The Stoma Appliance Scheme
Stoma products at no cost to eligible Australians — funded by the Commonwealth Government and administered through your local stoma association.
A lifeline for ostomates across Australia
The Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) is a Commonwealth Government program that provides approved stoma products free of charge to eligible Australians who have a permanent stoma (opening in the abdominal wall). The scheme is administered through ACSA's 19 member stoma associations, which are located in every state and territory.
Established under the National Health Act 1953, the SAS ensures that people living with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy can access the products they need without financial hardship. Products are supplied directly by your local stoma association — typically on a monthly basis.
How the scheme works
After registering with your local stoma association, you will order your required product from them each month. Products are listed on the Schedule of Stoma Appliances — a Government-maintained list of approved items. Your stomal therapy nurse or medical team can help you select the right products for your needs and explain the quantity allowed per month.
Ordering flexibility: Members typically order monthly and can choose from the full product schedule. You can change products as your needs change — speak to your stomal therapy nurse for guidance.
Quick Links
- Find your local stoma association
- Download a SAS registration form
- View the Schedule of Stoma Appliances
- Contact ACSA for general enquiries
Administered by ACSA
ACSA — the Australian Council of Stoma Associations — is the national body that oversees the delivery of the SAS through its 19 member associations. ACSA also advocates for ostomates and works with the Government to keep the product schedule up to date.
Need help?
Contact your local stoma association or reach out to ACSA directly. Our member associations are staffed by people who understand life with a stoma.
Eligibility for the Stoma Appliance Scheme
The scheme has clear criteria. Understanding them helps you register quickly and avoid delays in receiving your products.
You are eligible if you:
- ✓Have a permanent stoma (colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy)
- ✓Are an Australian resident entitled to Medicare benefits
- ✓Have been assessed by a medical practitioner or stomal therapy nurse
- ✓Have a valid Medicare card
- ✓Are registered with an ACSA member stoma association in your state or territory
You are not currently eligible if you:
- ✕Are not a Medicare cardholder or eligible resident
- ✕Have not yet registered with a local stoma association
- ✕Are a visitor to Australia without Medicare entitlements
Not sure if you qualify? Contact your nearest ACSA member association — they can walk you through the eligibility criteria and help you get started.
How to Register for the SAS
Registration is straightforward. Follow these steps to become a member of your local stoma association and start receiving products.
Complete the application form
Your surgeon, gastroenterologist, or stomal therapy nurse will complete your application form and select appropriate products for your first order.
Find your local association and pay the fee
Your medical team will usually submit your completed application form to your local association on your behalf. You will need to pay the association's annual fee.
Place your first order
Once registered, you can place your first monthly product order. Your stomal therapy nurse will guide you through selecting products from the approved schedule that suit your needs.
Registration tip: Try to register before you are discharged from hospital. Your stomal therapy nurse can often help complete the paperwork during your hospital stay, so your first order arrives without delay.
How to order your products
Once you are a registered SAS member, you can order your stoma products from your local stoma association each month. Orders are typically placed via online portal, email, by post or in person — the method depends on your association.
Monthly allocation
Each member receives a monthly allocation based on their individual needs. The allocation covers a standard range of products such as pouches, wafers, and accessories. Your stomal therapy nurse can advise on the appropriate quantities.
Changing your products
Your needs may change over time — weight fluctuations, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle can all affect what products work best. You can update your product selection at any time by contacting your association. A stomal therapy nurse can provide recommendations.
Travelling within Australia
If you travel interstate, you can obtain supplies from another ACSA member association in that state. Contact ACSA for guidance on interstate orders before you travel.
Moving states? You can transfer your membership to a stoma association nearer to your new home if you want to. Contact the association you wish to transfer to. They will arrange a smooth transfer of your records.
Ordering methods
- Each association has their own offering of ordering methods
- Contact your local association for ordering details
Key ordering rules
- Products are free — no out-of-pocket cost
- Orders are usually placed monthly
- Products are chosen from the approved schedule
- Unused products cannot be returned for cash
- Quantities are based on assessed clinical need
International travel
Members travelling overseas can request a supply of products in advance. Approval is required and quantities are subject to the Department of Health guidelines. Contact your association well in advance of your trip.
What products are covered?
The Schedule of Stoma Appliances lists more than 3,700 approved product lines across a wide range of categories and a variety of manufacturers
Pouching Systems
- One-piece closed and drainable pouches
- Two-piece closed and drainable pouches
- Urostomy / urinary pouches
- Paediatric pouching systems
Skin Barriers & Wafers
- Pre-cut and cut-to-fit wafers
- Extended-wear barriers
- Convex barriers
- Mouldable / soft-seal barriers
- Flange extenders
Adhesives & Skin Care
- Barrier rings and seals
- Protective skin wipes and films
- Adhesive removers
- Stoma paste and powder
- Moisturising creams
Accessories & Filters
- Deodorising filters and drops
- Irrigation sets (colostomy)
- Night drainage bags
- Stoma caps and plugs
Support & Comfort
- Ostomy support belts
- Odour eliminators
Not sure what to order? Your stomal therapy nurse is the best person to advise on product selection.