Health requirements are a fundamental part of New Zealand's immigration system. Most visa applicants must demonstrate they meet health standards designed to protect public health and manage costs to the NZ healthcare system. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare effectively.
Why Health Requirements Exist
Purpose
Public Health Protection: Prevent introduction of communicable diseases.
Healthcare Costs: Manage demand on public health system.
Fairness: Ensure new residents contribute before accessing full services.
International Norms: Common across immigration systems worldwide.
What's Assessed
Health Status: Your current state of health.
Communicable Disease: Presence of TB and other diseases.
Potential Costs: Likely future healthcare costs.
Condition Severity: Impact and severity of any conditions.
When Medical Exams Are Required
Visa Types Requiring Medical
Residence Visas: All residence applications require medicals.
Long-Term Work/Student: Work or student visas over 6-12 months.
Shorter Visas Sometimes: May be required for shorter visas in some cases.
Character Concerns: If health-related character concerns.
Timing
Before Decision: Medicals needed before visa decision.
Validity: Certificates valid for limited period (usually 3 months).
Timing Strategy: Don't get too early or too late.
The Medical Examination
Who Does It
Panel Physicians: Must use INZ-approved panel physicians.
Approved List: List available on Immigration NZ website.
Overseas and NZ: Panel physicians in many countries and in NZ.
Cannot Use Own Doctor: Must use approved physician.
What's Involved
General Examination: Physical examination.
Medical History: Review of medical history.
Chest X-Ray: Usually required (11+ years old).
Blood Tests: Various blood tests.
Other Tests: Additional tests if indicated.
Documentation
Forms Completed: Physician completes INZ forms.
Results Submitted: Results go to INZ (often directly).
Copies for You: Get copies for your records.
Supporting Documents: Provide any relevant medical records.
Health Standards
Acceptable Standard of Health
You're likely to meet ASH if:
No TB: No active tuberculosis.
No High Cost Conditions: No conditions likely to incur significant costs.
Can Function: Able to function in NZ.
Not Danger: Not a danger to public health.
Cost Threshold
Significant Costs: Conditions involving significant healthcare costs.
Assessment: Costs estimated over 5 years.
Threshold Amount: Specific threshold in policy.
Comparison: Compared against threshold.
Conditions of Concern
Tuberculosis: Active TB is exclusionary.
Certain Chronic Conditions: Conditions requiring ongoing treatment.
Mental Health Conditions: Some mental health conditions.
HIV: HIV-positive status considered.
Transplant Needs: Dialysis, transplant needs.
Disability Services: Need for significant disability services.
If You Have Health Conditions
Disclosure Requirements
Must Disclose: Required to disclose health conditions.
Honesty Essential: Non-disclosure is serious.
Medical History: Complete history required.
Ongoing Treatment: Disclose current treatment.
Assessment Process
Case by Case: Each case individually assessed.
Medical Assessors: INZ medical assessors review.
Evidence Considered: Your evidence and physician's findings.
Cost Assessment: Likely costs assessed.
Waivers
Discretion Exists: INZ has discretion in some cases.
Humanitarian Grounds: Humanitarian factors considered.
Strong Cases: Compelling circumstances may help.
Not Guaranteed: Waivers not automatic.
Specific Conditions
Tuberculosis
High Priority: TB screening prioritized.
X-Ray Required: Chest X-ray for most applicants.
Active TB: Active TB generally prevents visa grant.
Inactive TB: History of inactive/treated TB assessed.
Treatment Completion: Must complete treatment.
Mental Health Conditions
Disclosure Required: Mental health conditions disclosed.
Assessment: Individual assessment of impact and costs.
Stabilized Conditions: Stabilized conditions more likely approved.
Treatment History: Treatment history relevant.
HIV
Not Automatic Decline: HIV not automatic decline.
Assessed: Impact and costs assessed.
Treatment Stability: Stable and well-managed better.
Policy Evolution: Policy has evolved over time.
Chronic Conditions
Diabetes: Assessed for complications and costs.
Heart Conditions: Cardiac conditions assessed.
Cancer: History and current status assessed.
Other Chronic: Various chronic conditions considered.
Family Applications
Each Applicant Assessed
Individual Requirements: Each family member meets requirements.
Separate Medicals: Each person gets own medical.
One Affects All: One family member's issues can affect all.
Children
Same Requirements: Children must meet health standards.
Age-Appropriate Testing: Testing appropriate to age.
Parental Disclosure: Parents disclose for children.
Preparing for Your Medical
Before Appointment
Gather Records: Bring relevant medical records.
Medications List: List of current medications.
Know History: Know your medical history.
Doctor Letters: Specialist letters if applicable.
During Appointment
Honest Disclosure: Completely honest about conditions.
Ask Questions: Ask if anything unclear.
Comfortable: You can request same-gender physician.
Complete Process: Complete all required tests.
After Appointment
Follow-Up: Attend any follow-up required.
Check Submission: Confirm results submitted.
Keep Copies: Keep copies for your records.
Timeline: Know how long results take.
Common Concerns
Privacy
Confidential: Results are confidential.
Immigration Use: Used for immigration purposes.
Medical Assessors: Reviewed by medical specialists.
Storage: Stored according to privacy requirements.
Failed Medical
Not Automatic Decline: Failed medical doesn't automatically mean decline.
Assessment: Your situation fully assessed.
Provide Context: Can provide additional information.
Waiver Possible: Waivers may apply.
Appeal Options: Some appeal options exist.
Costs
You Pay: Medical costs are your responsibility.
Panel Fees: Fees set by panel physicians.
Varies: Costs vary by location and tests needed.
Additional Tests: More tests mean more costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an immigration medical cost?
Costs vary by country and physician. In New Zealand, expect approximately $300-500 for a full medical including x-ray. Some countries are cheaper; some more expensive.
Will my condition automatically disqualify me?
Not necessarily. Each case is assessed individually. Many conditions don't affect immigration. Get advice on your specific condition.
Can I use my own doctor?
No, you must use an INZ-approved panel physician. Your own doctor's reports can support but not substitute for panel physician examination.
How long are medical results valid?
Usually 3 months. If your application takes longer, you may need new medical examination.
What if I disagree with the medical assessment?
You can provide additional information and specialist opinions. There are also some review and appeal options depending on the situation.
Concerned about health requirements for your visa? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can help you understand your options.