How Much Does Ketamine Cost in Australia? A Complete Guide
Ketamine pricing in Australia varies dramatically depending on whether you access it through legitimate medical channels or the illicit market. PBS-subsidised esketamine nasal spray now costs $31.60 per dose for general patients and $7.70 for concession card holders, but the supervision fees remain a significant out-of-pocket expense. Consequently, understanding the full cost structure is essential before commencing treatment.
The PBS Subsidy: Esketamine Nasal Spray
The most significant development in Australian ketamine pricing is the PBS listing of esketamine nasal spray (Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), effective 1 May 2025 .
Medication Costs
Under the PBS, a single dose of Spravato costs $31.60 for general patients and $7.70 for pension or concession card holders. Before this subsidy, single doses were reported to cost anywhere between $500 and $900 .
Administration and Supervision Costs
The PBS subsidy only covers the medication itself. Patients must still pay for the supervised administration sessions, which are not covered by Medicare or typically by private health insurance. Clinical care costs, including the two-hour monitoring period after each treatment, typically cost a few hundred dollars because it requires a specialised setup and a trained team .
Generic Ketamine: The Low-Cost Alternative
Generic racemic ketamine presents a starkly different cost profile. The medication itself costs only $5 to $20 per dose .
However, generic ketamine is not TGA-approved for depression and must be used off-label. Because there is no Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) code covering the staffing costs for ketamine treatment administration, the service delivery costs are not reimbursed . This means patients face the same clinic fees as with esketamine, but without the medication cost being subsidised.
Initial Assessment and Screening Costs
Before commencing ketamine treatment, patients must undergo a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Specialists in Greater Western Sydney charge A$450.00 for an initial consultation, with follow-up appointments ranging from A$220.00 .
Non-Prescribed Ketamine: The Illicit Market
For non-prescribed ketamine, pricing data comes from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System.
National Pricing Trends
Historically, the median reported price of ketamine per gram decreased from $200 in 2003 to $135 in 2006, returning to the same median price from 2014-2020. In 2021, there was a significant increase, with participants reporting a median of $220 per gram .
The 2025 national EDRS report tracks the median price of non-prescribed ketamine per gram nationally from 2003-2025, providing ongoing data on market fluctuations .
Law Enforcement Seizure Values
Law enforcement valuations provide additional pricing benchmarks. In April 2026, a woman was charged in Cranbourne East after police seized approximately 1kg of ketamine with an estimated street value of $40,000, equating to approximately $40 per gram . In a separate case, the AFP and ABF seized 45kg of ketamine hidden inside car parts from Germany, with an estimated street value of $9.5 million, equating to approximately $211 per gram .
The Australian Border Force seized 438kg of ketamine in January 2026 alone, with an estimated street value of approximately $75 million . The AFP and ABF seized 1.3 tonnes of ketamine in the 2025 calendar year, valued at $273 million .
Private Health Insurance Coverage
Private health insurance generally does not cover the costs of esketamine treatment beyond what Medicare and the PBS already provide. This creates a situation where cost, rather than clinical judgment, determines what treatment patients receive. As Professor Colleen Loo notes, “Australian public patients with difficult-to-treat depression are not having the treatment that is optimal for them because of cost” .
Summary
The cost of ketamine in Australia depends entirely on the access pathway. PBS-subsidised esketamine costs $31.60 per script for general patients and $7.70 for concession card holders, but administration fees of a few hundred dollars per session are not covered . Generic ketamine costs only $5-$20 per dose, but the service delivery costs are not reimbursed without an MBS code. Initial psychiatric assessment costs approximately $450 . Non-prescribed ketamine carries additional legal risks and varies in price according to illicit market conditions, with recent seizure valuations ranging from $40 to $211 per gram .
The most affordable option for eligible patients is PBS-subsidised esketamine, though the “hidden” administration costs remain a barrier for many Australians seeking treatment.