Health risk in Australia

A yellow fever certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving within six days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas.

Food and drink
Standards of hygiene in food preparation are very high. Milk is pasteurized and meat and vegetables are considered safe to eat. Care should be taken, however, when sampling ‘bush tucker’ in outback areas as some insects and fauna are highly poisonous unless properly cooked.

Other risks
Occasional outbreaks of dengue fever and Ross River fever have occurred in rural areas in northern Australia in recent years. There have been reports of Murray Valley encephalitis in the Northern Territory.

Corals, jellyfish and fresh water crocodiles may prove a hazard to the bather, and heat is a hazard in the northern and central parts of Australia. Insectivorous and fruit-eating bats have been found to harbor a virus related to the rabies virus and should be avoided. Venomous snakes and spiders exist throughout Australia and can be extremely dangerous. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if bitten.

Health care
Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, in emergencies only, which allows residents from the UK free hospital treatment. Passport or proof of UK residence, such as an NHS medical card or a UK driving license, must be shown.

Prescribed medicines, ambulances and treatment at some doctors’ surgeries must be paid for. Personal insurance for illness and accidents is highly recommended for all visitors. Those wishing to benefit from the agreement should enrol at a Medicare office; this can be done after treatment.