PREPARING FOR YOUR IMMIGRATION HEALTH EXAMINATION

Bupa Medical Visa Services operate medical centres around Australia on behalf of Immigration Departments, to provide health examinations to visa applicants. We aim to make the process as efficient and comfortable for you as possible, so here is everything you need to know about what to bring to your assessment and what to expect on the day.

On the day of your appointment, please bring your original and valid passport, as well as your eMedical Referral letter detailing your personal identifiers such as your HAP ID. If you don't have a unique personal identity number, please go to the Immigration Department's website. If you normally wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, please bring them to your appointment.

Depending on your individual circumstances, additional tests may be required on the day which may require payment. Even if you have already paid for your appointment, please remember to bring your ATM card or credit card because our centres are unable to accept cash payments.

Eat and drink as normal prior to your appointment as this will assist when you are required to provide a urine or blood sample. You will be required to change into a medical shirt at the centre which we will provide. Skirts and loose trousers are advised for women. Dresses are not recommended. Please do not bring valuables and jewellery to your appointment.

On the day of your appointment, please arrive on time - not too early or too late, just right on time. To help you be sure you arrive on time, it's important to know where to go for your assessment. The address of your nearest Bupa Medical Visa Services centre can be found at bupamvs.com.au. Please also familiarize yourself with how to get to your appointment, including what public transport and parking is available. Please allow approximately two hours for your assessment.

Entry to the medical lounge is only allowed for people with an Immigration Health Examination, or children under 18 years old with an adult. Other family or friends without an appointment will not be permitted to enter the medical lounge. We look forward to seeing you at your appointment.

There will be several parts to your health assessment. You will be welcomed by a receptionist and, depending on the circumstances of your visa, you may also have an x-ray, have some tests with a nurse, and have an assessment with a doctor who will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. When you arrive for your Immigration Health Assessment at a Bupa Medical Visa Services Centre, you will be asked to present your identification including an original and valid passport, and your unique ID number.

Your photo will be taken at reception, so you do not need to bring photos with you. Any outstanding payments will be collected at this point. You will be given instructions at reception on everything you need to know about the exams. This includes getting changed or undressed for certain procedures and arranging an approved interpreter or chaperon if required. Family or friends will not be allowed to interpret for you. A private change room will be available.

You will be required to store belongings such as mobile phones, handbags, jackets and jewelry in the individual secure locker which will be provided for the duration of the health assessment. If you require a chest x-ray, long hair must be tied back. Any jewellery or metallic items need to be removed before an x-ray; this includes bras.

The tests and procedures you will be required to undertake depend on the circumstances of your visa application. Generally, most assessments will include height and weight measurements, blood pressure measurement, eye tests, urine and/or blood samples. Our doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination during the physical examination. All customers will be required to remove all items of clothing except their underwear.

As part of the examination, our doctor will listen to your heart and lungs through a stethoscope and may need to press on various body parts including your stomach, neck and underarms. They will also need to stand within close proximity to you to examine your eyes, ears, nose, throat and mouth.

Women may also need to undergo a breast examination. Please be aware that your bra may need to be removed during this examination. You may request a doctor of your preferred gender to conduct the physical examination. If a doctor of your preferred gender is not available, examinations will be conducted with sensitivity, and you will also be offered a chaperone to be present for the exam.

After your Visa Health Examination, Bupa will provide your results directly to the Immigration Department within approximately five business days. The status of your Australian Visa Application can be checked online using your ImmiAccount if you have lodged your application online.

For any questions after the results of your assessment have been submitted to the Immigration Department, please contact your case officer, or visit the Immigration Department's website for further information.

There are some things that female customers should be aware of before their examinations, and other important things to note for parents or guardians of children under 18. A parent or guardian needs to be present when a child under 18 years old is examined or x-rayed. If possible, book the appointment at a time that your child is unlikely to be tired or hungry. Encourage your child to eat and drink as normal on the day of the exam.

Depending on the circumstances of your child's application, a blood test may be required. A Bupa employee will be on hand to assist you and your child during the assessments. Let the Bupa employee know how to keep your child comfortable and calm, including any distraction strategies that work for your child.

Pregnant customers may not be able to proceed with their Immigration Health Assessment. If you are pregnant, please phone Bupa Medical Visa Services to book your appointment. If you are menstruating on the day of your appointment, please reschedule your appointment for five days after you have finished menstruating.