Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Resources
Gay & Lesbian Counselling Brisbane (
1800 877 924; www.gayandlesbiancounselling.com ) Counselling appoint-
ments.
Gay & Lesbian Tourism Australia ( www.galta.com.au )
Same Same ( www.samesame.com.au ) News, events and lifestyle features.
Health
Although there are plenty of hazards in Queensland, few travellers will experience anything worse than an upset stom-
ach or a bad hangover. If you do fall ill, the standard of hospitals and health care is high.
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Australia has an excellent health-care system. It's made up of privately run medical clinics and hospitals, as well as a
system of public hospitals funded by the Australian government.
» The Medicare system covers Australian residents for some health-care costs. Visitors from countries with which Aus-
tralia has a reciprocal health-care agreement are eligible for benefits specified under the Medicare program. Agreements
are currently in place with Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK - check the details be-
fore departing these countries. For further details, visit www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/
medicare-card/new-arrivals-and-visitors-to-australia .
» Painkillers, antihistamines for allergies, and skincare products are widely available at chemists throughout Australia.
You may find that medications readily available over the counter in some countries are only available in Australia by
prescription. These include the oral contraceptive pill, some medications for asthma and all antibiotics.
» In remote locations there may be a significant delay in emergency services reaching you. Don't underestimate the vast
distances between most major outback towns; an increased level of self-reliance and preparation is essential. Consider
taking a wilderness first-aid course, such as those offered by Wilderness First Aid Consultants ( www.equip.com.au ) .
Take a comprehensive first-aid kit and ensure that you have adequate means of communication. Australia has extensive
mobile-phone coverage, but additional radio communication is important for remote areas. The Royal Flying Doctor
Service (RFDS; www.flyingdoctor.net ) provides a back-up for remote communities.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is essential for all travellers. While health care in Queensland is of a high standard and not overly ex-
pensive by international standards, considerable costs can build up if you require medical care, and repatriation is ex-
pensive.
Recommended Vaccinations
The World Health Organization (WHO; www.who.int/wer ) recommends that all travellers should be covered for diph-
theria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and polio, as well as hepatitis B, regardless of their destination.
If you're entering Australia within six days of having stayed overnight or longer in a yellow-fever-infected country,
you'll need proof of yellow-fever vaccination. For a full list of these countries visit Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention ( www.cdc.gov/travel ).
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