This overview presents the current ‘state of play’ of the economics of skin cancer prevention in Australia and New Zealand. With the incidence of skin cancer, including melanoma, continuing  to climb, it is imposing a large and growing burden on health systems and individuals. Many economic evaluations attest to the favourable benefits for governments and citizens from skin cancer prevention programs, the paper states. The majority of skin cancers are avoidable and curable, yet cost the Australian health economy A$1.7 billion each year. While further research is needed to document contemporary costs of managing skin cancer, the paper argues that primary prevention must remain high on the public health agenda.