Medical Visa UK: Step-by-Step Guide

The UK does not issue a specific ‘Medical Visa’. Instead, individuals seeking private medical treatment in the UK apply under the Standard Visitor visa category, selecting medical treatment as the reason for their visit. This route is designed for those who require specialist care, surgery, or consultations from UK medical professionals, including treatment at private clinics or hospitals.

For many overseas patients, the UK offers access to world-class healthcare, advanced medical technology, and leading specialists. However, the visa process is not simply a matter of booking treatment — applicants must meet strict immigration rules, evidence their need for treatment, and demonstrate they can fund both the medical costs and their stay in the UK.

What this article is about:
This guide explains the UK’s Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment, covering eligibility, application process, supporting documents, conditions of stay, NHS charging rules, and practical considerations for patients and healthcare providers. It also addresses the legal obligations under the Immigration Rules, Appendix V, ensuring that your application is both accurate and compliant.

Section A: Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy the general visitor requirements in Appendix V: Visitor, as well as additional conditions specific to medical visits.

1. General visitor requirements

Applicants must:

• Be genuinely seeking entry for a permitted purpose (medical treatment).
• Intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit.
• Not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.
• Have sufficient funds to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and medical treatment, without accessing public funds.

2. Additional medical treatment requirements

In addition to the general rules, the applicant must demonstrate that:

• The treatment is for a medical condition that requires private care in the UK.
• A registered UK medical practitioner or NHS hospital (where NHS charges will be paid in full) has agreed to provide the treatment.
• The treatment can be completed within the permitted visa duration (up to 6 months, or up to 11 months if an extension is granted for private medical care under paragraph V 13.3).
• All costs of the treatment can be met in advance, including any anticipated follow-up care.
• There is no risk to public health due to infectious disease, or that any such risk is contained and managed in accordance with UK health regulations.

3. Long-term or extended treatment

Where medical treatment requires more than six months but less than eleven months, applicants must:

• Apply for an 11-month Standard Visitor visa for private medical treatment.
• Provide detailed evidence from a UK-based medical professional explaining the nature of the condition, expected treatment plan, and duration.
• Show proof of funds to cover the entire extended stay.

Section A Summary: Eligibility for a UK medical visit under the Standard Visitor visa hinges on meeting both the general visitor rules and specific medical treatment criteria. This includes proving the treatment is necessary, arranged in advance with a registered provider, affordable without public funds, and can be completed within the permitted timeframe. Failure to provide full supporting evidence is a common reason for refusal, so preparation is key.

Section B: Application Process

Applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment involves several stages. While the process is similar to a standard visitor application, additional medical documentation is required to demonstrate the necessity and feasibility of the treatment in the UK.

1. Determine if you need a visa

Nationals of certain countries (visa nationals) must obtain a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK. Non‑visa nationals may seek permission to enter at the border for medical treatment, but should still carry full supporting evidence. In practice, even non‑visa nationals are strongly advised to secure a visa in advance to avoid the risk of refusal on arrival.

2. Complete the online application

Apply on the UK Government website. When prompted:

• Select “Visit” as the reason for travel.
• Choose “Medical treatment” as the purpose of visit.
• Provide details of the planned treatment (provider, location, dates, and costs).

The form requires personal details, travel history, financial information, and evidence of ties to your home country to demonstrate your intention to return.

3. Pay the visa fee

As of 2025:

• £115 — Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months).
• £200 — 11‑month visitor permission for private medical treatment (where appropriate).

These fees exclude biometric enrolment charges and any optional priority services.

4. Book a biometric appointment

Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Some VACs offer paid document‑scanning services if you prefer not to upload evidence yourself.

5. Submit supporting documents

For a medical visit, include robust evidence:

• Medical letter from a UK‑registered practitioner or hospital confirming diagnosis, treatment plan, duration, and estimated costs.
• Proof of payment or funding (bank statements, payment receipts, insurance, or sponsor letters).
• Travel and accommodation details covering your stay.
• Evidence of return (employment, business, study, family or property ties in your home country).

Align dates and figures across all documents to avoid inconsistencies.

6. Processing times

Most applications are decided within 3 weeks of your biometric appointment. Where available:

• Priority aims for a 5 working day decision (additional fee).
• Super Priority aims for a next working day decision (additional fee).

Delays can occur if UKVI requests further information or an interview.

Section B Summary: Select the correct purpose of visit, provide detailed medical documentation and funding evidence, and apply in good time. Careful, consistent paperwork significantly reduces refusal risk and helps align your visa validity with clinical scheduling.

Section C: Eligibility & Evidence Requirements

To qualify for a UK Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment, you must meet the general visitor requirements and specific medical criteria. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will assess both your suitability as a visitor and the necessity of receiving treatment in the UK.

1. General visitor eligibility

All medical visitor applicants must:

• Intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit.
• Have enough funds to cover all costs without working or accessing public funds.
• Be able to pay for onward or return travel.
• Not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.

2. Specific medical criteria

You must also prove:

• Your treatment is available from a UK-registered medical professional or facility.
• You have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan from the UK provider.
• The treatment is private and fully funded (except where a reciprocal healthcare agreement applies).
• The proposed stay is proportionate to the treatment plan.

3. Required medical evidence

Typical documents include:

• Letter from your home country doctor — detailing your condition, medical history, and why UK treatment is needed.
• Letter from your UK doctor/hospital — confirming acceptance for treatment, plan, duration, location, and total cost.
• Proof of arrangements — appointment confirmations, treatment invoices, or deposit receipts.

4. Financial evidence

Show you can meet all expenses:

• Bank statements (usually 6 months).
• Proof of income or savings.
• Sponsorship documents (if someone else is paying), including sponsor ID and financial records.

5. Additional supporting evidence

Depending on your circumstances:

• Travel insurance covering medical repatriation.
• Proof of accommodation bookings.
• Evidence of ties to home country (employment contracts, property deeds, family certificates).

Section C Summary: Meeting UKVI’s requirements is about more than having a medical need — you must also show financial readiness, genuine temporary intent, and credible, consistent documentation from both home and UK healthcare providers.

Section D: Conditions & Restrictions While in the UK

Once you enter the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment, you must comply with the specific conditions attached to your permission. Breaching these rules can affect your current stay and any future visa applications.

1. Permitted activities

As a medical visitor, you can:

• Receive private medical treatment at a UK-registered hospital or clinic.
• Pay for NHS treatment only if covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement or if you agree to pay the full overseas visitor rate.
• Attend medical consultations, assessments, and follow-up appointments related to your treatment.
• Donate an organ to a family member or close friend (with proper matching and medical approval).

2. Prohibited activities

You cannot:

• Work in the UK — whether paid or unpaid, including temporary or casual work.
• Access public funds or benefits.
• Study for more than 30 days (and only if the study is not the main purpose of your visit).
• Live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or back-to-back visits.

3. Duration of stay

• Standard length: Up to 6 months.
• Extended permission: Up to 11 months for private medical treatment, if supported by a credible medical case.

Extensions require fresh medical evidence from your UK doctor explaining why continued treatment is necessary.

4. Compliance with treatment plan

You are expected to:

• Follow the treatment schedule provided to UKVI.
• Leave the UK promptly once treatment is completed or your visa expires — whichever comes first.
• Notify UKVI if your treatment plan changes significantly.

5. Travel during treatment

If you need to leave and re-enter the UK during treatment, ensure your visa allows multiple entries. If not, you will need to reapply for a new visa before returning.

Section D Summary: The medical visitor route is flexible enough to allow necessary treatment but comes with strict limits on work, study, and extended residence. Staying within these conditions is essential to protect your immigration record and future access to UK healthcare.

Section E: Extension Applications for Ongoing Treatment

If your medical treatment in the UK is taking longer than expected, you may be eligible to extend your Standard Visitor visa beyond the initial grant period. This is common for patients undergoing complex procedures or long-term therapies.

1. Maximum extension period

• For private medical treatment, you can apply to stay for up to 11 months in total.
• The extension will only be granted if your medical evidence supports the need for continued treatment within the UK.

2. Eligibility for an extension

You must:

• Be in the UK on a valid Standard Visitor visa granted for medical treatment.
• Provide an updated letter from your UK-registered doctor or consultant explaining:
  • The medical condition being treated.
  • Why further treatment is necessary.
  • The expected duration of additional treatment.
• Show you have funds to cover the extended stay, including ongoing medical fees, accommodation, and living costs.
• Prove that you still intend to leave the UK once treatment concludes or before your new visa expires.

3. Application process

• Apply online via the official gov.uk portal before your current visa expires.
• Pay the extension fee (currently £1,000 for the 11-month visitor route — check gov.uk for updates).
• Provide all supporting evidence, including financial documentation and updated medical reports.
• Attend a biometric appointment if required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

4. Decision and conditions

• UKVI will assess whether the medical case and financial arrangements justify the extended stay.
• If approved, your visa conditions remain the same — you cannot work, claim public funds, or switch into another visa category from within the UK.
• If refused, you will be expected to leave the UK before your current permission expires.

Section E Summary: Extensions are possible for patients with a genuine, documented medical need, but the requirements are stringent. The key is to apply early, provide comprehensive evidence, and demonstrate you can fully fund your extended treatment and stay.

Section F: Bringing Family or Carers with You

If you require assistance during your medical treatment in the UK, it may be possible for a family member or professional carer to accompany you. They must apply separately for their own visa, as there is no dependent category under the Standard Visitor visa route for medical treatment.

1. Who can accompany you

• A spouse or partner.
• A child (under 18) or parent, if necessary for care or support.
• A professional carer, where supported by medical evidence.

2. Visa route for accompanying persons

• Each accompanying person must apply for their own Standard Visitor visa.
• The application should clearly state that their visit is to accompany you for medical purposes.
• They must show evidence of funds for their own stay — this can be their own funds or those provided by you or a sponsor.

3. Supporting documentation

Applications from accompanying family members or carers should include:

• Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
• A copy of your medical visa approval or application reference.
• A letter from your UK-based medical provider confirming:
  • That you are undergoing treatment.
  • That you require support or assistance during your stay.
• Proof of accommodation arrangements for the accompanying person.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their visit.

4. Conditions and limitations

• Family members or carers must abide by the same conditions as Standard Visitors — no work, no access to public funds, and no enrolment on long-term courses.
• Their visa length will normally match or be shorter than your own visa validity.
• If your visa is extended for ongoing treatment, accompanying persons must also apply for an extension if they wish to remain with you.

Section F Summary: While there is no dependent visa under the medical visitor route, family and carers can join you if they apply separately and meet the visitor requirements. Strong documentation linking their visit to your treatment will support the application.

Section G: After Your Medical Treatment — Departure and Compliance

Once your medical treatment in the UK has concluded, it is important to comply fully with the conditions of your Standard Visitor visa. Failure to follow these rules can affect your ability to return to the UK in the future.

1. Departure from the UK

• You must leave the UK on or before your visa expiry date, unless you have applied for and been granted an extension for ongoing treatment.
• Ensure you allow sufficient time to complete any post-treatment checks before your planned departure.
• Keep all travel bookings and boarding passes as evidence of timely departure, in case this is requested in future visa applications.

2. Visa extensions for ongoing treatment

• If your treatment takes longer than anticipated, you must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires.
• Your application should include an updated letter from your UK medical provider explaining the medical necessity for continued stay, the expected additional duration, and confirmation of funding.
• Extensions are usually granted for up to six months at a time, but the maximum stay under this route is 11 months in total.

3. Compliance with visa conditions

• You must not work, volunteer, or study for more than 30 days (study must not be the main purpose of your visit).
• You must not access public funds or claim benefits.
• You must only receive treatment from the medical facility named in your visa application, unless referred by that provider.

4. Retaining records

• Keep copies of your medical treatment invoices, accommodation receipts, and travel documentation.
• These may be required to support any future UK visa applications or to satisfy UKVI of your compliance with immigration rules.

5. Preparing for return visits

• If your treatment involves multiple visits over time, ensure each future application includes full evidence of previous compliance, including proof that you left the UK when required.
• Document any follow-up appointments and retain correspondence from your UK medical provider.

Section G Summary: Compliance after medical treatment is as important as the application process. Leaving the UK on time, applying for extensions when necessary, and adhering to visa conditions will help protect your ability to return for further treatment in the future.

Section H: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a specific “Medical Visa” for the UK?

No. There is no standalone “Medical Visa” category in UK immigration law. If you are coming for private medical treatment, you apply for a Standard Visitor visa, selecting “medical treatment” as the reason for your visit.

2. How long can I stay in the UK for medical treatment?

The Standard Visitor visa normally allows a stay of up to 6 months. If your treatment takes longer, you can apply to extend your stay, up to a maximum of 11 months in total.

3. Can I use the NHS for my treatment?

Only in limited cases. Most Standard Visitor visa holders must arrange and pay for private medical care. The NHS may treat overseas visitors in emergencies or under a reciprocal healthcare agreement, but charges will usually apply at standard rates for non-residents.

4. Can my family or carer come with me?

Yes, but they must each apply for their own Standard Visitor visa. They will need to show evidence of their relationship to you and proof that they can support themselves financially during their stay.

5. What happens if my visa expires before my treatment finishes?

You must apply for an extension before your visa expires. This application must include updated medical evidence from your UK healthcare provider and proof of funds for the extended stay.

6. Will I need to prove I can afford my treatment?

Yes. You must show evidence that you can pay for the treatment, your accommodation, living expenses, and return travel, without needing public funds.

7. How far in advance should I apply?

You can usually apply up to three months before your intended travel date. Apply as early as possible within that window to allow for any processing delays.

8. Is travel insurance mandatory?

It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover your planned treatment and any unrelated medical emergencies, including medical repatriation if needed.

9. Can I work while on a medical visitor visa?

No. The Standard Visitor visa prohibits all forms of work, paid or unpaid. Breaching this condition can lead to visa refusal or bans on re-entry.

10. Will a previous UK visa refusal affect my application?

Possibly. UKVI will consider your entire immigration history. You should address the reasons for any previous refusal and provide strong supporting evidence to show your current application meets all requirements.

Section H Summary: These FAQs reflect the most common questions from medical visitors and are based on current UKVI policy. Always check the official UK government website for any updates before applying.

Section I: Helpful Resources & Official Guidance Links

When applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment, it’s essential to use only official and reputable sources. The links below provide authoritative guidance and support.

1. UK Government Visa Guidance

• UK Government – Visiting the UK for Medical Reasons – The official UKVI page detailing eligibility, required documents, application process, and costs.
• UK Government – Visas and Immigration – The main entry point for all UK visa categories, including online applications.

2. Visa Application Centres

• Find a Visa Application Centre – Locate your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit biometrics and documents.

3. Professional Immigration Advice

• The Law Society – Search for a solicitor specialising in immigration law in England and Wales.
• Find an OISC-Registered Immigration Adviser – Verify that your immigration adviser is legally authorised to provide services.

4. Healthcare in the UK

• NHS UK – Official National Health Service information and guidance for overseas visitors.
• DavidsonMorris – Medical Visa UK Guide – Comprehensive expert overview of UK medical visa requirements and procedures.

5. General Support and Information

• Citizens Advice – Free, confidential advice on immigration and visas.
• UKCISA – UK Council for International Student Affairs (also provides useful resources for non-student visitors).

Section I Summary: Always use official and reputable sources when preparing your visa application. This ensures your information is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with UK immigration law.