New Australian visa medical provider now taking bookings - Australia Forum

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 07/22/2014 - 10:51

BUPA, the new health service provider for Australian visa application medicals is now taking bookings, it has been announced.

The international firm has taken over from Medibank Health Solutions (MHS) and its medical centres around Australia will be open from 28 July. A spokesman said the easiest way to get an appointment is via its online booking system.

It operates the service on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) to provide medical assessments to Australian visa applicants.

‘We are working to streamline the service delivery of visa medicals because driving innovation in healthcare is just part of what we do, a BUPA spokesman said.

BUPA is providing six dedicated centres and an additional 30 partner centres around Australia, including regional and remote areas.

If you are applying for an Australian permanent visa or longer stay temporary visa you may be asked by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to have a medical assessment as part of the application process.

A health professional will perform a physical assessment and may take a blood and urine sample. It may also include a chest x-ray.

To book an appointment, you need a valid passport and a HAP ID from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

You should receive a HAP ID when you submit a visa application. If you are planning to lodge your visa application at a later stage you will receive a HAP ID when you complete a Health Declaration.

‘Bupa Medical Visa Services recognises that migration offers people a chance of an enhanced quality of life in Australia. By providing professional and respectful health assessment services, we enable customers to realise the goal of a longer, healthier and happier life,’ he added.

The spokesman also pointed out that the health provider is part of a global family that reinvests its profits into health. ‘Bupa is a leading international healthcare organisation, proudly looking after the needs of more than fourteen million people in 190 countries, including over three million Australians,’ he added.