Medevac transferees had dental pain

Five refugees who refused help after being transferred to Australia for medical treatment complained of abdominal problems or dental pain.

Senate estimates heard in October five asylum seekers transferred to Australia from offshore detention under Medevac laws later refused treatment.

The Australian is reporting two men complained of dental pains but then refused treatment, with the others complaining of dermatitis or abdominal pain.

Estimates also heard 43 transferees refused an induction check, chest X-ray or pathology on arrival as part of the screening into the country

Former Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews told the Australian the figures showed the Medevac laws were being "gamed".

Crossbencher and Centre Alliance senator Stirling Griff told the paper it still was not enough to justify repealing the laws.

"You can have the same situation in a suburb of Canberra," he said.

"They need treatment and they opt not to take it. It's really no different."

Estimates heard there had been 341 applications made under medevac laws since they came into effect, with 293 deemed valid but only 135 involving transfers to Australia from Papua New Guinea or Nauru.

The legislation allows the temporary transfers for treatment or assessment.

The government will need crossbench support to repeal the laws.