- Stoma Appliance Scheme
Am I eligible for the SAS?
The Stoma Appliance Scheme is open to Australian residents and eligible visitors who have a stoma or fistula. Here's what you need to qualify and the identification you'll need to provide.
The Four General Requirements
To access stoma-related products under the SAS, a person must meet all of the following requirements.
Have a Stoma or Fistula
A temporary or permanent artificial body opening (created surgically or otherwise) that facilitates the removal of urine and/or products of the gastrointestinal tract. Evidence is provided via a certificate from a registered medical practitioner or STN on the approved SAS Application Form.
Be an Eligible Person
You must be an "eligible person" within the meaning of the Health Insurance Act 1973 — meaning an Australian resident, or an eligible overseas resident under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
Reside in Australia
You must live in Australia to receive products under the SAS. Products will not be supplied under the Scheme if you spend more than six months overseas in any one trip.
Provide Valid ID
You need to supply one of four accepted forms of identification (Medicare, DVA, Reciprocal Medicare Card, or NZ/Ireland passport) as part of your claim. See accepted IDs below.
Accepted Forms of Identification
You must provide one of these as part of a claim for SAS-subsidised products.
Medicare Number
A current Medicare card number — the most common form of ID for Australian residents accessing the SAS.
DVA Entitlement
A current Department of Veterans' Affairs entitlement number, issued to eligible veterans and their dependants.
Reciprocal Medicare Card
A current Australian Reciprocal Medicare Card number for residents of countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
Current Passport
A current passport number — accepted for residents of New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
Special Eligibility Situations
Specific guidance for visitors to Australia and Norfolk Island residents.
Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements
Visitors to Australia who are eligible to receive benefits under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) can access stoma-related products under the SAS for the period of their stay, by virtue of subsection 7(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.
There is no legislative basis for visitors to be excluded from receiving products through programs subsidised under Section 9A of the National Health Act 1953, unless the program guidelines specifically state the exclusion.
Important: RHCAs do not exclude pre-existing conditions. The only exclusion is "medical tourism" — entering Australia for the express purpose of receiving treatment. Stoma associations may at their discretion require visitors to take out temporary association membership.
Norfolk Island Residents
From 1 July 2016, mainland Australian arrangements were extended to Norfolk Island, including:
✓ Taxation and social security
✓ Immigration, biosecurity and customs
✓ Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Ostomates residing on Norfolk Island must still satisfy the definition of an "SAS participant" and meet the general eligibility requirements outlined above.
Remote location bonus: Norfolk Island residents qualify for the remote-location supply allowance — up to 6 months of products at a time.
Eligible? Here's what to do next.
Once you've confirmed you meet the criteria, registration is a straightforward four-step process.
Speak with your Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN)
Your STN will help you understand your needs and complete the SAS Application Form. Both you and your STN (or medical practitioner) must sign it.
Choose an approved stoma association
You can join any of the approved associations across Australia. Consider their access fee, location, services, and postage arrangements.
Submit your application and membership form
Send the completed SAS Application Form along with your association's membership form and your initial product order.
Begin receiving subsidised products
Once registered, you can order up to 2 months' supply at a time (6 months once you've had your stoma for 6+ months, or are travelling/in a remote area).