Visa type

Visa for medical treatment abroad

Travelling for treatment needs a clear letter from the hospital and proof that the treatment is paid for. Some countries have a medical visa of their own. We prepare the file with you and your clinic.

Start your application Plan your trip

Covers

Medical treatment visa

Private treatment and consultations
Accompanying a patient
Organ donation (UK and Australia)

covered on this page

Documents

What the application needs

The purpose documents carry your application. They come on top of the basics every consulate asks for.

For this purpose

Documents for medical treatment (Visa Code, Annex II, point A6)

An official document from the hospital or clinic confirming that you need care there
Proof that you can pay for the treatment, such as funds, a deposit receipt or a sponsor
Medical reports from your doctor at home, translated where needed
For a companion: proof of the relationship, with their own application

Every trip

The basics

Passport
Form and photo
Travel medical insurance
Money for the trip
Where you will stay
Travel plans
Ties to home
Fingerprints

What each one means

By destination

How the main destinations handle it

Official rules, checked 9 November 2026. We confirm the details for your passport before anything is submitted.

United Kingdom
Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons: £234, up to 11 months. A doctor’s or consultant’s letter must confirm the condition, the estimated cost and length of treatment, and where it takes place. Treatment at an NHS hospital needs an authorisation form from your government saying it will pay.
GOV.UK: Visit for medical reasons
Australia
Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602): free when you apply outside Australia. The length of stay is set case by case, and you usually need written proof that the hospital has approved your treatment and the payment arrangements. It also covers support persons and organ donors.
Department of Home Affairs: Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
United States
Medical treatment is a B-2 purpose. Expect to show the treatment arrangements and how you will pay.
U.S. Department of State: Visitor visa
Schengen area
Apply to the country where you will be treated, with the clinic’s confirmation and proof that you can pay for the treatment.
EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (consolidated)

Tips

Small things that make a strong file

01
Ask the clinic for a letter on its letterhead with the diagnosis, the planned treatment, the dates and the cost.
02
Show how the treatment is paid: a deposit receipt, your own funds or a sponsor’s letter.
03
Plan the companion’s application at the same time, so you can travel together.

FAQ

Medical treatment visa: common questions

Can a family member travel with me?

Yes, usually with their own visitor visa and proof of the relationship. Australia’s Medical Treatment visa also covers people who support a patient holding that visa.

What if my treatment takes longer than planned?

In the UK you can apply to extend your stay with details from a UK-registered doctor or NHS consultant. A Schengen visa can be extended only in limited cases, such as force majeure, humanitarian or serious personal reasons (Visa Code, Article 33).

How long can I stay in the UK for treatment?

The Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons costs £234 and allows a stay of up to 11 months.

Official sources, checked 9 November 2026

The embassy or consulate always makes the visa decision.

More visa types