What is 501 Medical Examination for an Australian Visa?

When applying for an Australian visa, whether for temporary or permanent residency, expect that you might be required to undergo a medical examination. Officially this is known as Medical Examination 501 in Australia.

This assessment aims to ensure that those entering Australia satisfy the country's health standards. It’s the Australian Government’s way of safeguarding the community from potential public health risks.

Let’s talk about 501 Medical Examinations more below:

What is Medical Examination 501?

Medical Examination 501 includes a variety of health checks aimed at evaluating the general physical condition of certain temporary and permanent visa applicants.

It’s a comprehensive examination that includes tests for eyesight and hearing, weight and height measurements, reflex assessments, and urine analysis.

In some cases, additional checks might be conducted to examine the heart rate, blood pressure, and to physically check for any unusual lumps in the body.

Certain visas also require applicants to undergo HIV, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B and C tests.

Who Needs to Undergo Medical Examination 501?

The examination is required for certain visa applicants, particularly those applying for temporary visas like student visas, work visas, or visitor visas, depending on the specific visa subclass, length of stay, and risk factors such as the applicant's country of origin or any declared health conditions.

This medical requirement applies to both primary and secondary applicants of most visa subclasses. It includes those applying for temporary visas like the temporary graduate visa, and permanent visas such as employer nomination scheme visa 186.

It's also required for family members involved in the visa application, such as spouses and dependent children. For children and other dependents over the age of 5, this test is typically a requisite part of the application process.

Meanwhile, if you have already undergone a medical examination in the last 12 months, you may not be required to undergo the same medical exam again. However, if you need to sign a health undertaking, the result will only be valid for 6 months.

Components of the Examination

The specific tests and assessments included in Medical Examination 501 may vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Typically, the examination involves the following:

Physical Examination: Conducted by a panel physician to assess the overall health and identify any medical conditions that could impact the applicant's ability to meet the health requirements.

Chest X-ray: Required for applicants aged 11 years and older to screen for tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions.

Blood Tests: May be required to test for conditions such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, depending on the visa category and the applicant's health history.

Additional Tests: Depending on the applicant’s pre-existing health conditions or specific visa requirements, further tests may be necessary as determined by the panel physician or the Department of Home Affairs.

Why is Medical Examination 501 Important?

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) uses the results of Medical Examination 501 to identify any potential health issues that might affect public health or create extensive costs for the Australian healthcare system.

That is also why applicants from countries considered high-risk in terms of public health are highly encouraged to secure an international vaccination certificate for cases like polio and yellow fever.

501 Medical Examination Cost

According to the official Bupa Medical Services (BMS) website, the cost for undergoing Medical Examination 501 is $249.10 AUD inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). If additional tests are required, such as the 502 chest x-ray, the combined cost is $$345.10 AUD (also GST-inclusive).

These examinations are provided by BMS and other approved health services across Australia.

It's crucial to book your examination under the specific test indicated in your referral letter to ensure that your results are processed correctly for your visa application.