This topic is about a student preparing for a six-month university exchange at The University of Sydney. The student needs to manage their ostomy and catheter supplies during their stay. Here are some helpful insights and advice for navigating this situation:

- The student requires regular ostomy appliances and single-use urinary catheters. However, their current health insurance, OSHC Worldcare, may not cover pre-existing conditions, raising concerns about obtaining prescriptions and subsidized supplies in Australia.

- The checked-baggage limit for the flight to Australia is only 23 kg, which is less than on previous trips. Mailing supplies from Germany would be complicated and expensive.

- The student wants to know if they can get prescriptions and supplies in Australia and what the costs would be. They also want to find ways to avoid or reduce airline excess-baggage fees for medical supplies.

- The student carries a large quantity of single urinary catheters, which adds to the baggage weight. Despite explaining their medical situation to the airline, they were informed that normal excess fees apply.

- The student is interested in meeting other ostomates and attending ostomy support meetings in Sydney.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights:

1. Contact Australian ostomy associations for guidance:
- NSW Ostomy Association, located at 7 Bridge Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048, Australia. Phone: +61 2 9565 4315.
- Colostomy Association of Victoria, located on the 2nd Floor (3rd lift), 98 Elizabeth St, Block Arcade, Melbourne. They have a stomal therapy nurse available. These associations can advise on eligibility, costs, and local supply options.

2. Australians receive ostomy products for free, apart from a small annual membership fee and postage. It is unclear if visiting students are covered, so it is best to ask the associations directly.

3. Contact your product manufacturers, such as Hollister or ConvaTec, to see if they can arrange local deliveries or emergency supplies while you are in Australia.

4. Packing and airline weight tips:
- Remove all outer boxes and repack wafers, pouches, and catheters in lightweight Zip-Loc or Kliplok bags.
- Carry as much as possible in your cabin bag; airport security generally allows this when items are clearly medical.
- Obtain a doctor’s letter stating that the supplies are for medical use and keep it with you for customs and airline staff. Most travelers never need to show it, but it helps if questioned.
- With careful repacking, one member managed to fit six months of ostomy gear, clothes, and boots into one checked suitcase under 20 kg, plus a carry-on bag of extra supplies, avoiding excess fees.

5. Maintain a three-month reserve in case of postal delays or lost luggage. Consider having family ship a top-up package if local access proves difficult.

6. For support and networking, local ostomy associations and hospital support meetings are good places to meet other ostomates while studying in Sydney.