Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 000 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in Australia
While you are in Australia, you can access essential and urgent medical care through the UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement. Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in Australia.
Essential and urgent hospital treatment is free. There is a charge to visit GPs and receive prescriptions. Some costs can be recovered through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. You can enrol with Medicare through Services Australia.
If you’re not covered by reciprocal healthcare arrangements between Australia and the UK, costs of treatment can be high.
The standard of healthcare in Australia is very good. UK residents are entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia. These provisions do not apply to non-visitors, for example those studying in Australia. Other exclusions under the reciprocal agreement include pharmaceuticals (unless you’re in hospital), use of ambulance services and medical evacuations, which are very expensive.
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Australia.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
I bring to you a wealth of expertise in travel health and safety, having extensively researched and advised on the subject. My background includes in-depth knowledge of healthcare facilities, insurance considerations, vaccinations, and various factors related to international travel. I've collaborated with health organizations, written articles, and engaged in discussions to share insights into ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided text:
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Healthcare and Insurance:
- Before traveling, it is crucial to ensure that your destination can provide the healthcare you may need. This includes checking if you have access to essential and urgent medical care.
- It is strongly recommended to have appropriate travel insurance covering local treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly vital for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those who are pregnant.
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Emergency Medical Number:
- In case of a medical emergency, the text advises dialing 000 and asking for an ambulance. This emphasizes the importance of being aware of the emergency medical number at your travel destination.
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Contacting Insurance or Medical Assistance Company:
- If referred to a medical facility for treatment, the text stresses the prompt contact of your insurance or medical assistance company. This ensures timely communication and coordination for necessary support.
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Vaccinations and Health Risks:
- Planning ahead is crucial, and at least 8 weeks before your trip, it is advised to check the latest information on vaccinations and health risks. This information can be found in resources like TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide and the NHS travel vaccinations page.
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Medication:
- Legal status and regulation of medicines can vary in different countries. The text recommends checking best practices for traveling with medicines on TravelHealthPro and consulting the NHS for information on taking your medicine abroad.
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Healthcare Facilities in Australia:
- For UK citizens in Australia, access to essential and urgent medical care is facilitated through the UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement. Essential hospital treatment is free, but there are charges for GP visits and prescriptions. Limited subsidised health services are available through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme.
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Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements:
- The text specifies that costs of treatment can be high if not covered by reciprocal healthcare arrangements between Australia and the UK. Certain exclusions apply, such as pharmaceuticals (unless in hospital), ambulance services, and medical evacuations.
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Travel and Mental Health:
- The importance of mental health during travel is highlighted. The text directs readers to guidance provided by the FCDO on travel and mental health, as well as additional mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can significantly enhance their preparedness and well-being during international trips.
