Doctors & Clinics in Australia
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Australia is known for its diverse cities and natural landscapes including the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the famous Australian outback. The country is an ideal for adventurous activities such as surfing, hiking, and camping. Tourists can experience several unique species of wildlife and enjoy the culture of major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Australia may differ from your home country. Australia has decentralized publicly funded healthcare system and a private sector. The quality of healthcare services meets international standards and access is generally good in urban areas, with many hospitals and healthcare centres available. However, access may be limited in rural and remote regions and the quality of care can be inadequate. If you are a citizen of one of these listed countries, your medical care costs may be covered in Australia.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Australia typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Australia.
Well-stocked pharmacies and trained pharmacists are widely available, though access may be limited in rural or remote regions. Prescriptions for medicines must be obtained from or endorsed by a local doctor.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Australia’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Roads in urban areas are well maintained. Roads in rural or remote regions may be narrow with long distances between rest stops. Wildlife in remote areas may also pose a risk to drivers. Drivers and passengers in vehicles must wear a seat belt at all times. Helmets are required for drivers and passengers of motorcycles at all times. In Australia, traffic drives on the left.