First, I have to say after spending 5 weeks in Australia, that Australians are just the nicest, most helpful folks. We were stopped several times by people who just wanted to meet us and talk. If we asked a question of a transit person or museum staff, we'd get an answer and then any additional information the person thought might be helpful. A couple stopped us from paying a meter, as it was free in the evening. We met a guy in Sydney on the way to the airport train. It was a steep downhill and we were pulling suitcases. He stopped us and actually walked us thru a couple hotels to use the elevators for a hack to avoid the downhills. All kinds of stuff like that. Then as nice as mainland Australians are, people in Tasmania were extra nice!
Regarding healthcare, we have been very fortunate to have not needed any medical care during any of our international travels.
I'd say we were both unlucky and lucky in Australia. When we arrived, I realized I had not counted in my thyroid meds. I had been waiting for the refill and then it was forgotten last minute. Our trip was for 5 weeks so I wasn't sure if I should just skip or try to get someone to fill it. I checked at a pharmacy in Sydney and the helpful pharmacist gave me a website for Medmate, an online clinic. I started to complete the questionairre and realized I needed a photo of my passport which I didn't have at the time. I stopped completing the form and then was sent a coupon! Anyway, long story short, a doctor calls, we talk, and she contacts the pharmacy with script. Cost was about $15USD for the service and about $10USD for the medication! Crazy, that's less than the copay I'd pay at home.
Then, I came down with bronchitis, and it got pretty bad. I walked to a pharmacy (Chemist Warehouse) talked to the pharmacist who said I needed an inhaler which a pharmacist can prescribe. No fee for the service, about $9USD for the inhaler. It has a different name in Australia, and when I asked, she double checked that it was indeed the same as Albuterol/Ventolin. She also said, if I wasn't better in a couple days, I would likely need an antibiotic and to come back. Her fear was that the bronchitis was becoming a pneumonia, which does tend to happen with me.
The inhaler was a God send and we were able to continue our travels with some modifications.
So, for Australia, at least, Medmate and a pharmacy are great resources at very inexpensive prices. I would imagine that there are similar services in other countries. I'm glad I checked in with a pharmacist for both the meds and the bronchitis and just didn't assume that I didn't have any options other than an ER, or similar. A couple extra points, I always have a list of the meds I take, and I know strengths and the reason I take it. I also have all labels for the prescriptions. So I was able to send Medmate a photo of my prescription label. It is always helpful and wise to be a knowledgeable healthcare consumer.