What are the risks for you and your family if you move to Australia?

Vaccinations

Australia is relatively free of dangerous diseases and parasites, but all travellers to the country should be up to date with standard vaccinations including tetanus, diphtheria, polio and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).

If you have an ongoing chronic condition, you'll need to discuss how your ongoing treatment will need to be handled when you move. There are few restrictions on bringing medication into Australia provided you carry it in your accompanying luggage, have a copy of your prescription with you and do not have more than three months' supply. There are some drugs that require a permit like certain steroids, so it is worth checking the Australian department of health website for up-to-date information if you have any concerns.

There are a few other vaccinations to consider for those whose lifestyle or travel choices may put them at risk:

• Although there is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Australia, the country does require that anyone over one year of age have a vaccination certificate if they are travelling from a country that does, or they have spent 12 hours in an airport there. WHO regularly updates its list of countries affected by yellow fever.
• Hepatitis B, which is spread by exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. It is thought that 2% of Australians are infected.
• Japanese encephalitis. A mosquito-borne disease, it affects mainly the most tropical areas to the north east, the islands of the Torres Strait and the Cape York Peninsula. The mosquitos tend to feed between dawn and dusk, and they breed in the paddy fields, swamps and marshes of the area – the main transmission time is between December and May. Those staying in the south of the country, in more urban areas and for less than a month are thought to be at very low risk.

Other risks

Australia is considered to be no more dangerous than a country like the UK although the usual level of vigilance for the safety of you and your possessions should be maintained. The normal rules apply: don’t leave your things unattended, stay away from potentially unsafe neighbourhoods, and don’t let the over-consumption of alcohol or your fascination with the new sights allow you to drop your guard against scam artists and thieves.

If you intend to travel beyond the city limits and out into the expanse of Australia’s bush, make sure you are clued up first. Think about your transport, survival and the potential threat from wildlife. There is plenty of information on the Tourism Australia website to help, and the national visitor safety handbook is an invaluable resource for everything from beach safety, to how to get roadside assistance in an emergency.

About national safety, like most places, vigilance is key. Avoid demonstrations if at all possible and be aware that the country is on an amber or ‘probable’ alert for terrorist attacks. Although the risk to the individual remains low, it is best to be clued up — check out the Australian government’s security website for more information.

One risk you don’t need in Australia is inadequate health care cover. Call one of our expert team today for advice about insurance to ensure you and your family’s well-being on your new adventure.

Aetna® is a trademark of Aetna Inc. and is protected throughout the world by trademark registrations and treaties.