I Have an Ongoing Health Issue: Will My Australian Visa Be Refused?
When applying for an Australian visa, one of the most common sources of worry is the health requirement. Many applicants living with chronic but manageable conditions, such as diabetes or a heart condition, fear that their diagnosis will lead to an automatic refusal. The simple answer is no; an ongoing health issue is not an automatic reason for refusal. However, the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) will look closely at the potential cost of your treatment.
The Role of the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC)
When you complete your visa medical exam, the results are sent to a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC). The MOC’s job is not to provide medical treatment. Instead, they use your results to estimate, based on a hypothetical person, the cost to the Australian taxpayer of your healthcare needs over the next 5 to 10 years. Under the law, if your estimated cost exceeds a certain threshold, you are considered to have failed the health requirement.
Related: Can You Still Get a Visa If You Fail the Health Requirement? Complex Cases Explained
The “Significant Cost” Threshold
As of 2026, the significant cost threshold is approximately AUD 86,000. If the MOC believes that your medications, specialist appointments, and potential hospital stays will cost more than this amount in a period, they will issue a Natural Justice (S57) letter stating that you do not meet the health requirement.
How is Diabetes Assessed for a Visa Application?
For an applicant with diabetes, the MOC may look at:
The type of diabetes, as Type 1 may carries a higher estimated cost due to lifelong insulin needs. Type 2 is often seen as lower risk if managed by diet or simple medication.
If diabetes has already caused damage to your kidneys, eyes or heart, the estimated cost of future care like dialysis or surgery will likely exceed the threshold limit.
If your blood sugar levels are stable and you have no secondary complications, you may have a much better chance of success.
How are Heart Conditions Assessed?
For heart-related issues, the MOC may consider:
If you have a history of surgery, such as a bypass or a pacemaker fitted, they will assess the likelihood of you needing further major surgery while in Australia.
The cost of ongoing medications such as blood thinners or blood pressure medication.
If the MOC believes you are at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, they may decide that the medical costs required in the future may be over the threshold.
What is a Health Waiver?
If you fail the health requirement, you may still be able to overcome it through a health waiver under PIC4007. A health waiver allows the Department to consider your individual case if you can prove you have compelling and compassionate reasons to be in Australia. These reasons can include having a partner or children who are Australian citizens, or demonstrating that you have the financial means to support your own care through a strong legal submission. Book a consultation today to engage with a professional to assist with preparing a legal submission for your health waiver.
Not all visas allow for a health waiver. For example, the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa does not have a waiver option, meaning that if you do not meet the health requirement, it results in an automatic refusal.
What You Can Do Now?
If you have a known health issue, try to strategise a visa pathway that allows for a health waiver (PIC4007). Speak with an immigration lawyer to determine the best visa pathway tailored to your circumstances.
Do not wait until you receive a refusal letter, as an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law can assist in building evidence and preparing a health submission to address the MOC’s concerns before a decision is made.
Related: Which Visa Subclasses Allow a Health Waiver?
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Having diabetes or a heart condition makes your visa journey more technical, but it does not mean your Australian dream is over. Speak with Jason Ling or Angela De Silva at Agape Henry Crux, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. Our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards and the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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