Australia Guide: Health
One of the most important things when going abroad is to make sure that you are covered in case of accidents or illness. Our health guide provides information on health insurance, hospitals, doctors and pharmacies.-
The National Health Service The public health system in Australia
Australia’s national health service is called Medicare, which was established in 1984 and is administered by the Health Insurance Commission (HIC: www.hic.gov.au). more » -
Hospitals & Clinics Public and private treatment
Most Australian towns have a hospital or clinic, signposted by a sign of a white H on a blue background. more » -
Doctors Appointments, visits and fees
There are excellent family doctors, who are generally referred to as general practitioners (GPs), throughout Australia. more » -
Dentists Dental treatment and insurance
There are excellent dentists in cities and towns throughout Australia, although they’re thin on the ground in country areas. more » -
Medicines & Chemists How to get medication in Australia
Medicines ( drugs) are obtained from chemists’ ( pharmacies), which also provide free advice concerning minor ailments and recommend appropriate medicines. more » -
Emergencies What to do in case of an emergency
The action to take in a medical ‘ emergency’ depends on the degree of urgency. more » -
Private health services Private health care in Australia
Private health treatment functions both in conjunction with Medicare and independently of it, and most public hospitals admit private patients. more » -
Students’ Health Insurance Overseas Student Health Cover
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is obligatory for foreign students and their dependants in Australia and must cover them for the duration of their visa (or the first 12 months). more »