Australia health and safety
Medical services - Australia health care
There is a no reciprocal health agreement with the South Africa, therefore is its recommened that all South African travelling to Australia have adequaute emergency insurance. Hostitalisation, prescribed medicines, ambulances and treatment at doctors’ surgeries must be paid for.
Travel insurance for illness and accidents is highly recommended for all visitors. If you’re travelling in the outback it pays to take a first aid kit with you.
Australia vaccinations
While yellow fever isn’t a disease risk in Australia, the government requires that travellers arriving from a country where yellow fever is present to provide proof of vaccination. Take this into consideration on your travels. The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is also sometimes recommended, so discuss this one with your doctor.
All travellers are advised to ensure that tetanus and polio vaccinations are kept up to date.
Safety and security
Below are a few hints and tips to ensure you have a hassle-free holiday in Australia:
- Be careful with personal possessions and travel documents in the cities and other popular tourist destinations, as you would at home.
- Tropical cyclones can occur between November and April in northwest Australia (between Exmouth and Broome), in Western Australia and in northeast Queensland (between Port Douglas and Maryborough). Bush/forest fires are common during the summer months from November to February.
- When in the desert areas make sure you have enough water, and are able to shelter yourself from the sun. The locals can advise you what best to take. It is advisable that you register your route details and expected date of return with a friend, or with the relevant tourist authorities.
- Take care when swimming as rip currents can pull you out to sea. You also need to be wary of sharks (even at popular beach spots) and of crocodiles. Make sure you read and follow any signs at the beach or swimming areas.
Australia travel insurance
Don’t leave home without it! Accidents happen – and they can happen in the strangest places at the strangest times, like while climbing Ayres Rock or an alley in Sydney at 3 am. Travel insurance can cover you for all sorts of mishaps during your travel, and even before you leave. Did you know up to 25% of all insurance claims are due to cancellation of travel?
Check out the STA Travel insurance policies and get the one that is right for you.
*The Small Print
We’ve tried to make this destination guide as accurate as possible but please double check the essentials like visas, health and safety, airport information etc with the relevant authorities before you travel. STA Travel takes no responsibility for loss, injury or inconvenience caused as a result of this guide. All prices listed are in the currency of the destination, unless otherwise stated.
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