Medical Visit Visa

Overview

The UK Medical Visitor Visa generally refers to visiting the UK under the Standard Visitor route for private medical treatment. This route allows eligible individuals to travel to the UK to receive private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility.

Applicants must meet the relevant Standard Visitor requirements and demonstrate that they have arranged their treatment, can afford the treatment and other expenses, and intend to leave the UK when their treatment is completed or their permission expires.

Key Points of the Medical Visitor Visa Route

1. Eligibility:

2. • The applicant must have a medical condition that requires private consultation or treatment in the UK.

   • The treatment or consultation must be arranged before travelling to the UK.

   • Applicants must provide evidence from a UK doctor or consultant confirming the medical condition, estimated cost and likely duration of treatment, and where the treatment will take place.

   • Applicants must have sufficient funds or appropriate funding to pay for their treatment, living expenses and return travel.

   • Applicants must intend to leave the UK when their treatment is completed or when their visa expires.

3. Duration:

4. • A Standard Visitor Visa for private medical treatment normally allows a stay of up to 6 months.

   • If the treatment is expected to last more than 6 months but no more than 11 months, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa for medical treatment allowing a stay of up to 11 months. The current fee is £234.

   • If you are already in the UK and require further treatment, you may be able to extend your stay for a further 6 months.

5. Conditions:

6. • You must comply with the conditions of the Standard Visitor route.

   • You cannot normally work or access public funds.

   • You must have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your treatment and your stay.

   • You must leave the UK when your treatment is completed or when your immigration permission expires, unless you have valid permission to remain for further treatment.

7. Application Process:

8. • Complete the online Standard Visitor Visa application.

   • Pay the applicable visa application fee.

   • Provide biometric information where required.

   • Submit supporting documents, which typically include:

   • A valid passport or travel document.

   • A letter from a UK doctor or consultant confirming the medical condition, treatment details, estimated cost and likely duration.

   • Evidence of sufficient funds or funding to cover medical, living and travel expenses.

   • Details of where you will stay during your visit.

   • Any additional documents required to demonstrate that you meet the Standard Visitor requirements.

   • Attend a visa application centre if required.

9. Restrictions:

10. • Family members do not automatically receive permission as dependants under the medical visitor route. Each person must have the appropriate immigration permission for their own circumstances.

    • You must not use the visitor route to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

    • You must comply with the permitted activities and conditions of the Standard Visitor route.

Typical Supporting Documents:

• Medical Confirmation: A letter from a UK doctor or consultant detailing the medical condition requiring treatment, the estimated cost and likely duration of treatment, and where the treatment will take place.
• Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements, proof of income or other evidence demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to pay for treatment and support yourself during your stay.
• Accommodation Details: Information about where you intend to stay in the UK.
• Travel Information: Details of your intended travel arrangements where relevant.
• Additional Medical Evidence: Any relevant medical records or documentation that supports the need for consultation or treatment in the UK.

How to Apply:

Online Application:

• Visit the official UK government website.
• Complete the Standard Visitor Visa application, stating that the purpose of the visit is private medical treatment.
• You can generally apply up to 3 months before you intend to travel.

Document Submission:

• Gather and submit the required supporting documents.
• Attend a visa application centre for biometric information where required.

Fee Payment:

• The Standard Visitor Visa fee for up to 6 months is currently £135.
• If you apply for a Standard Visitor Visa specifically for private medical treatment lasting more than 6 months and up to 11 months, the current fee is £234.

Interview/Appointment:

• You may be asked to attend an appointment or provide additional information if required as part of the application process.

Extensions:

If the medical treatment requires a longer stay than initially granted, you may be able to apply for an extension from within the UK before your current permission expires.

For further medical treatment, you can apply to stay for another 6 months. You must demonstrate that you have paid for treatment already received in the UK, can and will pay the further treatment costs, and continue to meet the medical treatment requirements. The current extension fee is £1,172. There is no limit on the number of times you can extend your stay for further medical treatment, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants should consult the official UK government guidance or seek professional immigration advice where necessary.

Written on: 24 August 2026