Australia – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Australia?

The Australian health burden is shaped predominantly by chronic, long-term conditions rather than infectious illnesses. In 2024, the five disease categories generating the greatest burden were cancer, mental health conditions and substance use disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological conditions — collectively responsible for approximately two-thirds (64%) of total burden.

The specific conditions contributing most significantly were coronary heart disease (5.5%), dementia (4.5%), back pain and related problems (4.3%), anxiety disorders (3.9%), and COPD (3.7%). This profile closely resembles that of other affluent nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, where non-communicable and lifestyle-associated diseases similarly dominate the burden of ill-health.

In 2022, roughly three in five Australians were estimated to be living with at least one long-term health condition, and two in five with two or more. Chronic conditions contributed to between 89% and 92% of all deaths recorded annually in Australia between 2002 and 2022.

For the first time in 2024, excess body weight (including obesity) displaced tobacco use as the primary contributing risk factor to disease burden. This shift was driven in large part by a 41% fall in the age-standardised rate of burden attributable to tobacco since 2003. In 2024, overweight and obesity accounted for an estimated 8.3% of total disease burden, while tobacco use (excluding vaping) was responsible for 7.6%.

Significant geographic disparities exist within Australia. In 2022–23, hospitalisation rates for COPD were 2.7 times higher and for diabetes 2.6 times higher in remote and very remote areas compared to other parts of the country. People in rural and remote communities — including many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations — face considerably elevated rates of chronic illness and reduced access to specialist care relative to those in major cities.

In 2023, more than 450 new cancer diagnoses were recorded every day on average. Skin cancer stands out as a particularly acute concern given Australia’s climate and intense solar radiation — the country records among the highest skin cancer rates in the world, making it a public health priority of a magnitude rarely seen in nations with lower UV exposure.

Is Australia considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

By most standard indicators, Australia performs strongly when measured against international peers. Life expectancy at birth places Australia fourth among the 38 OECD member countries, behind only Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. In 2022–2024, life expectancy stood at 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females. Given that the OECD average sits at around 80.3 years (as of 2021), Australians live meaningfully longer than the citizens of many comparable countries.

Among adults aged 15 and over, Australians ranked fourth out of 37 OECD nations in the proportion who rated their own health as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. New Zealanders led the list (88.4%), followed by Canadians (88.3%) and Americans (86.4%), with Australians at 85%, as of 2022.

Life expectancy was highest in the Australian Capital Territory for both males (82.0 years) and females (85.8 years), while the Northern Territory recorded the lowest figures for both males (77.0 years) and females (80.7 years). This geographic divide reflects the profound health inequities experienced by remote and Indigenous communities.

Over the most recent decade, life expectancy rose by 0.8 years for males and 0.7 years for females. The picture is nonetheless nuanced — Switzerland, Japan, Spain, Israel, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Norway all exceeded Australia in OECD life expectancy comparisons. The most current figures are maintained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Notably, the increase in lifespan has been accompanied by a rise in years lived in good health. Between 2003 and 2023, males gained 2.2 additional years of full health and females gained 0.8 years. This indicates that Australians are not simply living longer, but are experiencing better health across more of those extra years — a meaningful reflection of an effective public health system.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Australia?

Australia’s rates of many infectious diseases common in tropical or developing regions are low, and tap water is safe to drink across most of the country. That said, there are environmental and infectious disease risks that warrant attention — particularly for those arriving from parts of the world where these hazards are uncommon.

UV radiation and skin cancer represent the most urgent environmental concern for many new arrivals. Australia experiences some of the world’s most intense UV radiation levels, and its skin cancer rates are among the highest globally. Adopting sun-protective habits — applying high-SPF sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours — is strongly advised throughout the year, and is especially critical in northern and coastal regions.

Vector-borne diseases are present in certain parts of the country. Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus are mosquito-transmitted conditions unique to Australia, producing symptoms including joint pain and persistent fatigue. They are reported most frequently in tropical and subtropical zones such as Queensland, the Northern Territory, and sections of Western Australia. Dengue fever, also spread by mosquitoes, can occur in far northern Queensland. Melioidosis, a bacterial infection contracted through contact with soil or water, poses a particular risk in tropical northern Australia, especially during the wet season.

Heat-related illness is a genuine and serious threat, most notably across inland and southern Australia during summer. Heatwaves can reach extreme intensities, and those who have not previously lived in such conditions — older individuals and those with existing health problems in particular — should prioritise hydration, seek shelter, and moderate physical activity during the hottest periods.

Vaccinations: Entry to Australia does not require proof of vaccination, but a number of routine immunisations are strongly recommended. The Australian Department of Health advises that all residents maintain up-to-date coverage for standard schedule vaccines, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and influenza. Travellers arriving from or departing to countries affected by yellow fever may need to show vaccination certificates. Consult the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and your home country’s travel health authority for current pre-departure guidance.

Food safety is tightly regulated in Australia by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), and standards are high. Foodborne illness does occur but is generally less common than in many other countries. Bushfire smoke presents a notable seasonal air quality risk during summer, particularly across southern and eastern states, and can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Is smoking common in Australia, and what are the laws around it?

Australia operates one of the world’s most thorough tobacco control regimes and has developed a strongly anti-smoking social culture. The daily smoking rate among Australians aged 14 and over has fallen by two-thirds — from 24% in 1991 to 8.3% in 2022–2023. Over the same period, the share of people who have never smoked at all rose from 49% to 65%.

On 1 April 2024, the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 and its associated Regulations came into force, consolidating and superseding earlier legislation including the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act 1992 and the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011. Australia was the first country in the world to mandate plain standardised packaging for tobacco products — a policy subsequently adopted by France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and a number of other nations.

Smoke-free legislation in Australia is primarily the responsibility of state and territory governments. Across every jurisdiction, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public areas, workplaces, restaurants, bars, and the majority of outdoor settings including building entrances, playgrounds, sporting venues, and many beaches and parks. It is also illegal in all states and territories to smoke inside a vehicle carrying a minor. By international comparison, Australia’s tobacco restrictions rank among the strictest in the world.

The sale or supply of tobacco products to individuals under 18 is unlawful. The Australian Government applies excise duties to tobacco products to maintain their cost at a level that discourages use, with indexing to prevent affordability from improving over time. Consequently, tobacco is considerably more expensive in Australia than in the vast majority of other countries.

E-cigarette use is an escalating concern, particularly among young Australians. In 2022–2023, one in five (19.8%) people aged 14 and over reported having tried an e-cigarette at some point in their lifetime, up from 11.3% in 2019. Current use also grew markedly, rising from 2.5% in 2019 to 7.0% in 2022–2023. Australia has introduced regulatory reforms to clamp down on recreational vaping and bring e-cigarettes under tighter oversight. Up-to-date vaping regulations are available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Australia?

Excess body weight and dietary quality are significant public health challenges in Australia. In 2022, two in three (66%) Australian adults aged 18 and over were classified as overweight or obese — broadly in line with the 2017–18 figure of 67%. The proportion has climbed steadily from 56% in 1995 and mirrors trends observed in comparable high-income countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, though it remains below that recorded in the United States.

In 2024, living with overweight or obesity supplanted tobacco smoking as the single greatest risk factor contributing to Australia’s total disease burden. Its consequences span multiple disease categories, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, various cancers, and musculoskeletal problems. Type 2 diabetes alone was responsible for 127,592 years of healthy life lost in 2024 (standardised rate 3.7 per 1,000 persons).

Dietary patterns also raise concern. In 2022, 94% of adults failed to consume the recommended daily servings of vegetables set out in the Australian Dietary Guidelines — a figure largely unchanged since 2007–08. The proportion not meeting daily fruit intake recommendations also rose, from 49% in 2017–18 to 56% in 2022. Australia’s food environment encompasses a broad range of international cuisines and nutritious options alongside the heavily processed, energy-dense foods characteristic of many Western societies.

On a more encouraging note, physical activity levels have improved. In 2022, 37% of adults aged 18–64 failed to meet physical activity guidelines, down from 51% in 2017–18. The Australian Government’s National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030 identifies reducing overweight and obesity as a core priority. New arrivals who bring more active lifestyles or plant-centred dietary traditions from their home countries may find it relatively easy to sustain healthy habits, given the broad availability of fresh produce and diverse food options across Australia.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Australia?

Mental health has become firmly established as a major public health priority in Australia. Among young Australians, mental health conditions and suicide and self-inflicted injuries represent the leading contributors to disease burden. For males aged 15–24 specifically, suicide and self-inflicted injuries accounted for the greatest share of burden (12%), followed by anxiety disorders (10%) and depression (7%).

Community attitudes toward mental health have undergone considerable change over recent decades. Public awareness has grown substantially and stigma — particularly among younger Australians — has diminished significantly. Government-led campaigns and community initiatives have helped make conversations about psychological wellbeing more commonplace. Nevertheless, stigma persists in certain groups, including older men, some cultural communities, and workers in sectors such as agriculture and construction.

In 2022–23, 10% of the Australian population accessed 13.2 million Medicare-subsidised mental health services — rising from 8% in 2013–14. People aged 18–24 were the most likely to receive services (16%), with young women accessing them at a notably higher rate than young men (22% versus 11%).

Australia’s public mental health system is integrated with Medicare, which subsidises consultations with GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The Better Access initiative entitles eligible Medicare recipients to rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per year, provided they hold a GP referral. This is broadly analogous to public mental health support available in universal healthcare systems such as those of France or Germany, though wait times for specialist services can be lengthy in some areas. Private health insurance can help reduce these delays. The national crisis support line Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue offer immediate support to anyone in Australia.

Expats may encounter additional mental health pressures stemming from social isolation, the challenges of cultural adjustment, and the absence of familiar family support. Enrolling with a local GP promptly after arrival is strongly advisable, as this is the essential gateway to subsidised mental health and specialist services.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Australia?

While Australia is a safe and health-conscious destination by global standards, several health considerations are of particular relevance to people relocating from overseas.

• Sun and UV exposure: Individuals arriving from regions with lower UV radiation — which includes the majority of Europe, East Asia, and higher-latitude parts of the world — are often unprepared for the ferocity of Australian sunlight. Sunburn can develop within minutes, and accumulated UV exposure significantly elevates the risk of skin cancer over time. Applying SPF 50+ sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure between 10am and 3pm are habits that should be adopted without delay.
• Heat acclimatisation: Extreme heat is a recurring feature of inland and northern Australia. New arrivals should familiarise themselves with the warning signs of heatstroke and exercise particular caution during heatwave events.
• Dietary adjustment: Food quality and safety standards in Australia are high, but the typical Australian diet contains significant quantities of processed foods, red meat, and alcohol. Those managing pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease should not assume that food labelling conventions or portion sizes match those of their country of origin.
• Social and psychological adjustment: The stresses of relocation, unfamiliar cultural norms, and the severing of established social ties can all affect mental wellbeing. Actively cultivating new connections — through work, sporting clubs, or expat communities — can make a meaningful difference to psychological health.
• Healthcare system registration: Australia’s Medicare system extends coverage to most permanent residents and to nationals of countries with which Australia holds bilateral health agreements — including the UK, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia, as of 2025. Temporary visa holders may have restricted access and should arrange comprehensive private health insurance. Current eligibility information is available on the Services Australia Medicare page.
• Unfamiliar wildlife: Australia is home to venomous snakes, spiders, jellyfish, and other potentially dangerous fauna. While fatalities remain rare, new arrivals should take time to learn about local hazards and know how to reach emergency services by dialling 000.

The single most important practical step upon arriving is to register with a local GP (general practitioner) as quickly as possible. A GP can arrange health screenings, manage ongoing conditions, issue specialist referrals, and serve as the primary entry point into the broader healthcare system — spanning mental health, allied health, and specialist services.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Australia?

Australia maintains an extensive network of authoritative health resources. The primary official sources for health information and services include:

• Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care — the principal federal authority for health policy, vaccination guidance, and public health information.
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) — publishes definitive national health statistics and the biennial Australia’s Health report.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) — the source for life expectancy data, national health surveys, and population statistics.
• Services Australia — Medicare — for information on eligibility, enrolment, and benefits under Australia’s public health insurance scheme.
• Healthdirect Australia — a government-funded national health information service offering a 24-hour nurse helpline (1800 022 222), a GP finder tool, and a comprehensive symptom checker.
• Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) — for guidance on medicines, medical devices, and regulated health products including current vaping regulations.
• World Health Organization — Australia — for international health comparisons and country-level health profiles.

State and territory health departments also maintain locally relevant resources, including vaccination schedules, public hospital directories, and mental health service information. Useful state-level portals include NSW Health, Victoria’s Better Health Channel, and Queensland Health.

Health guidelines, visa-linked healthcare entitlements, vaccination requirements, and subsidy arrangements are subject to periodic change. Always verify current information directly with the relevant official source both before and after relocating, and consult your home country’s embassy or travel health authority about any pre-departure health preparations that may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Australia

Do I need vaccinations to move to Australia?

No vaccinations are mandatory simply to enter Australia. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a country where that disease is endemic. The Australian Government strongly recommends that all residents remain current with routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and influenza. Consult the Department of Health and Aged Care and your home country’s travel health authority for the most up-to-date guidance before relocating.

Can I access Australia’s public healthcare (Medicare) as an expat?

Medicare eligibility depends on your visa category and country of origin. Permanent residents and Australian citizens have full access. Nationals of countries holding bilateral healthcare agreements with Australia — including the UK, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, and others — may be entitled to certain Medicare benefits. Temporary visa holders without such an agreement generally need to arrange private health insurance. Check the Services Australia Medicare page for current eligibility details, as agreements and rules are subject to change.

Is skin cancer really a major risk in Australia?

Absolutely — Australia records among the highest skin cancer rates in the world, a direct consequence of its intense UV radiation environment. The risk is especially pronounced for people with fair complexions who have not previously been exposed to such powerful sunlight. Routinely applying SPF 50+ sunscreen, wearing hats and protective clothing, and staying out of direct sun between 10am and 3pm are essential precautions. Long-term residents are encouraged to have regular skin checks with a GP or dermatologist.

What mental health support is available to expats in Australia?

Eligible residents can access Medicare-subsidised mental health care through the Better Access initiative, which provides rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year with a GP referral. National helplines including Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available to everyone in Australia, regardless of visa status. Expats on temporary visas who have limited Medicare access should review their private health insurance policies for mental health coverage.

How serious is the obesity problem in Australia?

As of 2022, two in three (66%) Australian adults were living with overweight or obesity — a proportion that has climbed steadily since the mid-1990s. In 2024, excess weight overtook tobacco as Australia’s leading disease burden risk factor. The Australian Government’s National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030 includes specific targets to address this trend, but the challenge remains substantial at a population level.

Are there dangerous diseases or insects I need to worry about in Australia?

Australia does not carry the heavy burden of tropical infectious diseases found across much of Southeast Asia, Africa, or South America. However, mosquito-borne conditions — including Ross River virus (endemic to Australia) and dengue fever (in tropical north Queensland) — do occur. Ticks are found along eastern coastal areas and have been associated with Lyme-like illnesses. Heat-related illness is also a genuine hazard during Australian summers. New arrivals should familiarise themselves with local wildlife risks and ensure they know how to contact emergency services by calling 000.

How does Australia’s healthcare system compare to universal healthcare systems in Europe?

Australia’s Medicare system delivers universal health coverage to eligible residents in a manner broadly comparable to national health schemes in France, Germany, or Scandinavia. However, unlike the UK’s NHS — where the vast majority of GP and hospital care is provided free at the point of use — Australia operates a co-payment or “gap fee” model for many GP and specialist consultations, meaning out-of-pocket costs are a common feature. Private health insurance is widely taken up to cover additional services such as dental care, optical treatment, and private hospital accommodation.

Is the air quality good in Australia?

Throughout most of the year, air quality in Australia’s cities compares favourably with international standards. However, the bushfire season — which typically falls during summer and autumn across southern and eastern states — can cause significant and sometimes severe deterioration in air quality. Those with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions should monitor air quality forecasts closely during fire-prone periods. State environmental agencies publish real-time air quality data. Outside of bushfire events, urban air pollution in Australia is generally low relative to major cities across Asia, Europe, or North America.