Australia So Much to See

Home > Tips and Hints > Trip planning and safety > Full time on the road > Doctors and Medications

Ask your Doctor to prescribe under Regulation 24, which will enable you to get six months of prescriptions for most medications dispensed at one time prior to your departure. Options for further prescriptions include telephoning your regular doctor to fax a prescription to the pharmacy at the town where you are staying. This may not be instant, so be prepared to wait a day or two. Likewise not all pharmacies, particularly in small town, will have your needs in stock. Expect to allow time for them to get the medications in store for you.

In addition to carrying the six month supply of regular medications, we carry an additional prescription (with repeats) which will give us another three to six months of supplies purchased monthly. This does not apply if you need the Authority required medications.

Certain specified medications may need an Authority issued or a new prescription every time (no repeats). In some states the prescription has needed to be from a Doctor in that particular state, but this has becoming streamlined and should no longer be necessary.

For medications that require a Government authority, your doctor can authorise the pharmacist to dispense all at once (usually three months supply). Discuss your needs with your Doctor well before you leave so the best options for you can be worked out.

Alternatively you can make an appointment with general practitioners in towns as you travel. Ask your doctor for a medical summary if deemed necessary to take with you, as it takes time for the new doctor to obtain this information. You may want to continue with a Specialist or may arrange to consult different Specialists on the way around.

You can register on the Government e-health system as a National medical records database, but be aware that not all medical practices and hospitals have joined this innovation, so carrying and essential records is still a good idea even if your own medical practioner has joined.

If you have any medical conditions that could be life threatening if not known in case of an accident or emergency, do wear a Medic Alert Bracelet, even if you have previously thought it not necessary when at home. See Medic Alert

For a directory of most medical services, including hospitals, emergency departments, private medical practices and pharmacies see Health Services Directory

Always carry a prescription for your spectacles, be they for reading or for driving. Carry an older pair to help in the short term following a loss or breakage.

Leaving the 'rat race' for a relaxing lifestyle, including interesting walks to keep up fitness, together with fresh air and sunshine may well be the best medicine.