Australia is a very healthy country to travel in and most backpackers won’t experience anything more than a bad hangover. However, getting adequate health insurance is very important. For information on health insurance, check out *** insurance ***
Australia has a pretty good heath-care system called Medicare and, fortunately for some, Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with certain countries - the UK and Ireland, NZ, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Malta and Italy - which entitles you to treatment for any ill health or injury requiring immediate treatment. Free treatment is covered as an in-patient or out-patient in a public hospital.
Although it’s easy to enroll with Medicare as soon as you arrive in Australia – just take your passport into a Medicare Centre - it isn’t absolutely necessary until you use the system because you can join retrospectively (ie. claim a refund for previous medical expenses after joining). You’ll find the information you need about Medicare at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/going_overseas/vtta.shtml
Road Safety
Most of the accidental deaths in Australia happen on the roads, so pay attention to warning signs on the side of the roads. Watch out for wildlife, especially at dusk in rural areas; kangaroos have a strange fascination with headlights! Dropping your speed at such times is a very wise idea. Remember the distances between places can be really long in Australia so share the driving and take regular breaks. And don’t drink and drive – it’s illegal and plain stupid!
Swimming
The Oceans surrounding Australia are one of it’s greatest assets, providing warm water all year round, stunning scenery and a huge array of water activities to indulge in. However, Australians also know that the ocean can be a dangerous place, with huge waves, very strong currents and rips. Make sure you swim on patrolled beaches when possible and always swim between the flags. Never head into the surf alone or intoxicated and always check for warning signs! Treat the water with respect – it is much more powerful than you! For more information visit: http://www.slsa.com.au/default.aspx?s=beachsafety&id=40
