My Accident in Australia: What I Wish I Knew Before...

Last week I got hit by a Ute on my way to work. In this video I just wanted go over what I wish I knew about being involved in a accident as a foreigner here in Australia. I also give a brief overview of my personal experience and explain my injury as well.

[@dragonshair]

One of the beauties of our health system is that even without access to insurance, you would have been treated for your injuries. Our hospitals don't turn injured or sick people away. You would have gotten a bill later, but you would still have gotten the best care available.

[@benwinter2420]

Australian hospitals are the last place you want to end up in , you will get sicker as per Bill Gates dictates

[@jeremykothe2847]

And it would have been a reasonable bill, with prices set by the government, not a random string of zeros as long as the hospital felt they had time to write out.

[@cate01a]

glad they do that rather than not, but still im shocked medical isnt completely free, especially if you were a victim

[@jeremykothe2847]

@@cate01a there are some countries I believe that do that, but not many. Keep in mind, if you're a tourist and gets injured and treated, very likely you'll just return home and ignore the bill, which will never be chased up to your homeland.

[@dragonshair]

For a citizen or permanent resident, it would be. However, you would be hard pressed to find any country that offers free medical for travelers. If they did, an almost instant trade in medical holidays would develop and the country would have hospitals filled with patients who accidentally fell over and needed heart valve replacements.

[@robertevans2181]

Respect, young man, you have learnt, and now you teach and share..Respect

[@maxhugen]

Coming from the US, with it's notoriously high medical costs, I'm a bit surprised that travel insurance wasn't considered!

[@catherinehammond4785]

No Australian would contemplate travelling to the US without travel insurance.

[@Flirkann]

Which would then cover visitors fees that Medicare wouldn't

[@chrisarabatzis4152]

As someone who works in the Private Health Insurance industry, we see a lot of overseas visitors take up 1 month of insurance for the visa requirements (some visa conditions say you need it), and then cancel in the first month. This is a great example of why you SHOULDN'T do that. All the best in recovery, Greg.

[@gregjameson327]

Thanks Mate!

[@ianmontgomery7534]

Sorry to hear of your accident. isn't this covered by TAC (or the equivalent in other State ) I think it is SIRA in NSW?

[@user-re9mz2bt1e]

No need for private health insurance when you go the worlds greatest free healthcare right?

[@ianmontgomery7534]

@@user-re9mz2bt1eWell you have to qualify for it for a start.

[@chrisarabatzis4152]

@@user-re9mz2bt1e You have to be Australian, but he's American. And healthcare isn't free, it get's covered by taxes and levies. Plenty of people go through the private system because it's a much better experience.

[@FionaEm]

Really sorry to hear about your accident, Greg. Glad you were able to make a worker's comp claim, but yep, travel insurance gives broader coverage and is definitely worth it. Good luck with your recovery. Glad you have a friend to support you 😊

[@lamsmiley1944]

Good work on wearing a helmet. I've known a couple of people who fell off skateboards without helmets, and they didn't have good outcomes.

[@cate01a]

I was getting on a bike for the first time in years at the top of a steep driveway. I started peddling, unknowingly in a high gear. The chains therefore slipped with high gear and high torque, and the bike went speeding down the driveway, right towards a bunch of big rocks. I should have fell off the bike on the grass instead of continue riding it but it was so shocking. Then I crashed into the rocks, the center of my skull slamming a sharp part of the rock. but thank god, I was wearing some shitty old cheap ass foam helmet for kids, and it broke in half, but probably saved my life or saved me from getting further retarted helmets absolutely save lives. accidents can be exceptionally mundane but severe.

[@lamsmiley1944]

@@cate01a Yeah, both the guys I was speaking of in my original comment were just skating, fell off and never woke up. They weren't doing anything "risky". It's kind of terrifying how something seemly small can be fatal.

[@MarcoCholo-iz9js]

All the best mate. As a Sydneysider, I've been following your vlogs since before you made the move to Oz. Stay strong mate, the best of Australia is still ahead of you. Hope you eventually get around to exploring the other capitals too. I'm sure you'll find plenty of work along the way too. And don't forget, aussies love people with a sunny outlook on life, so you'll fit right in no matter which Australian city you call home next. Cheers.

[@michaelmcclown5593]

Dam Greg you really going the extra mile for content bud, but seriously lots of good tips and life lessons learnt and still with a big grin all the best and get well soon.

[@mstmy7082]

Glad to know you're doing well after your horrible experience. Also love how you're sharing what you've learnt with the world, I'm sure those that come after you will benefit from your gift. Get well soon 💐🍇 sending flowers and grapes

[@cariaus3758]

Oh, dear so sorry you're going through this Greg. Glad to see you have a mate to help you out. Hope you have a quick recovery. Thanks for all the great info in this video, it will really help out travellers. Please look after yourself, cheers.

[@ProdCharles]

Have a good recovery, mate.

[@marcoroams]

Hey bro! Fellow travel vlogger here! Currently in the same position as you …dealing with a triple ankle fracture and will be out for many more months! Take it easy and all the best ❤️‍🩹 🙏🏽

[@gregjameson327]

You too brotha, triple ankle fracture sounds cooked

[@alisondawson5116]

So sorry to hear you did you ankle mate. I too broke my ankle in three places and had a dislocation too. Two breaks in tibia and one in fibula. That was in December, 2020. I am still in pain and my ankle swells like crazy when I walk and of course I also have chronic nerve pain from this too. I am an Australian and received the best treatment anyone could have wanted ~~ it was a ‘really bad break’ and my ankle will never be the same. All the best to you, I hope you also got what medical attention you needed and you heal well. Cheers. A.xoxox

[@marcoroams]

@@alisondawson5116 sorry to hear that! That sounds terrible, I hope you keep working on it and it comes good. I have started physio and am going to work hard to get it good again, I never want to go through this again

[@Paddyb522]

Hey Greg, sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Take it easy. 👍

[@alexkopp4361]

Sorry to hear my brother! Thank you for keeping us updated and best of luck on your healing journey.

[@gregjameson327]

Thnx Brotha! It’s just a flesh wound haha

[@1ihws]

@@gregjameson327 that line of “it’s just a flesh wound” is so “the black knight” monty pythonesque that I’m extremely tempted to say, “come back here, and I’ll bite your bloody legs off”

[@MrFoxadams]

Mate you have had a shocker ! Really glad to hear you able to get covered , hope recovery goes well !

[@gregjameson327]

I’ll be fine! Just stoked I’ll be able to stay!

[@worrywart1311]

Useful information for people from overseas, clearly explained.

[@johnborg2635]

Greg good evening from Egypt.. Sad to hear you were hurt in a Ute vehicle accident. Take things easy for a quicker recovery. Prayers out to you.

[@aussiefox2000]

I'm glad you are going to be ok. Very smart video. Glad you covered it

[@jules58au]

Oh Greg! You are so fortunate it wasn't worse with those huge utes! I wish you a full recovery. As an Aussie, I am saddened this has dampened your Aussie experience however, you are helping foreign travellers with common sense tips. This will give you legend status for sure. Oh and like the others said....you will need a new helmet. All the best Greg!

[@SussySerbo]

Glad to see ur doin well mate! get well soon!

[@noway5347]

Sorry to see this bust up...lucky your positive outlook on life will get you through. Hope you got some helpers round you. Take care.....Good Brad...!

[@katvelyte]

damn that sucks! I hope you heal up nicely and enjoy the rest of the time you plan to live here for. I'm really glad you were covered by workers comp and not put in a position of being out of pocket for emergency costs living in a foreign country. Best of luck for the surgery and your recovery!

[@Josh_Stuchbery]

Oh man I'm so sorry I hear that! Sounds like it would of been absolutely horrible. Praying you recover quickly 😢

[@Jeni10]

OH MY GOSH! 😱🙏🙏🙏. So glad you survived! Be extra careful from now on.

[@aup10]

Darn... hit by a ute with bullbars!! That wouldv'e sucked. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping most of your expenses are covered. Thank you for the good advice regarding "what if" when travelling.

[@issliss]

Hope you’re better fast and glad you could get workers comp. Good on you for posting about this stuff so hopefully other travellers know what to do.

[@jamesplummer356]

A Toyota ? O what a feeling

[@FromTheGong]

Unbreakable

[@bobhopest3540]

I like what you did there. Good job. 👍

[@robalexander7348]

Very nicely explained Greg, i wish you a speedy recovery and all goes well in the future, a special Thanks to Brett for looking after you, he does look like a decent guy, so i'm sure he will. Take care Greg 👍 nsw

[@movingloz]

Lessons learned hey. So glad that compo sorted it out for you. All the best mate. Xx.

[@kerri01]

Good advice. Your helmet may have been damaged in the fall even if you can’t see damage. If you have a claim for the damage to the bike I would also see about claiming for the helmet and if possible the damaged clothing. Given the comp coverage if you are struggling let your GP know and ask for help like shower assistance, meal delivery service etc. I was laid up for a couple of months in a wheelchair and the meals really helped. I just wish I went into a rehab hospital rather than insisting on going home because getting to physio, doctor appointments and pain management were really big challenges for over a month. I was covered by workers comp and just wasn’t thinking straight because of pain and meds. If your mental health takes a hit (reduced mobility, social interaction, meds and general an aesthetic can mess with mood) your work may have an EAP - employee assistance program- which can offer a number of sessions with a psychologist. Again you can also access help through your workers comp if more is needed if you see your GP and update your certificate. Rest up. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a more positive remainder of your stay in Aus 💜🐨💜

[@lexicase8805]

Honestly as an aussie, ute drivers are becoming renowned for being terrible drivers so its not surprising to me that it was a ute that hit you. If it was the ute driver at fault hitting you though, their compulsory third party insurance should cover all of your medical costs. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery

[@yeh.80]

Yep, they can be such obnoxious pr'cks

[@user-tr5kr1re9r]

Mate I’ve watched your videos since you arrived Your an inspiration and a teacher for anyone following you Your packing in some experiences 😅some not so great Good on you, keep it up

[@gregjameson327]

Hahaha I feel like I’m just becoming a cautionary tale for what not to do (this comment made my day by the way Ty)

[@australiamyway]

I’m so very sorry for your accident.

[@pegendary]

For anyone that has a RHA or is on Medicare through their visa, make sure you get extra cover for ambulance coverage! Ambulance fees aren't included in the public healthcare system outside of Tasmania and Queensland, and if you're eligible to go through the state provider (so, if you have temporary/permanent residency) then it can be very cheap to get insured. You don't want to get stung for 1000 dollars for an ambulance! If you have travel insurance or private insurance it will likely cover ambulance, but be sure to check, and read the PDS through fully.

[@LM-EntertainmentAustralia]

sorry to hear about your accident and i'm glad that you aren't worse off than you are. also, really glad that you were able to claim workers comp - otherwise things could have gotten pretty costly. one thing to note about travel insurance and specifically medical cover - if you have pre-existing conditions - a lot of insurance companies will not cover you for the medical side of things. others will cover you for some medical-related issues but anything associated with your pre-existing condition or which could be attributed to your pre-existing condition will mean you aren't covered. this is extremely important for people who have chronic illnesses or or significant health problems which dont stop them from travelling - but could see them needing medical treatment while abroad. trust your recovery will be quicker and less-painful than you're expecting!

[@gregjameson327]

Yea I guess I’ll have to do travel without my medical and then an ovhc^

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

I’ve noticed the overwhelming majority of idiot drivers are in utes here in Perth. The new Ford Rangers figure highly, whereas most of the muscle car people show restraint. I hope you make a full recovery! 👍🏻

[@1BIGFROGGY]

Oh no!! All the best mate! It could have been worse! It's good there were a few safety nets for you in Australia! We're lucky withe the systems set up the way they are. Hope you have a full recovery! You may also qualify for 'Pain and suffering' compensation if your injury exceeds certain thresholds. Perhaps you should look into this further.

[@gregjameson327]

Thanks mate !

[@chrismcdonnell1695]

Sorry to hear your story mate. In NSW, its difficult to claim Workers Comp for travel related injuries. Luckily, it appears that QLD has not made that change (yet). Keep smiling. And yay Bret!

[@gregjameson327]

Yea I really did get insanely lucky

[@robcorby5323]

In NSW, I think the State Govt dropped the travel to work compensation scheme. Most unions will cover this insurance as part of union fees if you are a union member. Also union fees are tax deductible.

[@gibbousmoon35]

Good point. Some of the details could vary, depending on what state you're in.

[@jenniferharrison8915]

I'm sad for you, your exciting visit to Australia hasn't been easy so far, I was hoping things were settling down to routine now! I think you were lucky overall! My niece broke her leg at a party and had three months off work without pay, at least they held her job, horrifying! Yes do check all the details, like local emergency contacts and any insurance and help! Best wishes for your quick recovery! 🤗👍

[@entropyachieved750]

Sorry to hear you didn't have travel insurance. Hope the hospital treated you well and a speedy recovery

[@rlb3339]

Big G! Oh man, can't believe your luck. Glad you're ok and making a speedy recovery. Thanks for providing the tips for all the international travellers staying in Australia. All very important as you never know what will happen when travelling abroad. Hope you're still able to cover the cost of your essentials and not end up homeless while you're in recovery mode. Shout out to your mate for keeping an eye on ya and helping out. That is the true definition of a friend. I hope he didn't arrive at the hospital at the wrong time and interrupt all the nurses giving you a sponge bath with an executive finish :P

[@gregjameson327]

Hahaha more like helping wipe

[@GeeEee75]

Nice comment, except for the last part. Nurses aren't sex workers, FFS.🙄

[@libbygenxmum]

Oh damn.🥺 I hope the hospital treated you well ☺️

[@gregjameson327]

They did! Especially for being some random foreigner haha!

[@katesmiles4208]

We think of you guys as part of the family 😊

[@seabreeze3906]

I would add, get a year of ambulance subscription. I didn’t have that, as a student, needed an ambulance unexpectedly. Now I know, even a ten min ambulance ride, can cost over $1000! for just over $100 a year, the subscription is worth it. The ambulance services vary state by state, it im sure there must be a national cover, if you search for it, if you’re travelling around Australia as a traveller.

[@gregjameson327]

Medical insurance or travel insurance didn’t cover it ??

[@seabreeze3906]

At the time, I had no private medical insurance. So Medicare covered me, as soon as I arrived at the hospital, but nothing covered me financially, from the place I was found unconscious, to the hospital, only ten mins away. Some private health insurance policies say they include ambulance cover, but if you read the fine print, there are limitations. So unless you need the ambulance, pretty close to where the nearest hospital is, it won’t always cover what you end up needing. Australia is so spread out, if you’re going away from cities, even more reason to explore ambulance coverage costs. Being medi vacced (helicopter, small plane) is very expensive.

[@RowBr0]

Ambo's are free in QLD.

[@GeeEee75]

​@RowBr0 Yes, each state varies WRT the cost of ambulances. Always best to know ahead of need.

[@catherinehammond4785]

BUPA has an ambulance only cover for under $100 per year for Australia wide. Some states have reciprocal agreements with residents of other states, but not all states have this, making it complicated if you are travelling to different states, so it is easier to pay for Australia wide coverage.

[@saragoescrazy]

I was hit by a car when I was a teenager... it was a really slow-motion impact, but it threw me to the ground and gave me some decent bruises, and scratches - overall very lucky. But I needed to mention the helmet when you said you were wearing a helmet and it saved you from a concussion. I can say for almost 100% certainty that I would have been MUCH worse off not wearing my helmet. Even with the slow impact, me hitting the ground, I remember flashes, but I just remember pulling my bike on top of myself instinctively. About a week or so later I saw my helmet sitting on the coffee table, and the thick foam was completely broken/split into 5 individual pieces. My helmet did exactly what it was supposed to... and saved my head. The helmet was badly broken, only being held together by the thin plastic shield.

[@glennholloway1094]

Happy it all worked out for you.

[@Mr4321aldo]

Good on you, mate.

[@darrenandrew1557]

You were hit by a car? Their car reg insurance should cover you.

[@GeeEee75]

Yes, he mentioned that, about the 8.30, 9 minute mark.

[@davidunwin7868]

Workers compensation usually supersedes CTP in the first instance, but it doesn't preclude a CTP claim later, and common law entitlements come through CTP.

[@allisalie101]

G'day Greg. Once you've been accepted for a Work Cover claim, you are entitled to ongoing treatment specific to that injury for life. It's not often you'll need any treatment post full recovery, but it is worth knowing in that if that injury ever becomes debilitating due to failure to fully heal etc. in your later years, you can actually claim for disability, usually in the form of a lump sum. Now I'm not sure how this works fully for a foreigner, however it is still worth knowing. I'm in Victoria, and the process here I'm guessing wouldn't be much different to Qld, so you'll likely be entitled to 95% of your pre injury income for the first 13 weeks and then that reduces to somewhere around 65% of your income for up to 2 years. So you'll be right mate. The big difference between Vic and Qld though is that this wouldn't be classed as a Work Cover injury in Vic, rather it would be covered by VicRoads, however you would receive the same outcomes more or less as you were on your way to work. Also, you will need to revisit your GP every month as the certificate of capacity only covers you for a month and provides a basic outline of your current capabilities, and as such needs the review process to occur monthly. FYI, I am a return to work coordinator for my employer and have looked after lads like yourself many times. God speed to a quick recovery young man.

[@gregjameson327]

Great information mate thank you. Yea maybe it’s only QLD you can get covered with in route to work 🤷‍♂️

[@sigmaoctantis1892]

@@gregjameson327 In NSW the journey to and from work is covered by worker's comp. However, it specifies 'the first journey home'. That means you are covered from work to the pub but not from the pub to your home. A little more seriously, that means, if you stop off anywhere on your way home, cover ceases.

[@1ihws]

Yeah right - try that and see how far you get! Especially if you’re working, driving on a public road, and get jerked off between TAC and Workcover - then you get f’d over for everything you own, forced to sell your home because your injuries are debilitating, and if you don’t you’ll lose it to the banks anyway - and then, if you’re lucky, the “powers that be” will try to fuck you over for everything you own, and then some!

[@mishamelbourne1649]

A RTWC ought to know it’s 80% post 13 weeks, not 65 ;)

[@allisalie101]

@mishamelbourne1649 not in construction here in Vic, which is why we have incolink which is a top Up fund to 100% post the 13 weeks, or an alternate source of income if you injury isn't work related.

[@Mr-Damage]

Mate see a solicitor if you go through workcover. Workcover is not your friend and they will try to make you sign off before you are ready and then you have no leg to stand on when a injury related to the initial incident they will wash their hands of you. Dont sign a release to accept compensation or go back to work until you have spoken to a solicitor. I know this from personal experience.

[@MrDomingo55]

Solicitor is not a term that is used in US. Just plain Lawyer.

[@Mr-Damage]

@@MrDomingo55 yeah well guess what. I'm in Australia

[@YeahNo]

@@MrDomingo55 Good luck finding an American lawyer in Australia. 🙄

[@lilithowl]

​@@MrDomingo55well he's in Australia, so....

[@coffeetabletarot]

Great advice

[@Hongaars1969]

Oh Greg that truly sucks. So sorry to be hearing of your injury. You poor man. You are really being challenged to the max. As you say, it could be worse( head or spinal injury). I didn’t know that the USA wasn’t part of the emergency treatment list of countries. Yes, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Especially when we are younger, we think that we are invincible and that nothing can go wrong with us. Travel insurance is a MUST. Try to take it one day at a time and focus on your recovery. Wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery. Zoltan

[@gregjameson327]

Ty Zoltan!

[@Richo732]

The USA doesn't have a national health care system or national health insurance system so there cant' be any government to government agreement on reciprocal care. The one thing all those countries on that list have in common is a national health insurance or health care system.

[@Matthew_M11]

@@Richo732 Exactly, you can't reciprocate what you dont have haha

[@The_Jupiter2_Mission]

Sorry to hear about getting rolled by the P Plater. How long does it take to get the workers comp to come through? I imagine all the red tape ends up taking a long time to actually be compensated. Hopefully I'm wrong. You really are being tested! Stay strong.

[@gregjameson327]

As far as medical bills. It took about a week but I got a claim number and am able file expenses on that claim!

[@paulineeast8560]

Soz Greg I just looked it up TAC is Victoria..in Queensland you should be covered for your medical bills thru NIISQ the National injury Insurance Scheme Queensland. The cost of replacing your bike etc thru the drivers 3rd party insurance, lost wages thru Workers Compensation...as it was a serious injury accident I would expect that it was reported to police so give them a call and find out the officers name in charge of your matter whom may be able to help you put your ducks in a row as to what you're eligible for etc or an organisation who can....generally the Coordinators/managers of your local Community House can help you with this also. All the best with your recovery

[@paulineeast8560]

Regarding the NIISQ I would imagine your GP can help you lodge a claim re that.

[@gregjameson327]

Awesome thanks for the info !

[@paulineeast8560]

We're currently in Qld (retired) hiding from Victorian winter...spewing we've only come as far as Sunshine Coast as we usually come all the way up to Cairns but it seems like your sorted...feel free to DM if you ever have any questions. PS as a mum of kids your age your mum will still be worried despite your assurances so keep her up to date. Hohoho

[@soennecken8]

You pointed out the "bull bar" on the front of the ute. These used to be called "roo bars" and there were less PC versions. Their legitimate use is in rural areas, where they reduce damage to vehicles in collisions with kangaroos and other low-slung animals (but not horses). This ute will never leave the city, and the "bull bar" will never come into contact with an actual bull, steer, heifer, cow or bullock. These days, almost all city utes have "bull bars", but only for visual effect. If they were named for what they mostly protect the vehicle from, they would be called "pedestrian bars".

[@gregjameson327]

Hahaha your right they’re on almost every Ute I see ^

[@AussieFossil]

It may be different in other states, but here in Victoria if you're injured in a motor vehicle accident and need to go directly from the crash in an ambulance to the hospital you're covered from the moment the ambulance picks you up. The ambulance is paid for, the ER is paid for, tests and scans are paid for, doctors are paid for. Depending on the hospital you might have to pay for TV hire though.

[@michaeljones853]

Great reminder about travel insurance - its a must have for me. Never had to use it but it is money well spent gives me peace of mind. Practical lesson/example here for all the viewers. Get well soon mate.

[@gregjameson327]

Yea it’s so cheap for everything it covers it’s really doesn’t make sense not to use it

[@michaeljones853]

@@gregjameson327 Woolshed still going in Cairns?

[@joanneburford6364]

Oh Greg, first up, I'm glad you're ok and it wasn't worse. Not sure if you're going to go into this further, but you'll have to be assessed to see if there is any residual injury that will affect you in the future, loss of chance, economic loss etc. Take it one step at a time and remember you have 3 years to make a claim. Most importantly, take it easy and don't go back to work until you're fit to do so and when you do, your employer must change your duties to fit in with your injury. Take care and keep smiling, you're in good hands here.

[@gregjameson327]

Hi Joanne! Yea I had a follow up at the hospital 2 days ago (after I filmed this). Unfortunately I’ll have to get another surgery to replace part of my ACL^^

[@bevhowell7665]

Oh no , not good glad your ok hope you heal quickly , don’t stay on pain meds

[@scottbrazier]

Take care Greg, yes I have been in hospital, and as an Australian/Qld resident, public hospital is no charge. I'm not sure about other states.

[@gregjameson327]

Haha your cooked in the states if you get and ambo called with no insurance

[@mark123655]

Ambulance isn't covered in some Aussie states either for Australians, though isn't quite as expensive as the US, and we don't use choppers as much which can really add to the bill in the US.

[@leannewith3]

@@mark123655you can get ambulance cover/insurance in all states. Which is not too expensive.

[@Gadgetmumma]

Ambulance in Queensland is free

[@mustlovedogs5569]

If u can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel

[@queenslanddiva]

wow, that is so condescending.

[@francistaylor1822]

@@queenslanddiva Its not though, its like Car insurance its part of what you need. Without travel insurance you can get into a lot of trouble and in some cases be left untreated at all....its not great but its how it works

[@queenslanddiva]

@@francistaylor1822 it's all in the way you say it, though, isn't it

[@francistaylor1822]

@@queenslanddiva yes, but honest truths are better spelt out tbh. Anyone flying to Australia has already spent a ton, health insurance isnt much more than that anyway.

[@katesmiles4208]

You will always be treated in Australia. You will get a huge bill and i think you will be unable to leave the country before its paid.

[@YouWontBelieve_]

Ambulance and/or local paramedics also have a protocol whereby if you get hit by a vehicle doing over 30 km/h, they have to take you to a hospital with trauma services.

[@Jeni10]

Greg, yes, it’s fast acting and short term. “Methoxyflurane provides rapid-onset short-term analgesia for: - initial management of acute trauma pain. - brief painful procedures such as wound dressing. The disposable, single-use inhaler device allows patients (including children) to self-administer the drug, under supervision.”

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Well, that's a bugger. People from overseas worry about the snakes, the sharks, the spiders and the jelly fish. There's nothing deadlier in Australia than a P plater in a ute. Top tip with the travel insurance. I get it if I'm going to the grocery store. Cheap, and it will save you a fortune, potentially.

[@gregjameson327]

I always thought it would be a drop bear that got me…

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@gregjameson327 You're not out of the woods yet. There's still plenty of time. Just remember when you're walking through the bush: Look up for falling limbs and drop bears. Look down for snakes and keep your ears pricked for P Platers in utes.

[@gregjameson327]

@@davidbrayshaw3529 hahahaha

[@richardverren8121]

Mate, sorry to hear that you got clobbered, but the silver lining is always looking at the bright side of this experience, as it could have been far worse in many ways. I'm Australian but when I worked for a US company here, my full married medical and dental costs were all met by the company including the birth of my son. All 40,000 employees got the same benefits worldwide.

[@gregjameson327]

Those are solid benefits! ^

[@shaunhill4438]

careful of utes bro sorry it happened to you make sure to follow the rehab plan when you get it in most likely 3 weeks you'll be fine :)

[@sarah3796]

Good man, Bret. 🥰

[@henrywilliam8506]

Sorry to hear about your accident, great blog. Just a correction to your statement that if you are at fault in a road accident, you are not covered for medical or compensation. In Victoria, if y I u are involved in a road accident, you're fully covered for medical and injury whether or not you're at fault. The TAC (Traffic Accident Commission) will pay all expenses and compensation.

[@gregjameson327]

Ah yea someone else mentioned TAC as well^

[@chriszigon4569]

If you become a member of certain bicycle clubs, they normally have insurance included with the membership, depending what cover they have, mine covers me anywhere I go in the world, like if I get injured while riding the bike.

[@gregjameson327]

Wow thats pretty cool!

[@joandsarah77]

Wow sorry to hear about this, hope you heal up fast. Also it's medicare here not medicaid.

[@wizardcrystal]

Another avenue to check out if you're in this sort of situation is the insurance included in your Superannuation Fund

[@vandemanferretstasmania.ni9576]

Just to help (because I’ve been here a few times with crutches) switch to the forearm brace ones, SOOOO much easier 😊

[@gregjameson327]

Haha I need to find em. My armpits are getting abused lmao

[@davidunwin7868]

Workers comp doesn't always cover journeys to and from work. Queensland is one of the few states that does, but even then it has limitations on "direct" routes to and from work (eg, don't get side-tracked at the pub on your way home). In any case, its a motor vehicle accident so in the other states, you could claim CTP (some states only if the other driver is at fault, whereas some other states it doesnt matter what driver is at fault). Travel insurance takes away all those headaches.

[@queenslander954]

You’re a goer mate , you exhausted me a bit when looking for a job , but stuck with it so good on ya , but then got hit by a Ute .. so that’s a Barry Crocker , but what about that Utes third party insurance ? But then heeeeey workers comp .. wot a pisser. Cairns is great spot as there’s no real winter here which means you don’t piss away 4-5 months a year waiting for summer to come around. Its as good as it gets in Oz , and was a favourite place for Americans R&R during the battle for the Coral sea during WW2 , Lee Marvin came every year for Black Marlin fishing during the 70’s .

[@dazaspc]

You were VERY lucky as for journey injuries Workers Compensation does not cover you in all states of Australia.

[@MystLily]

One thing I don't think young people take into consideration is that because they are young, active and out for adventure, Anything can happen and you should always consider accident cover for hospital trips. Lucky you are in Australia because generally you're going to be taken care of before any questions are asked about how your going to pay for it. Great info to get out there, hope you heal great and have lots more adventures and stay away from utes

[@Cruelaid]

Those roo bars don't miss bro 🇦🇺

[@gregjameson327]

Hahaha

[@potatoeoverlord9430]

Good on you for listening to the comments and getting a helmet. Your brain is something you really don't want to be taking damage to.

[@paulineeast8560]

Hi Greg I would expect that your medical bills should be covered by the Transport Accident Commission....Australians registration costs include money to the Traffic Accident Commission....just need to make a claim with the details of the Accident driver and car registration

[@bleukreuz]

Top tip: sometimes your credit card offer free travel insurance, but of course this is limited in what it covers and the duration. However it is better than nothing so it is worth it to apply for it if you don't plan on getting a proper travel insurance!

[@chrisnewman7281]

as my old grandad used to say look left look right look left again

[@belindaclarke7803]

Sorry to hear that Australia will look after you.

[@alisondawson5116]

What does this mean ? Sounds like we did a good job of looking after this guy, he got top notch health care and didn’t pay a cent. He had a few different options to claim insurance and he did so. Why are you saying ‘sorry to hear Australia will look after you’. What does this mean ?

[@gibbousmoon35]

​@alisondawson5116 I think it's two sentences, but it's missing the stop in between.

[@alisondawson5116]

@@gibbousmoon35 I think you’re probably right. Punctuation is very underrated.

[@davidcundy]

I'm surprised that you were allowed to come to live and work in Australia without medical insurance. We have an international student living with us and he was told he couldn't come in unless he had insurance. Whenever I travel, I always, always have insurance, always, always! Also, don't rely on Compulsory Third Party Insurance. All motorists who own a vehicle have to pay it as part of our registration costs every year, but there's no guarantee that it will apply to international people involved in an accident, regardless of where the fault lies. The Transport Accident Corporation, which oversees all accident payments, can refuse to cover the cost for any reason, particularly if it deems the accident the international person's fault.

[@edwardbarnett6571]

What about the ute drivers compulsury third party insurance if he was in the wrong?

[@missbonbon333]

Cairns drivers are crazy. Indicators are used at random! Hope you get healed quickly

[@OfTheOverflow]

People driving in this country have very little regard for pedestrians or people getting around on bike, sorry you found that out the hard way. Things are changing thankfully.

[@somethingforsydney9862]

I'm so happy Australia and its people have been hospsitable to you so far.

[@gregjameson327]

Me too hahaha

[@streaming5332]

You can thank the taxpayers.

[@hilaryking9993]

Had a serious accident I the US. Had credit card travel insurance only. My excess was $250. Everything else was covered. Excellent system, good care and can't speak highly enough of QBE insurance through Westpac. As I was travelling alone, they rang me daily on my discharge from hospital.

[@gregjameson327]

That is insane coverage from a credit card^ I have a card with insurance as well I’ll need to look into it !

[@griffintaylor8882]

Shit Greg that sucks, I broke my kneecap a few years back. It sucks, and the rehab won’t be easy, but it heals haha.

[@gregjameson327]

Yea my mom busted her’s as well. I wish it had been my elbow or something lol

[@meykhou5823]

'Onya Brett! what a great guy :)

[@gregjameson327]

An absolute legend !

[@RUMNIAH]

Mate if it was the cars fault you can claim loss of earnings and pain and suffering from the 3rd party insurance . Get better soon

[@mcspud]

You'll be right cobba

[@FillH2os]

Lucky mate. TAC should cover your medical expenses.TAC stands for Transport Accident Commission. It’s part of our car registration cost, and covers the other people involved in the accident for injuries and associated costs. Maybe you covered this… I’ll continue watching… Other good advise for your fellow countrymen/women. Look to the right, look to the left, look to the right again… Not…. Look to the left, look to the right etc.

[@gregjameson327]

Haha yea which way you look is an instinct that takes a while to break^^

[@FillH2os]

@@gregjameson327 especially after getting off a plane jet lagged.

[@007knick]

I am glad you are ok mate but good lord how the bloody hell did you not get medical insurance cover or know about travel insurance? As someone from the US surely you know what happens when you don’t have medical insurance? I would have also thought that it is compulsory for your type of visa if you are working.

[@gregjameson327]

Hahaha to be honest I was dumb and to didn’t research travel insurance. It was one of those things I told myself I would take care when I got here and obviously that was a bad idea

[@UniversalGaming]

That's rough, luckily you fell into one of the many safety nets we have in this country. That being said, having private health insurance is a requirement for the working holiday visa (visa condition 8501). Did you miss/forgot this requirement? Travel insurance does not meet this condition FYI, it has to be OVHC with an Australian provider. Edit: this condition is at the discretion of whoever approves the visa. It's not relevant in this case.

[@albosmum5210]

An interesting observation. But shusssssss. The last thing he needs at this stage is deportation due to a visa violation....lol

[@gregjameson327]

Ty! I wonder why travel insurance doesn’t meet the req???

[@UniversalGaming]

@albosmum5210 That isn't a risk. I looked into it some more, and the mandatory requirement is at the discretion of whoever approved the visa. If they don't ask for it during the application, then the requirement isn't imposed. It's just a recommendation. Greg is in the clear.

[@UniversalGaming]

@gregjameson327 Travel insurance usually has a list of exclusions and won't cover you if you've been drinking or you did something illegal. OVCH is normal private cover and doesn't care about fault.

[@albosmum5210]

@@UniversalGaming That's good to know. I wasn't being serious btw. lol

[@dot10k]

I’ve been following your travels and am disappointed to hear the sad news of your accident. It looks like you’ve got your bases covered for re imbursement of your costs, but would you have a claim against the driver? I hope that this hasn’t clouded your attitude towards Australia. Get well soon.👍😀

[@gregjameson327]

Nah it hasn’t, the fact that I’m an idiot and am still getting taken care here blows my mind haha. I need to some digging on the vehicle claim, I just found out where to look at the incident report and find the details of who hit me haha

[@kevinpaine7893]

@@gregjameson327 Were you on the old cheap pedal bike or the new e-bike? While digging check what effect there could be if your bike was not legally allowed on the roads. Frustratingly, Australia is flooded with illegal e-bikes that don't comply to the various state regulations, with it being particularly bad here in Cairns. Overseas vendors sell them knowing the faster, pedal-free bikes are only legal on private property, not for road use. Your previous video noting a top speed 30kmh+ with no pedaling required appears you may have an unregistered electric motorbike, not a legal e-bike. Best of luck with the recovery. 🍕🚴🍍

[@herrmayhem1915]

The Australian Healthcare system is not setup to bankrupt individuals. We are all covered through Medicare which is funded by everyone via income taxes. As you have discovered, even without travel insurance there are many other options. Everything is expensive here because we are insured up the yazoo. We all look after each other, even people who arent from here. Also travel insurance might only be valid for visitor visas. If you are here on a different visa you might need a different type of medical insurance.

[@dibailey540]

Please make sure you replace the helmet if you haven't already.

[@rgppayne4841]

His medical cost would be covered by all vehicles, third party is compulsory or worker comp.

[@davidjohnston1374]

Greg, if next time you travel abroad or return to Australia, check out any credit cards that may have travel insurance as a part of their awards, better than points i reckon. Ours gives My wife and I free Travel insurance for 6 Months if we buy the aircraft tickets by the card, then before we leave, we just pay out the credit card so it's free and clear. My wife ended up in Hospital for 2 weeks in Japan as she ended up having some surgery after her trip there, the insurance paid for everything. Hospitals get rather cagey with foreigners without insurance as they often leave the Country without paying and there's no way to recoup the costs of treatment. That also happens a lot in Japan too, people piss off back home without paying.

[@gregjameson327]

I have a sapphire preferred which I believe has that

[@gregjameson327]

I had no idea the coverage could be so extensive

[@CassandraHanley]

You DONT have the green whistle??!! we’ve had it for years. The medication is not something that can be taken long term, it’s for very very short term use.. like when your bouncing around in the back of an ambulance with broken bones or when the am is are trying to move you out of bed with a slipped disc type pain It’s literal magic

[@gregjameson327]

Hahaha nope I had no idea what it even was