Getting your health cleared for an international career move is a major milestone, but the associated costs can be a source of significant stress. For 2026, work visa medical examination fees have seen a worldwide shift due to the phase-out of physical records and the rise of digital eMedical platforms.
Whether you’re heading to the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, this guide breaks down the essential costs, hidden fees, and administrative requirements you need to know to stay compliant and on budget.
Core Pricing & Fee Keywords: The 2026 Breakdown
Understanding the financial components of your medical checkup is the first step in planning your relocation budget.
- Panel Physician Fee This is the main fee you pay to the doctor. The doctor must be approved by the country you want to go to. In 2026, this fee is usually between $150 and $400 USD. It depends on where you are and what kind of visa you need.
- eMedical Processing Fee This is a small fee for sending your results online to the immigration office. Many clinics add it to the main fee. But some charge it alone, about $15 to $30 extra.
- Standardized Diagnostic Bundle Many clinics have a set package. It includes the body check, simple blood tests, and urine test.
- Chest X-Ray Surcharge Most countries make you do a chest X-ray to check for TB (a lung sickness). This test alone costs $50 to $140 USD.
- Age-Based Fee Structure Kids usually pay less because they do not need some blood tests. People over 75 may pay more. They often need extra checks for heart or brain health.
- Vaccination Attestation Cost You may pay to show your old vaccine records. Or you pay to get new shots if you need them, like for MMR, Hepatitis B, or Tetanus.
Regional & Global Standards for 2026
Each country has its own rules for health checks. The costs are different too. Here is what you can expect in popular places for work.
- Australia & New Zealand (Bupa MVS & IOM) In 2026, medical checks for Australian visas use Bupa MVS or IOM clinics. Fees have gone up a little because of normal price changes.
- Full Medical + X-Ray It costs about $370 to $500 AUD for the full check and X-ray.
- Health Case Reference Number (IME/HAP ID) You need this number to connect your payment to your visa form. It is very important.
- United Kingdom (TB Screening & IHS) The UK is different. Many work visa people only need a TB check before they leave, if they come from certain countries.
- TB Test Cost At approved IOM clinics, it costs about £75 to £120.
- IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) Do not mix this up with the medical exam. The IHS is a separate fee for using UK health services. In 2026, it is about £1,035 per year for most workers. You pay it when you apply for the visa.
United States (Civil Surgeons & Panel Physicians)
In the US, doctors called Civil Surgeons do the checks. Fees are not fixed by the government, so they change a lot.
- USCIS Civil Surgeon Fees Fees can be from $200 to $600 USD.
- Vaccination Update From 2025 and 2026, some old COVID rules are gone. This may make the cost for shots lower for many people.
UAE & GCC (Wafid/GAMCA)
For jobs in Saudi Arabia, UAE, or Qatar, you must use the Wafid system (it was called GAMCA before).
- Wafid Medical Fees First, you pay about $30 to $50 for the appointment paper. Then, the clinic exam costs $80 to $150 more.
The “Hidden” & Supplementary Costs
The first price you hear may not be the full amount. Be careful of these extra costs that come up often:
- Expedited Medical Report If you want your results fast, like in 48 hours, you pay extra. This “fast service” fee is $50 to $100.
- Sputum Test Surcharge If your X-ray looks unclear, you need a sputum test for TB. This adds $150 to $300. It can also make your visa wait 8 weeks longer.
- Blood Serology Add-ons Tests for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis are sometimes charged one by one, not in a package.
- Translation & Notarization If your old vaccine papers are not in English, you need to pay for official translation.
Administrative Logistics & Compliance
Time your medical check well. If you do it too early, the results may run out of time. Most results are good only for 6 to 12 months. If your visa takes too long, you may have to pay and do the whole check again.
Upfront Medical Exam (UME) vs. Post-Application
- UME You do and pay for the exam before you send your visa form. This is common for Canada Express Entry.
- Post-Application You wait for an official letter asking for the medical. This stops the results from running out too soon. But it can make the end of your visa take longer.
2026 Cost Comparison Table
| Country | Base Medical Fee (Est. 2026) | Mandatory X-Ray included? | Digital System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $370 – $450 AUD | Usually Yes | eMedical |
| Canada | $250 – $350 CAD | Often Separate | eMedical |
| USA | $300 – $600 USD | Varies | Paper/Digital Hybrid |
| UK | £75 – £120 (TB Only) | Yes | Digital |
| UAE | 260 – 360 AED | Yes | Wafid/SEHA |
Conclusion: How to Save Money on Your Visa Medical
Here are easy ways to pay less for your visa health check:
- Shop Around: In places like the US and Canada, clinics charge different amounts. Call at least three approved doctors and ask their prices.
- Bring Records: Take your old vaccine papers with official stamps. This way, you do not pay for new shots you do not need.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water before the urine test. If the test is bad because you are dry, you may have to pay to do it again.
Are you ready for your big move? Tell us in the comments which country you are going to. We can send you a simple list of approved clinics near you!
Disclaimer: This article is only to give information and help you learn. Always check the latest details from official places. Look at government websites like USCIS, IRCC, or Home Office. Or ask approved doctors before you spend money. Fees can change, and rules are different for each person.