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Is CBD covered by Medicare or the PBS?

Mostly no. The only PBS-subsidised CBD is Epidyolex, for two rare epilepsies. Other CBD products are unapproved medicines with no subsidy.

Facts checked 13 November 20262 min readHow we research

Mostly no. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises one CBD medicine, Epidyolex, and only for two rare forms of epilepsy. Every other CBD product is an unapproved medicine with no PBS subsidy, so patients pay the full price.1

What does the PBS cover?

Epidyolex is a CBD oral solution registered for seizures in Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, in patients aged 2 and over.2 It is PBS-listed for both conditions, with prescribing restrictions.13

Eligible patients pay the PBS co-payment: $25.00, or $7.70 with a concession card, as at 1 July 2026.4 The published price without subsidy is $1,532.91 a bottle.1

As of November 2026, the PBS advisory committee is considering a submission to add a third epilepsy, tuberous sclerosis complex. The outcome is not yet known.5

Why is other CBD oil not on the PBS?

Only two cannabis medicines are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Epidyolex and Sativex.6 Every other product is an unapproved medicine, and no PBS subsidy applies to those. Sativex, a spray containing both THC and CBD, has been rejected for PBS listing twice.7

Does Medicare cover the appointment?

We could not confirm what Medicare rebate applies to consultations about medicinal cannabis, so we do not state one. A practice can tell you its fee and whether any rebate applies.

Does private health insurance pay?

Sometimes, in small amounts. Where cover exists it sits under extras, for non-PBS medicines, with low annual caps. One insurer’s 2026 factsheet lists up to $100 per script and $600 a year on its top cover, after a 12-month wait. Another pays only for TGA-approved products.89 We could not confirm the position of the larger funds. Check your own policy.

What about veterans?

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs funds medicinal cannabis case by case for a list of conditions that includes chronic pain and chemotherapy nausea. It does not fund it for mental health conditions. Tighter rules began on 16 February 2026.10 See CBD and DVA.

Read the full guide: does the PBS, Medicare or health insurance cover CBD?

Footnotes

  1. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Cannabidiol, item 12467E. https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/12467E ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  2. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Public summary document, cannabidiol, March 2026. https://www.pbs.gov.au/industry/pbac/psd/2026/03/cannabidiol-psd-march-2026-a1155.pdf?variant=3 ↩

  3. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Cannabidiol, item 13277T. https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/13277T ↩

  4. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Fees, patient contributions and safety net thresholds. https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/healthpro/explanatory-notes/front/fee ↩

  5. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Medicine status: cannabidiol. https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus/document/1675.html ↩

  6. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Document released under FOI 26-2886, 2026. https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-06/FOI%2026-2886.PDF ↩

  7. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Medicine status: nabiximols. https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus/document/14.html ↩

  8. Health insurer factsheet on claiming for medicinal cannabis, 12 June 2026. https://www.hciltd.com.au/claiming-for-medicinal-cannabis ↩

  9. Health insurer FAQ on claiming for medicinal cannabis. https://www.teachershealth.com.au/faqs/claiming/medication/claiming-for-medicinal-cannabis ↩

  10. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Updated medicinal cannabis framework. https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/provider-news/updated-medicinal-cannabis-framework-supports-safe-and-effective-prescribing-practices ↩

This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws and evidence change; we show the date we last checked the facts at the top of every page. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.

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