Australian Visa Health Requirements: Medical Exams, Conditions and Waivers (2026)

What the Health Assessment Involves

The health assessment for Australian visas is conducted by a panel physician — a doctor appointed by the Department of Home Affairs. You cannot choose your own doctor for this assessment; you must attend an approved panel physician (HAP — Health Assessment for a Permanent Visa or eMedical for most other visa types). The assessment typically includes: a general medical examination by the panel physician; a chest X-ray (for applicants aged 11 and over for most visa subclasses); blood tests (for some visa types or if indicated by the examination); a mental health assessment component if relevant clinical history is noted. The doctor completes the assessment and transmits the results directly to the Department via the eMedical system. You do not receive the results directly — the Department reviews them as part of your visa assessment. Panel physician fees range from AUD 150–600+ depending on the tests required and the provider.

What Health Conditions Can Affect a Visa Application

The health requirement has two limbs: Public health: you must not have active tuberculosis (TB) or another condition that would be a danger to public health. A positive TB result on a chest X-ray or other testing triggers further investigation. HIV-positive status does not automatically fail the health requirement — it is assessed on current treatment and stability. Other infectious conditions (active Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C with active liver disease) may be assessed. Significant cost: your condition must not be likely to result in a significant cost to the Australian healthcare system or significantly reduce access to healthcare for Australians. This is a cost-based assessment applied to chronic or long-term conditions. Conditions typically flagged under the cost limb include: chronic kidney disease (especially requiring dialysis); certain cancers requiring ongoing treatment; insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes with significant complications; severe intellectual or physical disability requiring ongoing institutional care; HIV/AIDS where treatment costs are significant; heart disease requiring expensive ongoing management. The threshold is 'significant cost' — this is a relative test based on an estimate of the cost of the condition over the visa period compared against the set threshold.

The Significant Cost Threshold

The Department sets a 'significant cost threshold' — a dollar figure above which health costs are considered 'significant' for visa purposes. This threshold is indexed annually. As of recent years, it has been approximately AUD 49,000 over the period of the visa (for a permanent visa, this means the estimated lifetime healthcare cost compared to the threshold). If your condition's estimated treatment cost over the visa period exceeds this threshold, you fail the health requirement — unless a waiver is available. Costs counted include: hospitalisation, ongoing medications, specialist appointments, rehabilitation, and supported accommodation or care services. Costs covered by private health insurance or the applicant's own funds do not reduce the assessed cost — the Department calculates gross public cost regardless of whether you have private cover.

Health Waivers: When Are They Available?

A health waiver is available for most visa types when the health requirement is not met — but waivers are not automatic and are not granted easily. A waiver is assessed against community benefit considerations: is the benefit of granting the visa to the Australian community sufficient to outweigh the potential cost of the health condition? Factors that support a waiver: strong Australian family ties (children, spouse, parents who are citizens or permanent residents); long residence in Australia with a strong community connection; significant economic contribution (employer sponsorship, business investment); humanitarian or compelling circumstances; evidence that the applicant has private health insurance and/or personal financial resources to meet their own health costs. Waivers are not available for certain visa types (notably, some protection visas and some family visas have different frameworks). A migration agent can assess whether a waiver application is worth pursuing and help construct a compelling waiver submission.

Preparing for the Health Assessment

If you have a known health condition, the most important step is to be informed before your assessment — not surprised by a refusal. See your treating doctor and request: a comprehensive letter documenting your current treatment, medication, prognosis, and estimated cost of ongoing care; a specialist report if you have a specialist managing your condition; documentation of any private health insurance coverage. Present this documentation to the panel physician at your assessment — they can note it in their report, which becomes part of the Department's file. For TB screening: do not attempt to manipulate results. The Department uses an internationally recognised protocol and can identify anomalous results. If you have been treated for TB previously, bring documentation of your treatment completion. For long-term conditions: seeking advice from a migration agent before booking the health assessment is advisable — they can help you understand the likely outcome and whether a waiver strategy needs to be in place before the health result arrives.

Can I be refused a visa just because I have diabetes?

Not automatically. Type 2 diabetes well-controlled by diet or oral medication typically does not fail the health requirement. Insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes with significant complications is more closely assessed. The severity, cost of management, and long-term prognosis are all factors. Seek a specific assessment from a migration agent before concluding your condition will cause a refusal.

Does HIV status automatically fail the health requirement?

No. HIV-positive applicants are assessed on their current clinical status and treatment. HIV that is well-managed on antiretroviral therapy, with stable CD4 counts and undetectable viral load, typically does not fail the health requirement on public health grounds. The cost assessment may apply depending on treatment costs.

Is the health assessment the same for all visa types?

The components of the health assessment are similar, but the threshold and assessment approach vary by visa type and intended duration. Short-stay visas (under 12 months) typically only require health assessments in specific circumstances. Permanent visas have the most comprehensive health requirements.

What if my health condition worsens after the visa is granted?

Once a visa is granted, a change in health status does not generally cause the visa to be cancelled solely on health grounds (except in extraordinary circumstances involving public health threats). Health requirements are assessed at the time of grant.