Daniel’s experience getting PrEP in Australia
Accessing PrEP as an international student in Australia can feel overwhelming when you’re already navigating a new healthcare system, a new community, and a new sense of freedom. This month, we spoke with Daniel, a public health graduate who came to Australia as an international student from Nigeria, about his experience accessing PrEP. From the anxiety to the surprises, to the advice he wishes someone had given him sooner – here’s what he had to say.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name’s Daniel, I’m originally from Nigeria and moved to Australia in 2023 to study a Master of Public Health and Master of Global Health at the University of New South Wales. Since completing my studies, I have started working full time. My experience as an international student gives me a unique perspective on navigating sexual health care in Australia.
Before using PrEP, what did you know about it?
I had heard about PrEP before coming to Australia because of my medical background and training. I understood that it was a highly effective way to prevent HIV when taken as prescribed. However, in my experience, PrEP was not something that was widely discussed or promoted in my community back home, so I didn’t see many people openly talking about it or using it.
What made you decide to look into PrEP?
Moving to Australia gave me the freedom to be more open about my sexuality and explore a part of myself that I had not been able to express as freely before. As I became more socially active, I wanted to make sure I was looking after my sexual health and taking the necessary steps to protect myself. I had always been careful about my sexual health (using condoms and getting tested), so accessing PrEP felt like a natural next step. A friend I met at university told me I could visit a sexual health clinic for testing and advice about PrEP for free. So, I decided to make an appointment and learn more.
How did you feel before your first appointment?
I was quite anxious because I didn’t really know what to expect. Although I had a medical background, I had never visited a sexual health clinic as a patient in Australia before. I was unsure about how the appointment would work, whether it would cost anything, or even what questions I would be asked. Looking back, most of that anxiety came from simply not being familiar with the system.
What was the process of accessing PrEP like?
It was much easier than I expected. After my friend recommended the sexual health clinic, I looked it up online and called to make an appointment. I was able to get an appointment fairly quickly.
At the clinic, I completed some online forms which asked questions about my sexual health history. I then met with a nurse who explained the testing process, discussed whether PrEP was right for me, and answered my questions. During that visit, I had routine STI screening and even received a hepatitis A vaccination for free.
A few days later, I was contacted with my test results and asked to come back to get my PrEP prescription. Overall, I found the process straightforward, supportive, and easy to navigate.
As an international student, did you face any challenges?
The main challenge was not knowing that some of the costs could be partially claimed back through my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). As an international student without Medicare, I initially paid for my PrEP at the pharmacy without realising what financial rebates were available through my OSHC.
Fortunately, the clinic staff were very helpful and explained different options to make PrEP more affordable, including getting it cheaper from outside Australia. I learned that some international pharmacies online allow people to order a supply of PrEP by uploading a valid prescription.
What was your experience at the clinic like?
It was a good experience, I was welcomed by the staff, and they made sure I was comfortable.
Did you have any concerns about privacy or confidentiality?
I didn’t have major concerns about privacy or confidentiality, but it was reassuring that the staff clearly explained that all discussions and test results would remain confidential.
What has your experience using PrEP been like?
Very positive. When I started, I chose to take it daily because I wanted the reassurance of having consistent protection. The nurse explained that some people experience mild side effects like stomach upset in the first few weeks, but fortunately I did not experience any side effects myself.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before starting PrEP?
I wish I had known earlier about OSHC claims. I only found out after I had already started using PrEP.
It made me realise how important it is for international students to ask questions early about costs, insurance coverage and available support when accessing healthcare in Australia.
What would you say to other international students who are considering PrEP?
If you’re thinking about PrEP, I’d encourage you to take the first step and find out more information. Understanding how healthcare works in a new country can feel confusing at first, but I found the services to be friendly, supportive and easy to access.
Getting started can be as simple as calling a sexual health clinic. The staff may ask a few questions about your health and needs, then help you book an appointment or find the right service for you.
Looking after your sexual health is an important part of staying healthy, and PrEP is a highly effective way to protect yourself from HIV.
If you’re an international student in Australia wondering about PrEP costs and how to access it, know that support is available and getting started is as simple as calling a sexual health clinic.
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