HEALTH

Australia is generally a safe country, but if you do become sick or injured, medical help is not difficult to obtain.
However, it is important to make sure you have travel insurance and that your policy will cover your whole trip.
Australian hygiene standards are high. It is safe to drink tap water, other than in exceptional circumstances such as floods or severe droughts.
Australia's health card system, Medicare, provides reciprocal treatment to British residents, as well as those from New Zealand. Italy, Malta, The Netherlands and Sweden. This will cover you for emergency treatment only, and not elective treatment.
If you have more than three months left on your visa, enroll at a Medicare office to get your Medicare card.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

You do not need immunizations to visit Australia, unless you are going via or have just been to a country with Yellow Fever.
HIV/AIDS is present in Australia just as it is anywhere in the world, so all the safe sex rules apply.
Condoms are widely available.
The most common dangerous, medical condition in Australia, and one which visitors should take very seriously, is skin cancer.
Australia's rate of skin cancer is the highest in the world as a result of an outdoor-orientated lifestyle and strong UV rays.
If you are going to be exposed to the sun (on the beach for example), make sure you are well protected.
To ensure your protection follow the popular slogan "Slip, Slop, Slap", which is short for: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.
Make sure you use a sun screen with a high protection factor (at least 15) and always take skin cancer seriously.
Even on cloudy days you can still get sunburnt, and the beach isn't the only time you should put on sunscreen.
It's also important to drink and carry lots of water when in the sun, so you don't dehydrate.

Beach Safety

Popular beaches are patrolled by volunteer Surf Life Saving Association members identified by their red and yellow caps.
Enjoy your holiday and minimize risks by observing simple safety.

Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.
Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.
Always swim under supervision or with a friend.
Read and obey signs.
Don't swim directly after a meal.
If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.
If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.
Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.

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