When planning a long-term trip or expatriation, it’s important to understand the requirements of destination countries, particularly when it comes to visas. Some countries require medical examinations before issuing a visa. There are several reasons for this: to protect public health, to ensure the ability to finance medical care, or to meet specific requirements linked to the stay in the country. In some cases, the authorities may require you to take out international health insurance to obtain a visa.
Why do some visas require medical examinations?
As we saw in the introduction, there are several reasons why countries require a medical examination toobtain a visa. Firstly, to protect public health by preventing the spread of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV or yellow fever in the host country. Secondly, these examinations ensure that the applicant does not represent an excessive burden on the local healthcare system, in particular by checking that he or she has appropriate health insurance. In some cases, the authorities impose these checks because of professional requirements, particularly for jobs in the medical sector, which require in-depth assessment. Finally, for long-stay or immigration visas, these medical criteria ensure that new arrivals will be able to fully integrate into their new environment.
Which countries require medical examinations for their visas?
Here’s an overview of countries where visas may require medical checks. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and that you will need to find out more about each destination to obtain your visa.
- Australia: For student, work or permanent visas, a medical examination is required. This usually includes a lung x-ray and blood tests.
- Canada: Applicants for work or permanent residence visas must undergo a medical examination if their stay exceeds six months.
- New Zealand: Examinations are mandatory for long-term visas and include tests for diseases such as tuberculosis.
- United States: Immigrants (green card) and certain visitors must provide a medical report signed by a licensed physician.
- United Kingdom: A tuberculosis test is required for residents of certain countries who wish to stay for more than six months.
- Russia: A negative HIV test is mandatory for visas of more than three months.
- Brazil: Permanent residence visas may require a medical certificate.
- Venezuela: Certain types of visa may require a medical certificate.
Asian countries requiring a medical examination for visas :
- China: Work visas (Z visas) include a medical examination including blood tests, electrocardiography and tests for infectious diseases. A medical certificate may also be required for long-term residence visas.
- Singapore: Work permit holders must undergo a medical examination on arrival.
- Malaysia: Foreign students must pass a medical examination.
- United Arab Emirates: A medical examination is mandatory for work and residence visas, including tests for certain infectious diseases.
- Saudi Arabia: Applicants for work visas must provide a medical certificate attesting to their good health.
- Kuwait: Work visas require a medical examination, including blood tests.
- Qatar: Expatriates must pass medical examinations to obtain a residence permit.
- Bahrain: Work and residence visas include a medical examination requirement.
- Oman: Foreign workers must undergo a medical examination to obtain a work visa.
- South Korea: Some visas, notably work and student visas, require a medical certificate.
- Japan: Work and student visas may require a medical certificate.
- India: Work, student or research visas sometimes include a medical certificate requirement.
- Indonesia: Work and long-stay visas require a medical examination.
- Taiwan: A medical examination is required for certain residence and work visas.
- Thailand: Some non-immigrant visas include a medical examination requirement.
- Kazakhstan: A medical examination is required for work visas.
- Turkmenistan: Long-term visas include a medical examination requirement.
- Azerbaijan: An HIV test is required for visas longer than 30 days.
- Iran: Foreign students and certain workers must provide a medical certificate.
- Mongolia: Work and long-term visas require a medical examination.
African countries requiring a medical examination for visas :
- South Africa: Visas for temporary stays of more than three months require a medical certificate and an X-ray report.
- Nigeria: A negative HIV test is required for certain types of visa.
- Egypt: Foreign workers must provide a medical certificate.
- Algeria: Work visas may require a medical examination.
- Morocco: Foreign residents are sometimes required to provide a medical certificate to obtain a residence permit.
- Sudan: A negative HIV test is required for long-stay visas.
- Angola: A medical examination is required for work visas.
- Mozambique: Work visas require a medical certificate.
- Zambia: A medical examination is required for work and residence permits.
- Zimbabwe: Foreign workers must provide a medical certificate.
- Ghana: Some visas require a medical examination.
- Côte d’Ivoire: A medical certificate is required for certain work visas.
These requirements demonstrate the importance attached to public health and the integration of expatriates in their new host countries. It is important to check the medical requirements specific to your destination before applying for your visa.
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What are the costs of medical examinations for visas?
The cost of medical examinations required to obtain a visa varies from country to country, depending on the type of tests required. Here are a few estimates to help you anticipate these expenses:
- Lung X-ray: between €50 and €150.
- Blood tests: from €30 to €100, depending on the tests requested.
- Medical certificate: approx. €30.
- Vaccines: from €20 to €100 per dose, depending on the vaccines required.
These costs can quickly add up, especially if several examinations or vaccinations are mandatory. Some international health insurance companies offer reimbursement options for these expenses as part of a contract that includes a “travel preparation” component. Check the conditions with your insurer to reduce these costs!
The importance of health insurance
When visas include medical examinations, taking out international health insurance is a solution worth exploring. What’s more, in many cases, the authorities require proof of health cover to ensure that the applicant will be able to meet any medical expenses during their stay.
Accessing healthcare in your destination country
International health insurance guarantees fast, comprehensive access to the care you need, whether for medical consultations, hospitalization or specialized treatment. This coverage plays an essential role, especially in countries like the USA, where healthcare costs are particularly high. Good international insurance protects you from the financial consequences of unforeseen health problems or pre-existing conditions. It covers medical emergencies and costly treatments, reducing the stress of worrying about your health abroad.
Meeting local authority requirements
In many countries, health insurance is compulsory in order to obtain your visa. This enables governments to ensure that visitors are not a burden on their public or private health systems.
Repatriation assistance
In the event of serious illness or accident requiring a return to your home country, the insurance covers the often very expensive cost of repatriation. This service is of vital importance, especially in countries like Africa, where access to quality care remains limited.
Choosing the right international health insurance for living abroad
To meet visa requirements and protect your health during your expatriation or trip, choose an insurance policy that offers :
- Coverage of medical expenses, including those related to pre-existing conditions if accepted.
- Coverage for consultations, hospitalization and specialized care.
- Repatriation assistance if necessary.
- A guarantee against cancellation fees in the event of visa refusal due to medical findings.
- Flexibility to adapt to the duration and type of visa requested.
Taking out international health insurance gives you the security you need to travel with peace of mind and meet the requirements of foreign governments. Before you leave, take the time to assess your needs and choose coverage that will support you effectively in your project. On Santexpat.fr, you can compare the full range of international health insurance products on the market to find the right solution for your project abroad.
