Medical examination
Physical examination by Department-approved doctor (panel physician). Age-based tests (chest X-ray for TB screening).
Medical Examinations · Public Health · Waivers Possible
Every visa applicant must meet health requirements.
Medical examinations, public health significance testing, and cost-to-community analysis all feature in the health requirement. Most applicants pass without issue. Those with specific conditions may need a health waiver. See health waiver detail.
How the test works
Four assessment areas.
Health assessment covers multiple dimensions.
Public health significance
Conditions of public health significance (e.g., active tuberculosis, certain communicable diseases).
Cost-to-community
Whether the applicant would likely require substantial community care (medical or disability support) during stay.
Health insurance verification
For visas requiring health insurance (OSHC for students), evidence of cover for full visa period.
Common health-related issues
Three typical scenarios.
Most health-related refusals cluster around specific situations.
Chronic conditions with high treatment costConditions requiring ongoing high-cost treatment (dialysis, some cancers, organ transplants). Cost-to-community assessment.
Communicable diseasesActive tuberculosis or certain other conditions of public health significance. Treatment-to-clear often resolves.
Disability with high support needsPhysical or intellectual disability requiring substantial care. Cost-to-community applied.
Children with specific conditionsSome conditions in sponsored children trigger assessment. Waivers sometimes available.
Health waivers
Possible in specific cases.
Health waivers under PIC 4005 or 4007 can lift the health requirement.
PIC 4005 waiver
For temporary visas. Case-by-case assessment of costs and benefits. See waiver detail.
PIC 4007 waiver
For permanent visas. Tighter test but possible in humanitarian and family cases.
Evidence standards
Medical specialist letters, prognosis, treatment plans, cost projections. Detailed evidence required.
Health waivers are not automatic; they must be requested.
If a medical condition triggers the health requirement, the waiver is not considered unless specifically requested. Include waiver submissions at application time if you have conditions likely to trigger the test. Reactive waiver requests are harder.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For health requirement matters, book with Sourabh Aggarwal.
Do I need health insurance for my visa?
Depends on visa. Students need OSHC. Temporary workers need health insurance. PR visas rely on Medicare eligibility.
What if I have a health condition that might fail?
Get specialist medical evidence, prognosis, and cost projections. Apply with waiver submission if likely to trigger the test.
Can I appeal a health-based refusal?
ART appeal rights apply for most onshore refusals. Focus on waiver evidence and medical context.
Does pregnancy affect the health requirement?
Pregnancy alone does not fail the health test. Planning around timing matters for some visa types.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.