Health requirements are a standard part of most Australian visa applications. The purpose is to protect the Australian community from public health risks and to ensure that visa applicants won't place excessive demands on the Australian healthcare system.
Who needs a health examination?
Most visa applicants need some form of health examination, but the specific requirements depend on:
- The visa subclass you're applying for
- The length of intended stay
- Your country of origin or recent residence
- Whether you'll work in certain occupations (healthcare, childcare, aged care)
Permanent visa applicants (189, 190, 186, 820/801, etc.) require a full medical examination. Temporary visa applicants may require a full examination or just a chest x-ray, depending on the factors above.
The examination process
- Request a HAP ID — when you lodge your visa application (or before), DHA generates a Health Assessment Protocol (HAP) ID through ImmiAccount
- Book with a Bupa panel clinic — health examinations must be conducted by a Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physician. You cannot use your own GP.
- Attend the examination — bring your passport, HAP ID, and any relevant medical records
- Results sent to DHA — the panel physician sends results directly to DHA. You do not need to submit them yourself.
What's included in the examination
Standard medical examination
- General physical examination
- Height, weight, blood pressure
- Vision test
- Hearing test
- Urinalysis
- Chest x-ray (for tuberculosis screening)
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B and C for some applicants)
Additional tests (if required)
- Pregnancy test
- Mental health assessment
- Additional specialist examinations if the panel physician identifies concerns
Conditions that may affect your visa
DHA assesses health against two criteria:
1. Public health risk
Conditions that pose a risk to public health, particularly active tuberculosis. If TB is detected, treatment must be completed before the visa can be granted.
2. Significant cost to the Australian healthcare system
DHA estimates the likely healthcare costs over the visa period (or for permanent visas, over a lifetime). If the estimated cost exceeds the "significant cost threshold" (approximately $51,000 over 5 years for permanent visas), the applicant may not meet the health requirement.
Conditions that commonly trigger the significant cost threshold include:
- Cancer requiring ongoing treatment
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart conditions requiring surgery
- Intellectual or physical disabilities requiring ongoing support
- Mental health conditions requiring long-term treatment
Health waivers
If you don't meet the health requirement due to the significant cost criterion, DHA may grant a health waiver. Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:
- Compelling circumstances (Australian family ties, humanitarian considerations)
- Whether the applicant is likely to access public health services or has private arrangements
- The nature and severity of the condition
Health waivers are not available for public health risks (e.g., active TB) — only for the significant cost criterion.
Tips
- Book early — health examinations have limited availability at panel clinics, especially in popular cities. Book as soon as you know you'll need one.
- Bring medical records — if you have a pre-existing condition, bring documentation including treatment plans, specialist letters, and medication lists. This helps the panel physician provide a complete assessment.
- Results are valid for 12 months — if your visa isn't decided within 12 months, you may need a new examination.
- Disclose everything — failing to disclose a medical condition that is later discovered can lead to visa cancellation on character grounds.