Taking care of your health while travelling overseas matters, but it’s not always clear what steps to take or where to find help. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website has helpful advice. See some of their top tips below!
Travel insurance
If you get sick or hurt while overseas, travel insurance can help cover your medical costs. Without it, you’ll usually have to pay for care yourself. This can cost thousands of dollars.
Everyone should get travel insurance, no matter where you’re going and what you plan to do. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
Medications
If you take medicine, pack enough for your entire trip (plus a bit extra, just in case)!
Authorities in other countries may ask you to show that your medicine belongs to you. Prior to travel, ask your doctor for a note to prove the medication is yours and always carry it in its original packaging.
Some medicines allowed in Australia might be illegal elsewhere. Check the rules for your destination before you go. You might need a permit for some medicines.
Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and drug laws vary from country to country. This includes the legal drinking age and which drugs are banned.
If you choose to drink alcohol, be careful. Watch out for drink spiking, methanol poisoning and unlabelled or ‘homemade’ drinks.
Stay with people you trust when you’re at parties, bars, nightclubs, and in taxis.
Don’t take drugs. Drugs bought overseas can be very dangerous. They might be mixed with harmful chemicals or be much stronger than you expect.
Many popular overseas destinations have much stricter drug laws than Australia. Getting caught can lead to serious consequences.
For more information, visit Smartraveller’s page on partying safely.
Vaccines
Check your vaccinations are up to date before you travel, especially if there are health warnings for your destination. If you’re not sure which travel vaccines you need, talk to your doctor.
Get your vaccinations early. Some take 6–8 weeks to work or require more than one dose.
What to do in an emergency
If you have a medical emergency overseas, call the local emergency number and go to a hospital right away. You can find emergency numbers on Smartraveller in each destination’s 'Where to get help' section.
You can also call the Australian Government’s 24‑hour emergency hotline from overseas on +61 2 6261 3305.
The hotline can help you find hospitals and English‑speaking doctors but can’t pay your medical bills or lend you money.