The Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS)
Funded via Medicare by the Australian Federal Government, the SAS provides free stoma care products to eligible Australians through regional 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. 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 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 SAS Schedule - 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. Product selection should be guided by a stomal therapy nurse or other qualfied healthcare practitioner.
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 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 run by perople who understand life with a stoma.
How to Register for the SAS
First, check if you are eligible to access the SAS, then follow the steps below
Complete the application form
Your surgeon, gastroenterologist, or stomal therapy nurse will help you complete your application form and select appropriate products for your first order.
Additional paperwork may be required by your local association to meet their membership requirements.
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 monthly orders with your association for products. Your stomal therapy nurse will guide you through selecting products from the approved schedule that suit your needs.
Registration tip: 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 association 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 and SAS maximum quantities. 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. Before ordering products you have not used before, we recommend consulting with a stomal therapy nurse to ensure the new product is clinically appropriate and will not interract negativley with any other products you are using.
Once an order has been placed it usually cannot be altered. Ensuring you have the correct item codes and quantities is important - a stomal therapy nurse can help you understand the differences between listed products.
Travelling within Australia
If you travel interstate, you can obtain supplies from another ACSA member association in that state. Make sure to plan ahead - contact the association you would like to visit well ahead of your travel dates to make sure you understand their lead times and ordering procedures.
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
- Annual fees are payable to associations each financial year
- There may be additional costs - check with your association regarding postage or other charges
- Orders are usually placed monthly
- Products are chosen from the approved schedule
- Unused products cannot be returned for cash
- Quantities ordered should be based on clinical need or monthly limit, whichever is smaller
International travel
Members travelling overseas can request a supply of products in advance. Travel documents are 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 products 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.