I can't remember how much I payed starting up but I don't think it was anywhere near $600. My medical was well under $100 and the ASIC was only just over $200. Virgin require a much more in depth medical so theirs can cost up to $400, don't quote me on that though.
Also we recently received an email from our CEO saying that he would be the last one at the company to pay for his ASIC. Now I'm not 100% if that includes Altara staff or not, but I hope so