Aside from walking with a fully kitted out First Aid pack and an Emergency Location Beacon, I was wondering what precautions people take in the chance that there is a situation that requires specialist assistance (eg: Helicopter rescue). Obviously, safety and care is paramount and first thing in mind when taking a hike, but it can and has happened to many unexpectedly where a wrong step can cause a severe sprain, broken bone or snake bite that renders you immovable.
For piece of mind on the health front (and possibly bank balance front), do people (particularly from interstate) take out any health or travel insurance before heading off on a (5+ day) trek into Tasmania? If a Helicopter rescue and hospitalisation is required, would you be expected to foot the rescue and hospital bill once healed up?
I do not have health insurance, am a member of Ambulance Victoria. Would it be advisable to take out travel insurance for the time spent in Tasmania hiking (if so, what would people recommend) or is it worth paying for an Ambulance Tasmania (or equivalent) membership?
Thanks and regards, Chris.