If you need a doctor

For non-emergency treatment, if you need to see a GP or visit a hospital, the local phone books (Yellow Pages or White Pages) list hospitals by location in their front sections, or you can find alphabetical listings for Doctors and Hospitals later in the books.  Alternatively, visit their websites at Yellow Pages or White Pages.

In every city or town there are “walk–in” medical centres where you can receive treatment without having to make an appointment.

The standard of healthcare in Australia is high.

Reciprocal healthcare arrangements exist between Australia and the UK.  Under these, British citizens resident in the UK and travelling on a British passport are entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare Australia for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia.  This does not cover pre-existing conditions, or treatment that does not require prompt attention.

These provisions do not apply to non-visitors, for example those who are studying in Australia.

Other exclusions under the reciprocal agreement include pharmaceuticals when not a hospital in-patient, use of ambulance services and medical evacuations. The latter, in particular, are very expensive.

We strongly advise you to take out comprehensive medical insurance before you travel to Australia as, if you are not covered under the reciprocal arrangements, costs for treatment can be high.

For more information, visit the Medicare Australia website, call them on 13 20 11, or visit their nearest office.  If you are visiting them, take your passport and (if you have it) your NHS card.

What we can do:

• Contact family or friends who may be able to help and support you

What we cannot do:

• Pay for your treatment
• Intervene in your treatment

Remember to keep any receipts or doctor's notes in case you need them to make an insurance claim.