you are unsure if PrEP is right for you, take the eligibility survey on the website here and follow the prompts.
MI-PrEP, or Medicare Ineligible PrEP, is a service for people living in Western Australia who do not have access to Medicare who would benefit from being on PrEP. You may be eligible if you are:
If you are unsure if MI-PrEP is right for you, take the eligibility survey on the website.
People who are in prison are not eligible for MI-PREP.
Getting PrEP through MI-PrEP is free and straightforward.
Step 1 – Check if you are eligible: Take the short survey on this website to find out if this service is right for you.
Step 2 – Book an appointment: You can choose to see a doctor at one of two clinics:
When you call, say you want to make a MI-PrEP appointment. Your appointment can be in person, by phone, or by video call.
Step 3 – See the doctor: The doctor will ask you some questions about your health and sexual history. If they think PrEP is right for you, they will give you a prescription and arrange a blood test.
Step 4 – Get your blood test: The doctor will give you a form to take to a Pathwest collection centre near you. The blood test is free.
Step 5 – Get your prescription: If your blood test results are clear, you can use your prescription to get the PrEP tablets. You can collect these from the pharmacy at Royal Perth Hospital or Fremantle Hospital. If you are not attending in person, the tablets can be sent to you.
Step 6 – Follow-up appointments: After starting PrEP for the first time, the doctor will want to see you again after one month, and then every three months. These appointments are also free.
This service is completely free. You do not need a Medicare card. You will not pay for the appointment, the blood test, or the medicine.
Without Medicare, PrEP can $20 or more each month plus appointment costs. The MI-PrEP service at Royal Perth Hospital and South Terrace Clinic in Fremantle provides PrEP to eligible people at no cost. Your appointment, blood tests, and medicine are all free.
When accessing MI-PrEP, you have the choice of two specialist sexual health clinics. Both clinics are experienced in sexual health and HIV prevention.
You can choose whichever clinic is more convenient for you. If you live outside of Perth, you can organise a video conference or phone appointment with either service.