On 1 July and 1 October 2024, the Australian government introduced new laws about vaping products. Then HCi members asked about eligibility for claiming therapeutic vapes (also known as nicotine vapes to aid in stopping smoking) under HCi’s extras cover.

Understanding claims for vapes

You should be aware that vapes are currently not registered with the TGA as smoking cessation nor nicotine dependence therapy goods.  In some Australian states, these vapes may be provided without a prescription if the pharmacist has a consultation with the patient. This is not equivalent to a  doctor or specialist prescription, for the purposes of HCi claim requirements.

Even where a vape is medically prescribed to cease smoking, it is not eligible for an HCi claim. There is a limited range of TGA approved vape devices for the administering of medicinal cannabis. Prescriptions for medicinal cannabis through those specific devices generally cannot be claimed from HCi. Note that our medical eligibility form must be completed as part of the claim assessment process.

What are the new rules for vapes?

From 1 July 2024, vapes and vape products cannot be sold except through a pharmacy. Disposable or one-use vapes are not allowed in Australia.

Strengthened standards for labelling, packaging, devices, and ingredients are being phased in during 2025.

Note that pharmacists are not required to stock vapes. Medicinal cannabis vapes are managed under separate regulations.

For further details on the new vape laws, and the higher TGA product standards, please refer to the TGA and Government websites.