From early 2026, GPs and other prescribers will be able to issue some patients with a prescription for 12 months – if it is clinically safe to do so. This change aims to improve access to medicines and deliver better health outcomes for eligible patients.
Currently: Most prescriptions are given in 3-month instalments, and patients need to see their GP for repeats or request them via their patient portal.
From Early 2026: Eligible patients may receive prescriptions valid for up to 12 months, reducing the need for frequent repeat requests.
You may be eligible if:
The final decision about whether a 12-month prescription is safe and appropriate belongs to your prescribing clinician.
The change in prescribing rules also means scripts could be extended to six months, which may be a safer option than 12 months for some people.
Some prescriptions won't be eligible for the 12-month option, including:
You will still collect medicines in 3-month instalments from the same pharmacy, with repeats if the prescription is for 6 months or longer. You will only need to pay a co-payment fee (e.g., $5) on the first collection.
Important: You will not be able to collect 12 months' worth of your medication at once, even with a 12-month prescription.
This change will allow some patients to get more timely access to the medicines they need, improving access and delivering better health outcomes.
Your health and safety will always be at the centre of any decision made by your healthcare team.
Talk to your GP during your next appointment or contact our reception team. We're here to help you understand what these changes mean for you.
Our team is here to help. Contact us or book an appointment online.
Contact Us
