Even though medicinal Cannabis is considered a prescription medicine, it isn't an approved product under the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Currently, medicinal Cannabis is prescribed through the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber Program, which means that, unfortunately, Medicare and PBS don't cover medicinal marijuana.
Your private health insurance might cover part of your medicinal Cannabis cost under their General Treatment or Extras plan. It might be a good idea before you order your medicinal Cannabis to review your policy and check how much you can claim for non-PBS pharmaceuticals under your extras. If it's unclear, you might want to contact your insurer, so you are not surprised by unexpected costs.
Every private health insurance policy is different. Typically, a provider will cover up to a predetermined maximum cost each year and have a limit on the cost per script. We have seen coverage up to $900, but on average, the coverage is up to $500. You're responsible for paying the maximum PBS amount, which is $42.50.
Medibank
Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF)
Onemedifund
The Defence Fund
Navy Health
Police Health
Transport Health
Insurers who only cover ARTG-approved products; Epidyolex (for epilepsy) and Sativex (for multiple sclerosis).
nib Health Insurance and HBF
Teachers Health
Health Insurance companies that currently don't cover medicinal Cannabis
Bupa
HCF
When making your claim be sure to keep evidence of your TGA approval and verify with your insurer if they will need any extra documentation, so you can ask your prescriber during your consultation.
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