Australia Health

Australia has one of the worlds best health care services, but you will still need overseas student healthcare cover before entering Australia.

Heath and Welfare

• It is recommended that you do 30 minutes exercise a day, five days a week, to maintain a healthy body and mind.  Not only has this proven to help with studying, it will also help in managing your stress, mood, energy levels and sleeping.  If sleeping is getting in the way of your study or social life, here are a few pointers to help get you back on track:
• Get out of bed as soon as you wake up in the morning
• Exercise in the morning, outside in the fresh air
• Do not nap during the day
• Do not go to bed too late
• Do not study in bed, you will need to train your brain that bed is for sleeping and not studying
• Try not to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes a few hours before bed

Eating, along with sleeping, can harm your health and well being.  It may be easy to grab a snack or two between classes, but bad eating habits can lead to reduced concentration and immune system and low energy levels. 

To eat well:

• Do not skip breakfast
• Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Drink about 2L of water each day
• Enjoy treats in moderation

Sexual Health

The legal sexual active age in Australia is 16 years old.  It is strongly advised to use contraception, which is easily available from a pharmacist or a GP (General Practitioner).  No matter whether you are dating someone, you have the right to refuse sex advances from someone else or your partner and be aware not to let your defenses down when you have been drinking alcohol.  If you have been a victim of sexual assault contact the police, school counsellor or a community organisation, for example, Lifeline on 13 11 14.


Drugs and Alcohol

The legal age for purchasing cigarettes and alcohol in Australia is 18 years old.  If look under the age of 25 you will be ask to provide photo identification, as the shop own will incur a large penalty for supplying drugs and alcohol to under aged people.  Other illegal drugs including amphetamines, opiates and marijuana hold high penalties for users, possessors, sellers and buyers, including fines and imprisonment.


Doctors

In Australia you see a General Practitioner (GP) for your illness/sickness.  You do not need to go to the emergency room (ER) of the hospital, unless it is after hours and urgent.  The ER is only used for emergencies and people needing immediate treatment.  When seeing a GP they may need samples of your blood and/or urine, give injections, perform stitches and mole removal.  The yellow pages telephone book of the telephone book will list your local GPs.

There are two types of GPs, private and medical centres.  Private surgeries are only open weekdays during business hours, you will need book well in advance, up to 2 weeks and will cost about $50 upfront, most of this you can claim back with your OSHC provider.  At  medical centres there is no need to make an appointment, it is open during the weekend and sometimes the service is free.  Sometimes the the GP may need to refer you to a specialist doctor.  Depending on you OSHC cover plans depends how much you will need to pay.

Emergency room (ER) doctors work in the hospitals and treat severe, life-threatening injuries.  Hopefully, you will never have to see one!  In case of emergency call 000  and they will direct you the ambulance, answer all the questions asked in a precise, clear manner, in order for them to help you as soon as possible.

If you have a flu or cold you will not generally need to see a doctor, you will be able to pick up pain relievers over the counter at the chemist. If a doctor writes you a prescription you will need to take this to the chemist or pharmacy and they will supply with the medication listed.  On the outside of the medication will have your name,  how often, how long and how much the medication needs to be taken.  Take the medication for the whole course (or until it has all gone) to ensure a speedy recovery, even if you are feeling better.  If pain persist return to the doctor.  

If bringing prescribed medication from overseas to Australia, it is best to also bring your medical records, prescriptions and a letter from your doctor in English translation.

Dentists

When seeing a dentist you will need to check your OSHC policy to know what dental procedures you are covered for.  You may also have to contribute more than 15% of the dentist bill, check your policy.