Health & Insurance
Australia has a first-class healthcare system — but as a tourist, you have no access to Medicare (Australia's public health insurance). Travel health insurance is therefore absolutely essential.
Insurance
- Travel Health Insurance: MANDATORY. Medical treatment in Australia is expensive — a doctor's visit from 80 AUD, hospital stay from 2,000 AUD/day, helicopter rescue in the Outback: 20,000+ AUD. Good insurance: HanseMerkur, ADAC, Allianz (annual policy from 15–30 €).
- Check Coverage: Ensure the insurance covers search and rescue costs (Outback!), repatriation, and adventure activities (diving, bungee).
- Reciprocal Health Care Agreement: There are health agreements between Australia and some countries (UK, Ireland, NL, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, New Zealand). Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have NO such agreement.
Pharmacies & Medications
- Pharmacies: Priceline Pharmacy and Chemist Warehouse are the major chains. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and sunscreen are available without a prescription. Many prescription medications from Europe are available in Australia without a prescription.
- Own Medications: Bring in original packaging, ideally with a doctor's certificate (in English). Strict import rules for narcotics and pseudoephedrine.
Sun Protection
The UV radiation in Australia is 2–3 times more intense than in Germany — the ozone hole over the southern hemisphere is real. Australia has the highest skin cancer rate in the world. The national mantra: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide (put on a shirt, apply cream, wear a hat, seek shade, wear sunglasses).
- Sunscreen: At least SPF 50+, reapply every 2 hours
- Between 10 am and 3 pm: Seek shade or cover up
- Even on cloudy days: 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds
Achtung
Do NOT underestimate the Australian sun — severe sunburn is possible within 30 minutes, even on cloudy days. The skin cancer rate is the highest in the world. Always apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, avoid the midday sun.