Reference library
The visa health requirement and medical exams
Most visa applicants must meet minimum health standards before Home Affairs grants a visa. This page summarises the official health pages, checked 6 November 2026, and links to each one. General information only: it does not tell you which examinations you need or whether you meet the requirement.
What the health requirement is
To meet it you must be free from any disease or condition that would be a significant health care and community service cost, or that would limit Australians' access to health care and community services in short supply. Home Affairs also checks for threats to public health, especially active tuberculosis.
A Medical Officer of the Commonwealth assesses your examination results. They can consider only your medical situation, not other circumstances such as private health insurance or money to pay for treatment. Family members may also need to meet the requirement even if they are not migrating, depending on the visa.
Meeting the health requirement ↗ · Who needs health examinations ↗ · What examinations you need ↗
When to have your examinations
Before you apply: for visas listed in the My Health Declarations service, you can complete your health examinations before you lodge. Do not use it if your visa is not listed there or you have already applied.
After you apply: for other visas, wait until after you apply. Home Affairs will tell you if examinations are needed.
Results are generally valid for 12 months, so if processing is delayed you may need to repeat them. Home Affairs suggests checking the processing times before deciding to have them early. You pay for your own examinations.
How to book
- In Australia: book with Bupa Medical Visa Services, the Home Affairs migration medical services provider, online or on 1300 794 919. You need your HAP ID to change or cancel a booking.
- Outside Australia: you must be examined by one of the Department's approved panel physicians or clinics.
Arrange your health examinations ↗ · Bupa Medical Visa Services ↗ · Find a panel physician ↗
If you do not meet the health requirement
For some visa subclasses a health waiver is available. You do not apply for one: if it is available for your visa, your processing officer will contact you and ask for more information and a formal submission. It cannot be used for active tuberculosis or a condition that is a threat to public health. If a waiver is not exercised, the application is refused.
Home Affairs may also ask you to sign a health undertaking: an agreement with the Australian Government that helps you manage a significant health condition with a health provider in Australia. If you are asked and do not sign it, the visa is not granted.
Health waivers ↗ · Health undertaking ↗ · After your examinations ↗
Related forms
- Form 26: Medical examination for an Australian visa
- Form 160: Radiological report on chest x-ray
- Form 815: Health undertaking
Some visas also need adequate health insurance ↗, a separate requirement from the health examinations.
Summarised from Home Affairs health pages (Commonwealth of Australia). For your own situation, follow your visa processing officer's instructions or speak to a registered migration agent or Australian lawyer.