Australian citizens can travel to Germany visa-free for up to 90 days. Flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Munich take approximately 20–24 hours via one stopover (Dubai, Singapore, or Doha). Klinik St. Georg has treated Australian patients who have faced the unique challenge of a healthcare system that does not officially recognise Lyme disease. English-language care, video consultation scheduling across time zones, and comprehensive discharge documentation are all standard.
The Lyme disease situation in Australia
Australian patients with Lyme disease face a challenge that patients in other countries do not: an official medical establishment that has historically denied the existence of locally acquired Lyme disease.
The official position
Australian health authorities, including the Department of Health and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, have maintained that classical Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) does not exist in Australia. They acknowledge that Australians can acquire Lyme disease through travel to endemic regions (North America, Europe, Asia) but dispute the existence of an Australian Borrelia species transmitted by local ticks.
The patient reality
Thousands of Australians report debilitating Lyme-like symptoms, many without overseas travel history. The Australian Lyme Disease Association (ALDA) and the Karl McManus Foundation have advocated for recognition, research, and treatment access. Research is ongoing into potential Australian Borrelia species and other tick-borne pathogens that may cause similar clinical presentations.
What this means for patients
Consequences of non-recognition
- Diagnostic barriers — standard pathology services may not offer comprehensive Borrelia testing
- Treatment access — physicians who treat Lyme disease in Australia risk professional scrutiny
- No Medicare coverage — Lyme-specific treatment is not covered under Medicare as the condition is not officially recognised
- Patient isolation — many patients report feeling dismissed, disbelieved, or misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or psychiatric conditions
- International testing — many Australian patients send blood samples to overseas laboratories (IGeneX, ArminLabs) for more comprehensive testing
Getting to Germany from Australia
The distance from Australia to Germany is significant, but the journey is manageable with planning. Many of our Australian patients describe the travel as worthwhile for access to treatment that is not available at home.
Flight options
- Sydney (SYD) — via Dubai (Emirates, ~22 hours total), via Singapore (Singapore Airlines, ~21 hours total), via Doha (Qatar Airways, ~23 hours total)
- Melbourne (MEL) — via Singapore (~21 hours total), via Dubai (~22 hours total), via Doha (~23 hours total)
- Brisbane (BNE) — via Singapore or Dubai; approximately 22–24 hours total
- Perth (PER) — via Dubai or Singapore; approximately 18–20 hours total (closer to Europe)
Typical round-trip fare: AUD $1,500–$3,500 depending on route, airline, and season. Some patients break the journey with an overnight stop in Singapore, Dubai, or Doha.
Visa and entry
Australian citizens can enter Germany visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A valid Australian passport is sufficient. No medical visa is required.
Time zone
Australia is 8–10 hours ahead of Germany depending on state and daylight saving. This means video consultations before your trip are best scheduled for early morning Australian time (late afternoon/evening in Germany). During your stay, this time difference makes it convenient to maintain contact with family at home.
Travel tips for long-haul patients
For patients with chronic fatigue or pain
- Consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop to reduce physical strain
- Book an aisle seat for easy movement during the flight
- Wear compression stockings on long-haul flights
- Arrive 2 days before your programme start to recover from jet lag
- The hospital can arrange airport pickup from Munich Airport
- Bring all current medications in original packaging in your carry-on
Cost expectations
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Treatment programme | €15,000–€25,000 (approximately AUD $25,000–$42,000 at current exchange rates) |
| Round-trip flight | AUD $1,500–$3,500 |
| Companion accommodation | €800–€2,000 for 2–3 weeks |
| Travel insurance | AUD $200–$500 (recommended for long-haul travel) |
| Local expenses | €500–€1,000 |
Insurance
Medicare does not cover planned medical treatment outside Australia. Private health insurance policies typically do not cover international treatment either, though some travel insurance policies include medical coverage. Check your specific policies before travelling. The hospital provides comprehensive documentation for any reimbursement claims.
Tax considerations
Medical treatment abroad may qualify as a deductible medical expense on your Australian tax return through the Medical Expenses Tax Offset (if applicable in your circumstances). Consult an Australian tax professional.
Coordinating care across hemispheres
The distance between Australia and Germany makes follow-up coordination especially important. Here is how we manage it.
How remote follow-up works
- Video consultations — scheduled at times that work across the 8–10 hour time difference (typically early morning for you, late afternoon for us)
- Comprehensive discharge documentation — English-language summary with specific follow-up testing recommendations
- Local pathology coordination — follow-up blood tests can be arranged through Australian pathology services
- GP coordination — we provide your Australian GP or specialist with a detailed treatment summary and are available for clinician-to-clinician communication
- Email support — for non-urgent questions, email communication works well across time zones