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Been asked to get a Bupa visa medical?
Here's what you need to do – and what you can expect – if you have to get a Bupa visa medical.
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When you come to Australia, in addition to your sunscreen and sunnies - you may be required to have adequate health insurance throughout your stay. Whether you’re transitioning or going straight in, it’s also compulsory for all permanent visas. It may also be required if your visitor visa extends 6 months.
This is to protect the Australian community from threats to public health such as infectious diseases and also to make the Australian health care system isn’t harmed by significant costs.
What is Bupa Medical Visa Services?
Bupa (originally the British United Provident Association) is a private health fund that provides health insurance for overseas visitors to Australia. Bupa also operates medical centres for the Department of Home Affairs, which provide health examinations for Australian visa applicants.
What are the Bupa Medical Fees?
The cost of your medical examination will depend on the number of tests you are required to have and which medical centre you attend. The cost of the medical exam itself ranges from approx AU$230 - AU$270, depending on whether you attend a metropolitan or regional centre.
If you are required to have a separate chest x-ray, costs range between approx AU$120 - AU$175, TB screening costs approx AU$90 regardless of location and a HIV blood test (required for permanent immigrants) costs between approx AU$80 and AU$90.
Who needs a Bupa Health Check
These health checks are compulsory for some visa applications, including the transition stream from 482 to Permanent Residency. You will be asked during your application for ‘Medical Examination 501’.
If you’re just visiting Australia, under a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and to wish to stay in for more than 6 months.
The following visa applications may require a health check:
- All applicants for permanent visas (including family members included on the application)
- Applicants for temporary visas (such as the Visitor Visa Subclass 600) may be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on how long they propose to stay in Australia.
When and how to book
When you have lodged your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will advise if you require a medical examination and supply you with a HAP ID (identification number). Or if you have not yet lodged your visa application, they will advise you once you have submitted your My Health Declarations form online.
Then to book your examination, simply use the online booking system on the Bupa Medical Visa Services website or call Bupa on 1300 794 919.
What does a visa medical examination involve?
When you arrive for your appointment at a Bupa medical centre, you will be required to change into a gown provided for your exam. Lockers are provided to store belongings and you are requested to leave any valuables at home.
A health professional will then perform a physical examination (if required), which may include taking a blood sample, a urine sample and a chest x-ray. Those who are pregnant, come from a country with a high health risk or are about to enter a healthcare or hospital environment may also require further testing for conditions such as TB, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
How much does it cost for an examination?
The cost of your medical examination will depend on the number of tests you are required to have and which medical centre you attend. The cost of the medical exam itself ranges from approx AU$230 - AU$270, depending on whether you attend a metropolitan or regional centre.
If you are required to have a separate chest x-ray, costs range between approx AU$120 - AU$175, TB screening costs approx AU$90 regardless of location and a HIV blood test (required for permanent immigrants) costs between approx AU$80 and AU$90.
How long does a health exam take?
Just as the cost will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, so will the length of time your health exam takes. As a general rule though, you should allow approximately 2 hours.
On the day, you must also take:
- Current valid passport
- HAP ID
What happens with the results?
After completing your visa health examination, Bupa Medical Visa Services will send your results to the Department of Home Affairs. You should allow 5 business days for assessment before your results will be available.
Those with an ImmiAccount can check the status of their application online, or if you have any questions, you should contact your visa processing office.
What you need to know about health insurance in Australia
If you are a visitor to Australia, as well as undergoing a health examination, you will also be required to take out private health insurance for the duration of your stay.
This is because you will not normally be covered by Australia’s Medicare system and would be liable for significant expenses if you or your family were to fall ill or be injured during your stay.
Luckily, there are many funds that can have you covered here. With health insurance tailored to meet the needs of overseas visitors. You can choose from policies that include the following benefits;
- Complies with Australian government visa requirements
- Protects you, your partner and your family from unexpected illness or injury Australia-wide
- Includes cover for medical treatment, hospitalisation and emergency ambulance
- Allows you to choose your own doctor and where and when you want to be treated
- Includes optional extras cover for services such as dental, optical and physiotherapy.
Compare your 501 visa compliant health insurance options
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*Pricing is based on a single male planning to live and work in the State of New South Wales on a working visa who is not applying for permanent residency, is not from a country that Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with and is not eligible for cover under Medicare. Prices reflect the April 1 premium rise and are accurate for July 2022 but are subject to change in the future.
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