For most Australians overseas travel is a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, however, every day our consular officers deal with human tragedies involving the death, injury or hospitalisation of Australians abroad.

Unfortunately, not all of these cases involved travellers covered by travel insurance. Travellers who are not covered by insurance are personally liable for covering incurred medical and associated costs. As a result, we have known instances where families have been forced to sell off assets, including their superannuation or family homes, to bring loved ones back to Australia for treatment.

01.Check the latest travel advicefor your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.

02.Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

03.Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so we can contact you in an emergency.

04.Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.

05.Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.

06. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

07. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.

08. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

09. Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.

10. Before departing Australia check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides help to Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas.