For travelers to Australia, it’s essential to be aware of the healthcare system and how to access medical services if needed. Here are some key points for travelers regarding the Australian health system.
- Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Italy, Malta, and Slovenia. Citizens from these countries may be entitled to some subsidized health services while visiting Australia.
Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, eligible visitors can access some medical services through Australia’s Medicare system. This may include essential medical treatments, but it’s crucial to check the specific terms and conditions.
- Even with reciprocal agreements, travel insurance is highly recommended for all international travelers to Australia. Travel insurance can cover a range of health-related expenses, including medical emergencies, hospitalization, and evacuation
- Pharmacies (or chemists) are widely available in Australia, and many common medications are available over the counter. Prescription medications can be obtained from pharmacies with a prescription from an Australian doctor.
- Australia has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals provide emergency services, but non-residents may be charged for non-emergency treatments. Private hospitals often require private health insurance for coverage.
- Dental care is not typically covered under reciprocal healthcare agreements, so travelers may need to pay out-of-pocket for dental services. Consider travel insurance that includes dental coverage if needed.
- Access to mental health services may be available through Medicare for eligible visitors. However, travel insurance with mental health coverage is advisable for comprehensive protection.
Useful Website :
You can check the Department of Home Affairs in Australia for all the essential information.
Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required to enter Australia.
Price of a medical consultation in australia :
If you see a general practitioner in a private clinic, the cost can generally vary between AUD 50 and AUD 100 (Australian dollars) or more, depending on the length of the consultation and the region.
Specialist consultations can be more expensive. Fees can vary considerably depending on the specialist and the complexity of the consultation.
If you see a doctor in a public clinic, the costs may be partially or fully covered by the public health system (Medicare). If you are eligible for Medicare (the public health system in Australia), you can obtain partial or full reimbursement of the cost of your medical consultation. Reimbursement depends on the type of medical service and the amount charged by the health professional.
Emergency medical care provided in public hospitals is often covered by Medicare, and patients may not incur significant out-of-pocket costs for emergency treatment.
Many general practitioners (GPs) and some specialists offer bulk billing, where they accept the Medicare benefit as full payment for their services. In such cases, patients do not have to pay anything out of pocket for the consultation. However, not all healthcare providers bulk bill, and some may charge a fee that exceeds the Medicare benefit. If a healthcare provider does not bulk bill, patients may be required to pay the full consultation fee upfront and then claim a portion of it back through Medicare. The out-of-pocket cost will depend on the provider’s fees and the Medicare rebate for that particular service.
Main hospitals and clinics in Australia :
Well-known hospitals and medical facilities in major cities.
- Sydney:
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
- St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
- Westmead Hospital
- Melbourne:
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital
- St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- The Alfred Hospital
- Brisbane:
- Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
- Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Mater Hospital Brisbane
- Perth:
- Royal Perth Hospital
- Fiona Stanley Hospital
- Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
- Adelaide:
- Royal Adelaide Hospital
- Flinders Medical Centre
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital
- Canberra:
- Canberra Hospital
- Calvary Public Hospital Bruce
- Hobart:
- Royal Hobart Hospital
- Darwin:
- Royal Darwin Hospital
There are numerous private clinics, general practitioner (GP) offices, and specialized healthcare centers throughout the country.
Governement and embassy website and contact informations :
- Australian Government Department of Health:
- Website: Australian Government Department of Health
- This site provides comprehensive information about the Australian healthcare system, including Medicare, health services, and public health initiatives.
- Medicare:
- Website: Medicare Australia
- Information about Medicare, the government-funded healthcare system in Australia.
- Smart Traveller – Australian Government Travel Advice:
- Website: Smart Traveller !!!
- This is the official travel advice website of the Australian Government. It provides information on travel safety, health advice, and other important details for travelers.
- Embassy or Consulate of Your Home Country in Australia:
- Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Australia for information and assistance. They can provide guidance on healthcare services and any specific requirements for travelers from your country.
- Emergency Services in Australia:
- In case of emergency, dial 000 for ambulance, fire, or police services.
- For non-emergency medical advice, you can call the 24-hour health advice line at 1800 022 222.
Website to book a consultation;
HelthEngine
HotDoc
MyHealth1st
Telehealth services
.
General informations about accessibility of medical care and healthcare system
While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to travelers’ expectations are expensive and not widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation.
Occidental-style and standard psychiatric care can be difficult to locate in major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan’s major cities. Extended psychiatric care for foreigners in Japan is difficult to obtain at any price.
Abroad prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider. Certain medications, including some commonly prescribed for depression and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), are not widely available. Please see the embassy guidelines.
Main hospitals and clinics
Tokyo: St. Luke’s International Hospital, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital
Osaka: JCHO Osaka Hospital, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka Red Cross Hospital
Nagoya: Holy Spirit Hospital, Nagoya University Hospital
Kyoto: Kyoto City Hospital, Japan Baptist Hospital
Fukuoka: Hakata Kyukan Center, Akimoto Hospital
Okinawa: University of the Ryukyus Hospital, Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Japan.
Price of a medical consultation
A doctor’s visit usually costs around 5000 JPY.
Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan. Patients must pay the entire amount of the treatment received prior to leaving the hospital. It is up to patients to subsequently request compensation through their insurance companies. The Japanese government has also instituted enhanced immigration screening for visitors with unpaid medical fees who attempt to re-enter Japan. It is essential to consider obtaining supplemental insurance if your current plan does not cover you while on international travel.
Government and embassy website and contact informations
Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
- Website: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
- Contact:
- Address: 1-2-2 Kasumigaseki Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, 100-8916
- Phone: +81 3-5253-1111
US Embassy in Tokyo
- Website: https://jp.usembassy.gov/
- Contact:
- Address: 1 Chome-10-5 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-8420
- Phone: +813224-5000
Websites to book a consultation
Oh-doctor.com https://oh-doctor.com/en/
Clinic nearme https://clinicnearme.jp/
Telehealth https://tmsc.jp/telehealth
General informations about accessibility of medical care and healthcare system
Kenya is one of the most economically developed countries in East and Central Africa. However, there is a great shortage of doctors and medical personnel in the country. Kenya has medical centers, hospitals, mobile medical units, pharmacies. The main national hospital is located in Nairobi. The main problem in the health system is that the largest medical services are provided only in large cities. And in the villages there is practically no medical care. Because of this, the incidence of diseases is much higher in rural areas.
Due to low salaries, leading doctors do not want to work in public hospitals, but go to private ones or leave the country. Private hospitals have many more employees and qualified doctors, as well as better equipment. The advantage of medical care in Kenya is that you will not be charged more for having a different skin color or looking wealthier. Payment for services here is the same for everyone, no matter if you are a local or a foreigner.
The health care system in Kenya, unfortunately, is not funded in the amount that would be able to cover the cost of caring for the population. There are 53 million people in the country. There are not enough doctors and health workers.
Most immigrants and wealthy Kenyan citizens often turn to private clinics. Because many public hospitals are not sufficiently staffed, and there are always long queues.
To call an ambulance, you need to dial 999 from any phone. But unfortunately, the ambulance service here is not very efficient. You can wait for a long time for a car, and it can be much faster and more profitable to get there on your own. Private clinics have their own private ambulances.
For immigrants coming to Kenya it is very important to have health insurance. To get proper treatment it is better to go to a private clinic. But it is very expensive. Therefore, in order to protect yourself and save money, it is worth taking out medical insurance. However, if you have some serious health problem, you may not be treated in Kenya at all. Such serious patients are sent by plane to South Africa. Because the level of medical care there is much higher.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Kenya to ensure the medication is legal in Kenya.
Main hospitals and clinics
Nairobi: Nairobi Hospital, Karen Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital
Kisumu: Aga Khan Hospital
Mombasa: Mombasa Hospital, Pandya Memorial Hospital, Nanyuki Cottage Hospital
Vaccinations
The Yellow Fever vaccine is highly recommended.
Price of a medical consultation
A doctor’s visit usually costs :
-consultation with a doctor – 20-30 euros
– general blood test – 5-15 euros
– ultrasound – 20-25 euros
– hospital stay – 100 euros per day
Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept overseas health insurance. You may need to call your insurance company or pay and get reimbursed.
Language
In Kenya, English is one of the two official languages. Everyone is able to speak it in the country.
Government and embassy website and contact informations
Kenya Government Ministry of Health
- Website: https://www.health.go.ke/
- Contact:
- Address: Afya House, Cathedral Road, P.O. Box:30016–00100, Nairobi
- Phone: +254-20-2717077
US Embassy in Nairobi
- Website: https://ke.usembassy.gov/
- Contact:
- Address: P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: +254 20 363-6451
Emergency service numbers
- Phone: 999, 112 or 911
General informations about accessibility of medical care and healthcare system
Adequate health facilities are available, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. While most common conditions can be appropriately treated in the UAE, complex medical conditions may be better treated in the United States. Providers may recommend a large number of procedures and tests, some of which may be unnecessary.
- Hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient, except in emergencies.
- Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
- Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
For emergency services in the UAE, dial 999.
Ambulance services are widely available.
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are prohibited in the UAE, and possession of such substances without the appropriate approval is generally treated the same as possession of illegal narcotics. All tourists and residents of the UAE should seek prior approval, via an online form, before carrying certain types of medications, narcotics, or chemical substances to or through the UAE.
Air pollution is a significant problem in UAE. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: infants, children, and teens, people over 65 years of age, people with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, people with heart disease or diabetes, people who work or are active outdoors
COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 testing is available throughout the UAE at private facilities and official government health centers. Testing is generally paid for by the traveler. Test results are usually sent via text message or email.
Main hospitals and clinics
Abu Dhabi: Al Ahalia Hospital, National Hospital, NMC Speciality Hospital
Mussafah: New National Medical Centre, Al Mafraq Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Al Ain: NMC Speciality Hospital, Oasis Hospital, Tawam Hospital
Dubai: American Hospital, Gargash Hospital, Mediclinic City Hospital
Vaccinations
No particular vaccine is needed when going to UAE.
Price of a medical consultation
A doctor’s visit usually costs around 800 AED.
Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept overseas health insurance.
You may be denied care, even in an emergency, if you are unable to provide a cash deposit up-front.
Healthcare System
In Colombia, the health management system is a hybrid of 50% public and 50% private. When individuals do not have sufficient resources, they can access the public system through a program called Seguro Social.
The other privately managed system is called EPS. All those who are employed are under this system and make contributions to it. A bill is established based on your monthly income.
The healthcare system offers an option, in which pay gives a much higher fee than usual in exchange for guaranteed access to practically necessary medical attention treatments. However, in most cases, you are responsible for purchasing your medications.
Private insurance companies have come up with another strategy: complementary plans. These plans cost around 50 dollars and provide access to specialists and treatments, but medication expenses are still the responsibility of the individual in most cases. Additionally, individuals have the option to pay for premium services on top of their regular insurance for better care.
In conclusion, if you have the financial means, you can opt for private healthcare and consider adding a supplementary plan for additional coverage if necessary.
average medical costs
EPS (about 100 dollars a month)
Seguro social = free ( Government coverage depend of the conditions)
vaccines requirements or recommendations
In Colombia Yellow Fever is prevalent.
General informations about accessibility of medical care in France:
France has a universal healthcare system, known as “La Sécurité Sociale” or Social Security. This system provides access to healthcare services for all residents, including foreigners, regardless of their financial status. It is funded through social insurance contributions from employees, employers, and the government. This coverage typically includes a significant portion of medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
While the Social Security system covers a substantial part of medical expenses, many individuals also opt for supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) to cover the remaining costs. This additional coverage can be obtained through private insurance providers and helps with expenses like co-payments and non-reimbursed services.
Access to primary care is generally good in France. Residents can choose a general practitioner (GP) of their choice, and GPs act as the first point of contact for medical care. Appointments with GPs are often necessary, and in emergencies, individuals can go to the nearest hospital.
Access to specialized care is also available through referrals from GPs. Hospitals and specialized medical facilities are distributed across the country, ensuring that residents have access to a range of medical services.
Emergency medical services are available 24/7. The emergency number for medical assistance is 15. In case of urgent medical issues, individuals can also go directly to the emergency department of a hospital.
Pharmacies are widespread, and many over-the-counter medications can be obtained without a prescription.
France has been increasingly incorporating digital health services, such as online appointment scheduling and telemedicine, to enhance access and convenience for patients.
France has a mix of public and private medical facilities. While public hospitals provide excellent care, some travelers may prefer private clinics for various reasons. It’s important to check whether your insurance covers both public and private healthcare providers.
Healthcare system for travelers
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, as well as Switzerland, are entitled to healthcare services in France through the EHIC or the new European Health Card. This card allows travelers to receive necessary healthcare under the same conditions as residents.
Some non-EU countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with France. It’s essential for travelers to check whether their home country has such an agreement with France and understand the terms of coverage.
Travelers from countries without reciprocal agreements or those from outside the EU and EEA are strongly advised to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes health coverage. This insurance can help cover medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and other unforeseen healthcare costs.
English is not universally spoken in all medical facilities, especially in more rural areas. In major cities and tourist areas, some healthcare professionals may speak English, but it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of French medical terms or use translation services if necessary.
Main hospitals and clinics
Paris
Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP):
- A group of public hospitals in the Paris metropolitan area, including renowned institutions like Pitié-Salpêtrière, Hôpital Saint-Louis, and Hôpital Bichat.
American Hospital of Paris:
- A private, non-profit hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, serving both the local and international communities.
Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou (HEGP):
- A public hospital located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, providing a range of medical services.
Marseille : Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM): including Hôpital de la Timone and Hôpital Nord.
Lyon : Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL): including Hôpital Edouard Herriot and Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse.
Toulouse : Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse : including Hôpital Purpan and Hôpital Rangueil.
Nice : Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice: including Hôpital Pasteur and Hôpital Archet.
Strasbourg : Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Estimated fees for consultation and basic medical treatment
If you are covered by the French Social Security system, a significant portion of your medical expenses will be covered. You will generally pay a percentage of the total cost as a copayment (around 30% for consultations with general practitioners and specialists).
If you choose to visit a private healthcare provider or a specialist outside the public system, the fees can be higher. Private practitioners set their own fees, and these may not be fully covered by the Social Security system.
The fees for a consultation with a general practitioner (médecin généraliste) can range from approximately €25 to €60 or more, depending on the location and whether it is in the public or private sector.
Consultation fees with specialists (médecin spécialiste) can vary widely. In the public sector, you may pay around €30 to €60 for a specialist consultation with Social Security coverage. In the private sector, fees can be higher, and the cost may not be fully covered by Social Security.
If hospitalization is required, costs can vary significantly. In the public sector, a large portion of hospitalization expenses is covered by the Social Security system. In the private sector, costs can be higher, and supplementary health insurance becomes particularly important.
The cost of prescription medications can also vary. Social Security typically covers a portion of the cost, and supplementary health insurance can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Government and embassy website and contact informations
French Government Health Resources
- Website: French Ministry of Solidarity and Health
- Contact:
- Address: 14 Avenue Duquesne, 75350 Paris 07 SP, France
- Phone: +33 1 40 56 60 00
Health Insurance in France
- Website: Ameli (French Health Insurance)
- Contact:
- Phone: 3646 (within France) or +33 811 70 36 46 (from abroad)
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in France
- Website: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in France
- Contact:
- Address: 4 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France
- Phone: +33 1 43 12 22 22
Embassy of the United Kingdom in France
- Website: British Embassy in France
- Contact:
- Address: 35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
- Phone: +33 1 44 51 31 00
Embassy of Canada in France
- Website: Embassy of Canada to France
- Contact:
- Address: 130 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
- Phone: +33 1 44 43 29 02
Vaccinations required to enter the country
There are no specific vaccinations required for entry into France. However, travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Booking websites
Doctolib
Ameli.fr (if u have a french social security)
Maiia
Lemedecin.fr
Allo Docteur
Keldoc
Medadom