How you can stay healthy when travelling overseas and what to do if you get sick
As many Australians prepare to jet off to warmer Asian climates for a winter break, health experts are urging them to stay vigilant for infectious diseases including COVID-19.
New COVID-19 subvariants are circulating across popular holiday destinations in South-East Asia, prompting health alerts and increased screening and surveillance measures in some ports.
While there are no new travel warnings specifically for Australians, doctors say now is the time to check vaccinations, pack health essentials, and take basic precautions like mask-wearing in crowded areas.
Here's what's happening in the region — and how you can stay healthy overseas, regardless of where you're travelling.
More than 236,000 COVID infections have been reported across South-East Asia in the past few weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
That includes more than 85,000 in Thailand and over 5,000 in India in the past week. The WHO says a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is driving an increase in cases in parts of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.
The organisation is urging countries in the region to strengthen surveillance and encourage vaccinations.
In Bangladesh, authorities have urged citizens to avoid non-essential trips to India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia due to a sudden rise in COVID cases in those places.
The country has also bolstered health screening and surveillance measures at land, sea and air ports.
Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Queensland, says Australians should be aware of the spread of new subvariants.
"The risk of COVID is still significant — both while travelling and here in Australia," Professor Griffin says.
"The backbone of protection, whether at home or overseas, is vaccination and we're simply not doing enough of that at the moment."
Professor Griffin says the wave of new infections is linked to the FLiRT subvariant family and the newer NB.1.8.1 strain.
"It's not necessarily more severe, but it does seem better at evading previous immunity and attaching to human cells, making it more infectious," he says.
"That's why it's important to have a recent booster, like the JN.1-based one, which still offers excellent protection against these new strains."
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not issued any new travel alerts specifically for COVID risk in South-East Asia.
However, it has advised to exercise a "high degree of caution" in Indonesia overall due to security risks.
The Australian government recommends you monitor Smartraveller for destination-specific health advice and stay informed about local rules and entry requirements.
Broadly, there are no signs Australians are reconsidering travel.
Source: ATIA, ABS
Demand for international flights remains high, with a new report from the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) showing outbound travel up 12.1 per cent in the 12 months to April.
ATIA chief executive Dean Long says Australians are prioritising value and climate while COVID "is not really part of the decision-making process for most people".
"People who are worried are still taking precautions, but it's no longer top of mind for the majority of travellers."
Okay, but what if you're planning to travel elsewhere internationally?
Professor Griffin says healthy, vaccinated Australians can still travel safely but need to factor COVID into their planning.
"There are still basic things everyone can do: get a booster, wear a mask when appropriate, practice good hand hygiene and make sure you're in well-ventilated spaces," he says.
Professor Griffin says older Australians or those with pre-existing health conditions should consider getting tailored medical advice before they leave.
He recommended making sure vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before departure.
Doctors say the best defence is preparation.
Pack a basic travel health kit, including hand sanitiser, masks, electrolytes, paracetamol and any personal medications.
If you do fall ill overseas, DFAT advises seeking local medical care promptly and contacting your travel insurer early, as they may help organise treatment or cover costs.
If you're too sick or need help finding an English-speaking doctor, DFAT can provide a list of nearby doctors or hospitals.
Consular officials can help connect you with local healthcare and provide support in emergencies.
Experts say yes, but only if you read the fine print.
Professor Griffin reiterated the importance of carefully reviewing travel insurance policies before departure.
"One of the big issues is coverage for pre-existing conditions," he says. "If your illness is deemed related to one of those, you may not be covered — even for COVID."
He also warned some insurers have scaled back the extra COVID protections they introduced during the pandemic, so you could be caught out if you need to cancel or extend your trip due to illness.
"If you get sick, you may need to isolate or delay your return. That's where good travel insurance really becomes critical."
Mr Long urged Australians to go beyond the basics for travel insurance, warning that some credit card policies offer limited protection.
"There are a number of policies that now include COVID because it's just a health condition," he says.
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ABC News
6 hours ago
- ABC News
How you can stay healthy when travelling overseas and what to do if you get sick
As many Australians prepare to jet off to warmer Asian climates for a winter break, health experts are urging them to stay vigilant for infectious diseases including COVID-19. New COVID-19 subvariants are circulating across popular holiday destinations in South-East Asia, prompting health alerts and increased screening and surveillance measures in some ports. While there are no new travel warnings specifically for Australians, doctors say now is the time to check vaccinations, pack health essentials, and take basic precautions like mask-wearing in crowded areas. Here's what's happening in the region — and how you can stay healthy overseas, regardless of where you're travelling. More than 236,000 COVID infections have been reported across South-East Asia in the past few weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That includes more than 85,000 in Thailand and over 5,000 in India in the past week. The WHO says a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is driving an increase in cases in parts of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. The organisation is urging countries in the region to strengthen surveillance and encourage vaccinations. In Bangladesh, authorities have urged citizens to avoid non-essential trips to India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia due to a sudden rise in COVID cases in those places. The country has also bolstered health screening and surveillance measures at land, sea and air ports. Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Queensland, says Australians should be aware of the spread of new subvariants. "The risk of COVID is still significant — both while travelling and here in Australia," Professor Griffin says. "The backbone of protection, whether at home or overseas, is vaccination and we're simply not doing enough of that at the moment." Professor Griffin says the wave of new infections is linked to the FLiRT subvariant family and the newer NB.1.8.1 strain. "It's not necessarily more severe, but it does seem better at evading previous immunity and attaching to human cells, making it more infectious," he says. "That's why it's important to have a recent booster, like the JN.1-based one, which still offers excellent protection against these new strains." Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not issued any new travel alerts specifically for COVID risk in South-East Asia. However, it has advised to exercise a "high degree of caution" in Indonesia overall due to security risks. The Australian government recommends you monitor Smartraveller for destination-specific health advice and stay informed about local rules and entry requirements. Broadly, there are no signs Australians are reconsidering travel. Source: ATIA, ABS Demand for international flights remains high, with a new report from the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) showing outbound travel up 12.1 per cent in the 12 months to April. ATIA chief executive Dean Long says Australians are prioritising value and climate while COVID "is not really part of the decision-making process for most people". "People who are worried are still taking precautions, but it's no longer top of mind for the majority of travellers." Okay, but what if you're planning to travel elsewhere internationally? Professor Griffin says healthy, vaccinated Australians can still travel safely but need to factor COVID into their planning. "There are still basic things everyone can do: get a booster, wear a mask when appropriate, practice good hand hygiene and make sure you're in well-ventilated spaces," he says. Professor Griffin says older Australians or those with pre-existing health conditions should consider getting tailored medical advice before they leave. He recommended making sure vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before departure. Doctors say the best defence is preparation. Pack a basic travel health kit, including hand sanitiser, masks, electrolytes, paracetamol and any personal medications. If you do fall ill overseas, DFAT advises seeking local medical care promptly and contacting your travel insurer early, as they may help organise treatment or cover costs. If you're too sick or need help finding an English-speaking doctor, DFAT can provide a list of nearby doctors or hospitals. Consular officials can help connect you with local healthcare and provide support in emergencies. Experts say yes, but only if you read the fine print. Professor Griffin reiterated the importance of carefully reviewing travel insurance policies before departure. "One of the big issues is coverage for pre-existing conditions," he says. "If your illness is deemed related to one of those, you may not be covered — even for COVID." He also warned some insurers have scaled back the extra COVID protections they introduced during the pandemic, so you could be caught out if you need to cancel or extend your trip due to illness. "If you get sick, you may need to isolate or delay your return. That's where good travel insurance really becomes critical." Mr Long urged Australians to go beyond the basics for travel insurance, warning that some credit card policies offer limited protection. "There are a number of policies that now include COVID because it's just a health condition," he says.
SBS Australia
20 hours ago
- SBS Australia
After a shock diagnosis, Carlos attained an Australian visa only after an 'intrusive' process
In Australia, the 'significant cost threshold' for immigration health requirements is currently $86,000 over 10 years. Although some types of visas, such as a couple's visa, allow for applicants to seek a 'medical waiver' the process is long and complex. An attorney from the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre warns that people with HIV are often rejected without being properly informed of their legal rights or alternatives. When Carlos Araya Perez arrived in Australia in 2018 from Chile with an industrial engineering degree and a postgraduate visa, he hoped to improve his English, find a fulfilling job and grow professionally. 'I had lived in Ireland for a year and wanted to continue travelling. Among the options I looked for was Australia. I wanted something that aligned with my profession and would give me more opportunities,' Perez told SBS Spanish. Carlos Araya Perez arrived in Australia in 2018 from Chile. Credit: Supplied by Carlos Araya Perez But when he arrived, his lack of local experience and contacts led him away from the engineering field and into informal employment. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Perez says he was out of a job and out of savings, living without benefits at a friend's studio. It was then that a HIV diagnosis made his situation even more precarious. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, and can lead to AIDS if untreated. "It was the icing on the cake, but I saw it as an opportunity to grow," he said. "I am resilient, and from the first week I felt like it was something I couldn't change. I focused on what I could do: take care of my health and change my perspective on myself." He began his treatment through a compassionate access program, albeit with a level of uncertainty. 'I was concerned about access to medication. It wasn't free, and the program was renewed from time to time. That insecurity scared me the most.' What is the 'significant cost threshold'? What Perez didn't realise initially was that his diagnosis would have migratory consequences. When he applied for permanent residency, he discovered that his medical condition would exclude him because he exceeded the government's 'significant cost threshold' of $86,000 over 10 years. According to Vikas Parwani, a lawyer at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre, there is a lack of information about visa options for migrants with chronic health conditions. "The cost of HIV was estimated at approximately $11,000 per year (by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth). Across 10 years, that's $110,000. That exceeds the limit and is a reason to refuse a permanent visa,' he explained. The threshold, which is reviewed biannually, was increased from $51,000 to $86,000 in July 2024. "The Australian Government administers the health requirement to protect the community from public health and safety risks, contain public expenditure on health care and community services, and safeguard the access of Australian citizens and permanent residents to health care and community services in short supply," a Home Affairs spokesperson said. The spokesperson said having a health condition does not always mean an individual will not meet the health requirement due to significant costs, and the "majority" of visa applicants who are required to undertake Immigration Medical Examinations meet the health requirement. "The estimated costs are based on the health care and community services a hypothetical person with the same condition and level of severity as the visa applicant would require while in Australia." Learning this, Perez chose to extend his student visa, while seeking alternatives. An 'intrusive' process That's when his Australian boyfriend proposed to sponsor him for a partner's visa, and Perez began the process of applying for a medical waiver. He said he had to gather letters of support, demonstrate economic stability and present compassionate reasons. 'They asked me for letters from friends, from family members, from organisations where I volunteer. I had to prove that I wouldn't burden the system," he said. "It was a super-intrusive process ... it makes you question why you want to stay in a country that treats you like that." According to Vikas Parwani , a lawyer at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre who handled Perez's case, many migrants with chronic health conditions are left out of the system due to lack of information and the complexity of the process. 'Carlos was lucky to be able to apply for a couple's visa, which does allow for a waiver. For other people with Carlos's condition, a waiver is often not even offered." According to a Home Affairs spokesperson, "the decision to limit health waiver provisions to certain visas is in recognition that waiving the need to meet the health requirement can have significant implications for Australia's health care and community services." Parwani said Perez's social ties, community work, income shared with his partner and compassionate care that his partner provides weighed heavily to build a "strong case'. 'Although we (the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre) have a high success rate, the process is not easy. A lot of personal and medical documents are required, and it can take years," he said. "Not all lawyers know how to do this. And there are a lot of people who can't afford private counsel or access free help.' According to the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre, over the past four years, it has provided around 508 legal services related to health waivers, including direct representation for at least 59 clients navigating the waiver process. The centre said all clients who reached the health waiver stage during this period were successful. However, in earlier years, success rates were lower — particularly when the significant cost threshold was set lower than it is today. Approval and a fresh start In May 2025, Perez received the news he had been waiting for: the waiver was approved and he was granted a temporary partner visa. At the end of the year, he can apply for permanent residency. I was super-happy and felt a lot of relief. As the process took so long, it was about a week before it sunk in. Carlos Araya 'This was the most difficult visa to obtain. The next one, in theory, is automatic. I just have to prove that my relationship is still genuine. But you have to send photos, letters, joint accounts ... all over again,' he said. Perez now works for Living Positive Victoria, a non-governmental organisation that supports people with HIV. He guides newly diagnosed migrants, and promotes access to information and connection networks. 'Connecting with other migrants, speaking from a shared experience, helps you feel less alone. We often feel responsible, but if the same thing happens to all of us, maybe the system is the one that has failed,' he said. 'If you're going through the same thing and don't know what to do, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are communities and organisations that we are here to support.' People seeking support in the event of a crisis can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 (for young people up to 25 years old). More information and mental health support are available at and 1300 22 4636.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Jetstar takes advantage of huge Thailand boom
Thailand has always been a popular destination among Aussies – but since the release of the latest White Lotus series, travel to the destination has particularly boomed. Not long after the first episode of the new season dropped in February, Expedia searches for Koh Samui, where the film is set, spiked 70 per cent. 'This year, two-thirds of travellers say movies, streaming services and TV shows have influenced their travel choices, with a 16 per cent increase year-on-year [and] this trend shows no signs of slowing in 2025,' Expedia travel expert, Sarah King said. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), during the first four months this year, Australian arrivals grew by 16 per cent year-on-year to 273,961. Jetstar has also seen a boom in passengers visiting the destination and is now expanding its services to Thailand, adding more than 100,000 new low-fare seats between the two destinations. In 2024 alone, more than 400,000 passengers visited the Southeast Asian destination. 'We're reshaping our international network to focus on high-demand destinations, adding an additional 130,000 seats across Thailand, South Korea and Japan each year, and allowing Australians to take off more, for less,' Jetstar executive manager commercial planning, Lyle Brownscombe said. From October 2025, Jetstar will introduce two additional return flights per week between Brisbane – Bangkok, bringing the total to five weekly services within a year of launch. It will also add a weekly return flight between Melbourne and Bangkok, and two extra services between Sydney and Phuket during the peak Christmas holiday travel period. Fares will start from $299 – for example from Sydney to Phuket, one-way and $309 from Melbourne to Bangkok, one-way. The boost to Thailand flights comes as Jetstar this week became the largest carrier between Australia and South Korea, adding three more weekly flights between Sydney and Seoul. The airline now operates 10 return services per week to the South Korean capital city from Sydney and Brisbane. 'Our growth into Asia is backed by a significant investment in our fleet, including next-generation aircraft and upgrades to our Dreamliners, allowing us to fly further and more efficiently with more comfort for passengers,' Ms Brownscombe said. In celebration of its expansion, the airline is having a sale. Meanwhile, Jetstar airline will retire its Australia–Hawaii service, with the final Sydney–Honolulu flight departing October 24, 2025. Qantas will subsequently operate services from Melbourne and Sydney to Honolulu. The move has allowed Jetstar to redeploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliners to high-demand routes across Asia.
