- Health examinations are needed for most visa applicants in Australia. This is true for temporary visas and permanent ones.
- What kind of medical checks you need depends on your visa, how long you want to stay, and your personal circumstances.
- You must have important documents ready, like your HAP ID, an eMedical referral letter, and your passport for the health check.
- You can book your appointments using systems like Bupa Medical Visa Services or see panel physicians outside the country.
- The price for these medical examinations can change based on where you go and what checks are needed.
- Results are sent straight to the Department of Home Affairs within 5 business days.
Applying for an Australian visa is not just about filling out forms. You will need to have a medical examination, too. No matter if you want a temporary or permanent visa, you must meet certain health requirements. This step helps keep public health safe, lowers healthcare costs, and makes sure that services that are in short supply are available to those who need them. As part of the visa application process, you will have health checks to see if you meet Australia’s minimum health standards. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about your medical assessments—from who needs them to what to do before your health exam. Ready to take this important step for your visa application in Australia?
Eligibility for Health Examinations
Not everyone who applies for an Australian visa must complete health checks right away. The need for health examinations depends on the type of visa, where the applicant is from, and any medical conditions that are shared. These health checks help protect community services and keep Australia’s healthcare system working well.
People applying for a temporary visa are usually looked at differently than those asking for a permanent visa. The rules depend on how long you plan to stay and what you will do in Australia. This guide talks about which visa applicants need health examinations, based on their own situation.
Who is required to undergo health checks?
The type of health checks that visa applicants need depends on their visa and who they are. If you are applying for permanent residency, you and your family members must have health examinations. People of all ages need these tests. If you are 11 or older, you also need a chest X-ray. If you are 15 or older, you must get an HIV test. If you are from a place that has a lot of hepatitis B cases, you may have to take a hepatitis B screening too.
Temporary visa applicants need health checks based on the length of stay and the kind of work they will do. If you work in healthcare or childcare or visit an Australian childcare center, this can lead to more blood tests or exams. Everyone will usually need a medical exam. You might also need a chest X-ray or blood tests with this visa.
Family members who come with the main visa applicants might also have to go through health examinations, even if they are not planning to stay long-term. To know what health assessments you need, it is important to understand the kind of visa you have.
Are there exemptions based on age or visa type?
Exemptions from health checks can be given in some cases. These often depend on your personal circumstances or the type of visa you are applying for. Some temporary visa types may not have strict health check rules. If you plan to stay for a short time and will not work in healthcare, there might be less you need to do.
Age is important too. Children under 11 years old usually do not need chest X-rays or HIV tests. Older visa applicants might have different health checks. This depends on their health and history.
If your medical results are a concern, you may be able to get a health waiver. The health waiver looks at expected healthcare costs and special reasons that apply to you. With certain medical conditions, you could still meet the health requirements for visa applicants.
Preparing for Your Medical Examination
Getting ready for your health assessment is about more than just booking your visit. Make sure you know the tests you need for the visa application. You will also need to have your HAP ID and your passport with you. These things are very important for applicants. If you are going to Australia, you may need to plan your visit based on the available times at the clinic, especially if you must see an approved panel physician.
It helps to talk clearly with the medical staff and the Department of Home Affairs on what you need to do. Doing this makes the process smooth. Are you sure you have all you need for this big step in your visa application?
Documents to bring to your health check
When you go to your health check, you should bring the right papers with you. The passport is important. Make sure it is still good, or it can be expired for less than two years. Next, you must take your eMedical referral letter. This letter tells what checks are needed and also shows your HAP ID.
Applicants who wear contact lenses or glasses should bring them too. This helps with any vision tests you may need. If you have any medical conditions, you need to take specialist reports. These will help the doctor understand your health better. Bringing every needed document with you means there will be fewer chances of delays. This helps your health check go well.
Now, if you want to confirm your booking or need details about the procedure, look at the next section for help.
How to book your appointment
Booking your health assessment will depend on where you are. In Australia, all health examinations must be booked through Bupa Medical Visa Services, because no other provider is allowed to do this. If you are applying from another country, you need to book your check with an approved panel physician listed on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Here are the steps for booking:
- Log in to your ImmiAccount and choose “Organise health examinations.”
- If you are not in Australia, look up “approved panel physicians.”
- Book the appointment straight through your selected clinic’s website or call them.
Approved panel physicians include doctors and radiologists who can do the health assessment and other medical checks needed for an Australian visa. Check the requirements first with your chosen provider to make sure everything is right. Whether you need an onshore or offshore evaluation, book your spot early. This can help you avoid delays with the Department of Home Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests are included in the health examination?
Australian visa health checks include some different tests. These health checks often mean blood tests for things like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Applicants will also get checked for TB, which is also called tuberculosis, by using a chest X-ray. General medical assessments and kidney function tests like serum creatinine and eGFR are a part of this process for many visa applicants. These checks are important for those who want an Australian visa.
How long does it take to receive results?
Medical reports are usually sent to the Department of Home Affairs by electronic means in about five business days. You can look at your ImmiAccount to see the status. Processing times can change. It will depend on which tests you need and where you took your health examination.
What happens if I fail the health examination?
Failing a health check does not always mean you cannot get a visa. The Medical Officer of the Commonwealth will look at your health issues during the visa application process. In some cases, you may get a health waiver. This can happen if you have compassionate reasons or if your healthcare costs will be low. The health waiver allows some exceptions, and the decision is made by the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth.
Can the examination be done outside Australia?
Yes, people applying from other countries can do medical checks with approved panel physicians all over the world. This can be done in places like New Zealand. Make sure you choose a clinic listed by the Department of Home Affairs. This is needed to follow the right steps for your Australian visa process.
Are the health check costs covered by the visa application fee?
No, the fees for health examinations are not part of the visa application costs. You will have to pay extra for the tests and medical appointments, such as chest X-rays or when you see a specialist. These costs can change based on where you go and what tests you need. If you want to know the pricing, contact each clinic or Bupa Medical Visa Services before you book. This makes sure you get the right information before booking your health examinations for the visa.