Emergency & Help

No matter what country you visit it is always wise to organise travel insurance. If something should happen the most common need is an ambulance.

Emergency

Australian ambulance services are self-funded - and they are quite expensive. It is a good idea to make sure that your insurance policy specifically includes ambulance, helicopter rescue and a flight home for you and anyone you're travelling with.

In the case of a life-threatening emergency, telephone 000. This is a free call from any phone and the operator will connect you to the police, fire brigade or ambulance depending on the situation.

If your travel plans include activities like scuba diving, motorcycling and even trekking, make sure that you check and read the fine print, as some policies do not cover these activities.

Help

The Traveller's Medical and Vaccination Centre is located at Level 2, 393 Little Bourke Street in the City 03 9602 5788 and is open from 9am to 5pm (Monday and Thursday till 9pm) and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Appointments are necessary.

The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre 580 Swanston Street, Carlton 03 9347 0244, provides free checkups and other medical services.

The Victorian AIDS Council and Gay Men's Health Centre, 6 Claremont Street South Yarra, 03 9865 6700, provides education, information and support for AIDS sufferers and operates a health centre for gays.