According to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), medical examination 501 is important for some visa subclasses in Australia. Before we check what medical examination 501 includes, let’s understand the importance of completing medical examinations for visa purposes in Australia.
In this article, we will explore the concept of medication examination 501. We will also look into why both permanent and temporary visa applicants (even visitor visas) must take such examinations. Moreover, we will also identify which visa subclasses the medical examination 501 is applicable for specifically.
Reasons for Medical Tests
Medical tests are important for the safety of the Australian community, especially for those from high-risk countries according to DHA rules. When you apply for a visa, you receive a referral letter (consisting of a HAP ID) informing you of the tests you must take.
If the referral letter mentions ‘medical examination 501’, you must book an appointment and select this test for your examination date. If you have already taken a health test in the past 12 months, you may not be required to complete health tests again. Generally, the results remain valid for 12 months for visa application purposes.
However, if applicants have to sign a health undertaking, the health assessment result is valid for 6 months. This can include provisional visa applicants. Moreover, applicants with health issues or from high-risk countries may need to sign a health undertaking. It could also include a Hepatitis B test.
What is Medical Examination 501?
Medical examination 501 includes general physical health examinations conducted by panel physicians or a medical officer.
This test is mandatory for certain visa subclasses. For example, ranging both from temporary visas such as the 485 visa, to permanent visas, such as the 189 and 190 visas, all applicants need to undertake medical examinations.
It includes:
- eyesight and ear tests,
- weight and height readings,
- reflex checks, and
- urine samples.
Aside from these, the doctor may also check your heart rate, blood pressure and feel for lumps in the stomach, underarms, and throat.
The 501 is only one of the medical tests that applicants have to take when applying for a visa in Australia. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may have to take other tests. Examples of these tests include medical examinations, chest X-ray examinations, and 707 test, an HIV test.
Why Do You Need a Medical Examination 501 For Visa?
Essentially, the DHA needs to identify applications that may have a history of health problems. Health is a factor in visa approvals by the Department of Home Affairs.
As a general rule, these are mandatory for applicants for temporary and permanent visas. Also, members of their family unit who are a part of the application must undergo this examination.
Who are members of a family unit? This can include:
- spouses and de facto partners,
- a child or step-child who: has not turned 18, has turned 18 but has not turned 23
Who Needs to Complete Medical Examination 501?
This test is typically applicable for primary applications of most visa subclasses. Moreover, secondary applicants above 5 must also undergo this test. The type of tests an applicant must undergo largely depends on the visa subclass they are applying for.
Costs of Health Tests for Visa Purposes
In Australia, Bupa Medical Services provides all medical examinations for visa purposes. The full list of medical tests and the fees associated with these tests can be found on the Bupa Medical Visa Services website here.
For instance, as of January 2023, the costs of completing the medical examination 501 combined with 502 – the chest x-ray – is roughly equal to $432, including goods and services tax (GST). A medical examination 501 costs $311.40, including GST, as of January 2023.
As mentioned above, different visa subclasses have different compulsory tests. You can check the total fee for all tests that you have to attend and undergo on the Bupa website.
Seeking Advice from Immigration Lawyers
At JB Solicitors, our lawyers have the experience in dealing with a variety of legal matters under different areas of law. We offer marker-leading advice and services for family law, property law, conveyancing, immigration law, and criminal law matters.
If you are a migrant looking to apply for an Australian visa, gaining as much information about the visa as possible is important.
Each visa has different eligibility requirements and conditions. If you have more questions, such as what is medical examination 501, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of solicitors today. You may also wish to review DHA’s decisions by applying to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal with the help of our solicitors.
Contact Us
For more information or further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our team of friendly and experienced lawyers today. You may also be wondering about health insurance and overseas student health coverage if you are a prospective international student.
Reach out to us today for more information.