My child has a disability and our partner visa was refused on health grounds. Can we get a waiver?

Yes, partner visa subclasses are eligible for a health waiver. Cases involving children with disabilities often have strong compassionate grounds. The key is to demonstrate the impact on the family if the waiver is not granted, and to address the cost concerns with evidence of private health insurance or self-funding capacity.

Health Waiver Australia: PIC 4007 Guide for 2026

If your visa application has been refused — or is at risk of refusal — because you do not meet Australia's health requirements, a health waiver may be your best option. This guide explains when a health waiver is available, how to apply, and what you need to demonstrate.

What Is a Health Waiver?

Australia's health requirement (Public Interest Criterion 4005 and 4007) requires visa applicants to be free from conditions that could:

Be a threat to public health
Result in significant costs to the Australian health care system
Prejudice access to health care for Australian citizens and residents

If you do not meet this requirement, some visa subclasses allow you to request a health waiver under PIC 4007.

When Is a Health Waiver Available?

A health waiver is available for most permanent visa subclasses, including:

Partner visas (subclass 820/801, 309/100)
Parent visas
Skilled visas (some subclasses)
Protection visas

Note: Health waivers are generally not available for temporary visas such as visitor visas and student visas.

What You Need to Demonstrate

To obtain a health waiver, you must show that:

1. The Condition Would Not Be Undue The costs and impact of your health condition on the Australian community would not be "undue" — considering the overall circumstances of your case.

2. Compelling Circumstances There are compelling circumstances that justify granting the waiver — such as:

Strong family ties in Australia
The best interests of any children involved
Humanitarian considerations
The availability of treatment in your home country

How Costs Are Assessed

The Department uses a "significant cost threshold" to assess whether your condition would result in significant costs. For 2026, this threshold is $86,000 over the relevant period (usually 5 years for permanent visas). The SCT was last updated on 1 July 2024 and is reviewed every two years — always confirm the current figure on the Department of Home Affairs website before relying on it.

Tips for a Strong Health Waiver Application

Obtain detailed medical reports that clearly describe your condition, treatment needs, and prognosis
Provide cost estimates from Australian health providers for your expected treatment
Demonstrate your ties to Australia — family, employment, community involvement
Address the best interests of any children who would be affected
Show that you have private health insurance or can self-fund treatment where possible

How I Can Help

Health waiver applications require careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the criteria. I will review your medical situation, assess your eligibility for a waiver, and prepare a comprehensive submission. Many health waiver applications succeed with the right approach.

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