Section A: Who Needs a UK Medical Visa?
If you plan to come to the UK to receive private medical treatment or to donate an organ, you will usually need to apply under the Standard Visitor visa route. Whether you must obtain entry clearance in advance depends on your nationality and the intended length of your stay.
Overseas nationals from countries on the UK’s visa nationals list under “Appendix Visitor: Visa national list” of the Immigration Rules have to apply for a visa for entry clearance prior to visiting the UK for medical purposes.
There is no specific medical visa for the UK. Instead, you would apply for a UK Standard visitor visa, which allows visa nationals to come to the UK for medical treatment. This could include coming to the UK to either receive private medical treatment at a hospital or another medical facility. It could also include coming to the UK to have treatment at an NHS hospital, provided the care is funded by your own government under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement. You can also come to the UK with this visa if you have agreed to act as an organ donor for a family member or close friend, or to be assessed for suitability as a potential donor.
Non-visa nationals — whose country of nationality does not feature on the visa nationals list — now have to comply with the UK’s fully operational ETA scheme. Under the current rules, most non-visa nationals have to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK, even for medical visits of less than six months. The ETA is a digital pre-travel authorisation linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for multiple trips over a two-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
If you are a non-visa national and your stay in the UK for medical treatment will exceed six months, you cannot rely on an ETA and must apply in advance for a Standard Visitor visa for medical treatment of up to 11 months.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Your treatment plans will impact your visa options. While you may be eligible for the ETA, if your treatment will go beyond 6 months, you’ll have to apply for a visa as a medical visitor.
Remember also that NHS treatment is not free for visitors so you have to be clear on your funding arrangements and options before you apply for immigration permission. If you can’t prove credible private or reciprocal government-backed funding, you’ll be refused a medical visa.
Section B: Medical Visa Requirements
There are various eligibility requirements for all visitors seeking entry to the UK, together with certain additional criteria where you are applying to visit for medical reasons.
1. Standard visitor requirements
Under the standard criteria, all visitors are required to satisfy UKVI that they are a “genuine visitor”. This means that you must be able to prove to UKVI that:
- you will be leaving the UK at the end of your stay
- you will not be living in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits
- you will not make the UK your main home
- you are genuinely seeking entry for medical reasons
- you will not be undertaking any prohibited activities as set out under the Rules
- you have enough money to cover all of your costs in the UK, including your treatment, accommodation and return travel, without working or accessing public funds
If the cost of travel, maintenance and accommodation in the UK is to be covered by a third party, UKVI must be satisfied that a genuine personal or professional relationship exists between you and that person. They must also be satisfied that this person is not or will not be in breach of any UK immigration laws, and that they can and will provide you with full financial support for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
2. Medical visitor requirements
Under the additional criteria for visitors coming to the UK to receive private medical treatment, you must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- if you have been found to be suffering from a communicable disease, you must have satisfied the medical inspector that you are not a danger to public health
- you must have arranged your private medical treatment in the UK before you travel
- you must provide a letter from either your doctor or consultant in the UK detailing the medical condition requiring consultation or treatment, plus the estimated costs and likely duration, which must be finite, and where the consultation or treatment will take place
- if you plan to receive NHS treatment under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between the UK and another country, you must provide an authorisation form issued by the government of that country
- if you are applying to come to the UK for up to 11 months, you must also provide either evidence from your doctor or consultant based in the UK that the proposed treatment is likely to exceed 6 months, but no more than 11 months, or if you intend to receive NHS treatment under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement, an authorisation form which states that the proposed treatment is again likely to exceed 6 months, but not 11 months
- you must provide a valid medical certificate which confirms that you have undergone screening for TB, if applicable
| Funding route | Key documents | Issued by | Carry at the border | Frequent pitfalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-pay (private) | UK consultant/hospital letter with diagnosis, plan, finite duration and costs; proof of funds; deposit or payment receipt if paid in advance | UK hospital or consultant; applicant’s bank | Consultant letter, appointment confirmation, payment receipt, bank statements, accommodation and return flight | Letters missing costs or duration; funds below quoted fees; cash gifts without bank trail; vague aftercare plans |
| Private medical insurance | Policy certificate; schedule showing UK cover; insurer guarantee of payment; UK consultant/hospital letter with plan and costs | Insurer; UK hospital or consultant | Policy certificate, guarantee of payment, consultant letter, appointment confirmation | Policies excluding planned treatment; no guarantee of payment; excesses or caps that leave costs unfunded |
| Reciprocal government arrangement | Official authorisation confirming the foreign government will fund specified NHS treatment; acceptance from UK NHS trust | Home government health authority; UK NHS trust | Authorisation letter, NHS trust acceptance, passport, travel and accommodation details | Wrong form or expired authorisation; no UK trust acceptance; assuming NHS care is free without paperwork |
| Third-party sponsor (family, charity, employer) | Sponsor letter confirming relationship and full support; sponsor’s proof of lawful status and funds; consultant/hospital letter with plan and costs | Sponsor; UK hospital or consultant | Sponsor letter, bank evidence, ID/status of sponsor, consultant letter, itinerary | No evidence of genuine relationship; sponsor funds not accessible; letters without amounts or duration |
| Organ donor | NHS Living Donor Coordinator or consultant letter; donor match or assessment evidence; proof recipient is or will be lawfully present | UK NHS transplant team; UK consultant | Coordinator letter, match/assessment results, recipient status evidence, travel and accommodation | Undated or stale letters; no proof of relationship; missing recipient status evidence |
Under the additional criteria for visitors coming to the UK to donate an organ or be assessed as a potential donor match, you must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:
- you must genuinely intend to donate one of your organs to, or be assessed as a potential donor for, an identified recipient in the UK with whom you have either a genetic or close personal relationship
- you must provide written confirmation of tests to show that you are a donor match for the identified recipient, or that you are undergoing further tests to be assessed as their potential donor
- you must provide a letter, dated no more than 3 months before your intended date of arrival in the UK, from either the lead nurse or coordinator of the UK NHS Trust’s Living Donor Kidney Transplant team, or a UK registered medical practitioner who holds an NHS consultant post or appears in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council, confirming that you meet the relevant requirements as well as when and where the planned organ transplant or medical tests will take place in the UK
- you must be able to show, if required, that the identified recipient is currently lawfully present in the UK or will be at the time of the planned transplant
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
You have to show proof that you need this medical treatment (consultant letters, medical reports etc), but officials won’t just look at your planned treatment in isolation. They’ll be looking into your wider situation and circumstances to check that you are a genuine visitor, as well as specifics such as treatment funding. They’ll also match your treatment plans with accommodation, medical costs and any care arrangements you have in place. Funding sources have to be credible.
Remember also, the focus of this visa is to allow short-term visits only. Any indication of longer-term recovery or convalescence in the UK is likely to result in a refusal. Inpatient care has to be declared, along with evidence of your aftercare, funding and accommodation plans.
Section C: How to Apply for a Medical Visa for the UK
1. Application Process
The first step in the visa application process is to complete the online application form on the UK Government’s official website. You will need to provide your personal details, information about your medical condition, and the treatment you plan to receive in the UK. It is important to ensure all information is accurate before you submit the form.
Once submitted, you must attend a visa application centre to provide your biometric information, which consists of fingerprints and a photograph. This is a mandatory part of the application and is used to verify your identity.
The application process includes a visa fee, which must be paid online when you submit the form. The fee for a medical visit visa depends on the length of your stay. For visits up to six months, the fee is £115. For visits of more than six months but not exceeding 11 months, the fee is £200.
In some cases, UKVI may request that you attend an interview at the visa application centre. If this happens, you should be prepared to answer questions about your medical condition, the treatment you will receive, and your plans in the UK. Supporting evidence may also be requested.
After completing these steps, you must wait for a decision on your application. Processing times usually take up to three weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. If your application is approved, you will receive a vignette (a visa sticker in your passport) confirming the dates you are permitted to enter the UK.
2. Required Documents for UK Medical Visa Application
When applying for a medical visa for the UK, in addition to your valid passport or travel document, you must provide a range of supporting evidence.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | A current passport valid for the full duration of your stay with at least one blank page for the vignette. |
| Visa Application Form | The completed online application form submitted via the UK Government website. |
| Biometric Information | Fingerprints and a digital photograph provided at your visa application centre appointment. |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Treatment | A formal letter from your UK hospital or clinic confirming your diagnosis, treatment plan, duration, and costs. |
| Medical Evidence | A letter from your treating doctor or consultant in your home country explaining your condition and why you require UK treatment. |
| Financial Proof | Evidence that you can cover your medical treatment and living expenses. This may include bank statements, savings accounts, or sponsor letters. |
| Accommodation Details | Details of where you will stay, such as hotel bookings or confirmation from a family member or friend hosting you. |
| Travel Itinerary | Flight bookings or other travel arrangements demonstrating how and when you plan to travel. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate | A TB test certificate may be required if you are from a listed country. Tests must be carried out at an approved clinic. |
| Invitation Letter from Sponsor | If your trip is being funded, a signed letter from your sponsor confirming their relationship to you and their financial commitment. |
| Proof of Return Travel | Evidence of your intention to leave the UK, such as a return flight ticket. |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | If you are a non-visa national, you must hold a valid ETA for visits up to six months, unless exempt (e.g. Irish citizens). The ETA costs £16 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires. |
You will also need to demonstrate that you intend to return home after your treatment or organ donation. Evidence such as property ownership, family ties or ongoing employment overseas will help to show your circumstances.
It is important that all evidence from medical professionals is up to date and issued by the treating consultants, both in the UK and in your home country. Because the evidence required can be extensive, many applicants seek legal advice to ensure their first application is comprehensive and avoids refusal.
Read our comprehensive guide to UK visa application supporting documents here >>
3. Medical Visa Fee & Processing Times
For a stay of up to six months, the medical visitor visa fee is £115. For stays of more than six months but not exceeding 11 months, the fee is £200.
The earliest you can apply for a medical visa is three months before you travel. Once submitted, UKVI usually issues a decision within three weeks of your biometric appointment. In some locations you may be able to pay for priority or super priority services to receive a faster decision.
4. Common Medical Visa Refusal Reasons
Refusals in medical visitor cases usually stem from credibility gaps rather than missing forms. Build a file that tells a consistent story: who you are, why the UK treatment is needed, how long it will take and how you will pay for every stage without public funds.
Bank statements must align with payslips and spending. Large recent deposits, cash credits or third-party payments without provenance raise doubts. Show six months of statements, explain unusual entries, and if a sponsor pays, include their ID, relationship, bank trail and lawful source of funds. Avoid screenshots; provide clear PDFs or scans.
Short emails are not enough. Obtain a consultant or hospital letter on headed paper setting out diagnosis, treatment plan, dates, costs, payment terms and aftercare. Add your home doctor’s letter explaining clinical need for treatment in the UK. If treatment could exceed six months, address timelines, funding and any TB test requirement upfront.
Open-ended plans look like an attempt to stay. Provide a realistic timetable, accommodation details and proof of ties at home such as employment, study or caring duties. If a companion travels, evidence their role and funding as well.
Prior overstays, refusals or unpaid UK healthcare charges can derail a case. Disclose everything accurately and include proof of any debt settlement. Explain what has changed since earlier refusals.
Inconsistent dates, missing translations and generic invitations undermine credibility. Translate documents professionally, index the bundle and keep names and dates consistent across letters and statements. You do not need paid flights or hotels; an itinerary is enough.
Carry key documents and be ready to answer brief, consistent questions on treatment, funding and return plans. If circumstances change before travel, update the evidence rather than hoping to explain it on arrival.
| Refusal reason | Why UKVI refused | Immediate fix | Reapply vs review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not a genuine visitor | Frequent or lengthy visits, weak ties, vague itinerary | Show employment, property, family ties, dated itinerary, return booking | Visitor entry clearance has no administrative review; reapply with stronger evidence or seek legal advice on judicial review |
| Treatment not credibly arranged | Hospital/consultant letter missing diagnosis, costs, dates, location, finite duration | Obtain a consultant letter naming hospital, GMC/NHS details, plan, costs, start date and expected end date | Reapply once letter meets UKVI expectations |
| Funding not credible | Insufficient balance, unexplained deposits, no access to funds | Provide 3–6 months bank statements, payment receipts/deposits, sponsor letter with relationship and means | Reapply with full financial trail; AR not available for visitors |
| Reciprocal NHS arrangement not evidenced | Wrong or expired authorisation; no NHS trust acceptance | Submit correct government authorisation and UK NHS trust acceptance letter | Reapply when documents are in place |
| Organ donor evidence inadequate | No match/assessment proof, weak relationship evidence, recipient status unknown | Provide Living Donor Coordinator letter (≤3 months old), match/assessment results, recipient lawful status proof | Reapply with complete donor bundle |
| TB certificate missing/invalid | No certificate or not from an approved clinic | Obtain TB test at an approved clinic and submit valid certificate | Reapply with valid certificate |
| Inconsistent information | Dates/costs differ between application and letters | Audit all documents; align dates, costs, hospital and consultant details; correct the form | Reapply after consistency check |
| Aftercare/accommodation unclear | No post-treatment plan, no address, no carer details | Provide aftercare plan, address bookings, carer letter and availability | Reapply with concrete plans |
| Outstanding NHS debt | Previous UK treatment unpaid | Settle debt and submit receipts; provide confirmation from provider | Reapply after settlement |
| Wrong permission (ETA used for long treatment) | Intended stay >6 months but ETA presented | Apply for Standard Visitor visa (medical treatment 6–11 months) with consultant letter confirming duration | Apply for the correct visa; ETA refusals may be reviewed, but visa route is required for long stays |
| Suspicion of prohibited work | Employment links or plans suggest working | Provide employer leave letter confirming role continues abroad and no UK work will be done | Reapply with clarifying evidence |
| Adverse immigration history | Overstay, deception, or repeated refusals | Provide full explanation and evidence of rehabilitation/compliance; seek legal advice | Reapply with caution; consider legal challenge only in strong cases |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Because longer stays are allowed under the medical treatment subcategory of the Standard Visitor visa, these types of applications are examined more closely to verify that the applicant and the planned treatment are genuine. The evidence has to be credible and comprehensive. Every piece of evidence you provide, all the information in the application form all have to complement each other, and support your assertion that you are a genuine visitor seeking permissible medical treatment and that you will leave the UK before your permission expires.
Gaps and inconsistencies in documents and information are common grounds for refusal. Double check hospital and consultant names, the dates, costs and quotations. Make sure all of the information is correct and up to date.
Section D: Extending a Medical Visa
If your treatment will exceed six months, and the evidence provided in support of your application confirms this, UKVI should grant you an initial stay of up to 11 months. Alternatively, you may apply first for a six-month visa and then seek an extension of a further six months once in the UK at an additional cost of £1,000.
There is no fixed maximum number of extensions, but UKVI will only grant further permission where you can prove that you have paid for any treatment already received, that you can afford continued care, and that you still meet all visa requirements.
Each extension application costs £1,000 and must be submitted before your current visa expires. Supporting evidence should include:
- written confirmation from your UK consultant or NHS practitioner explaining the ongoing treatment and why additional time is required
- an updated reciprocal healthcare authorisation form if you are receiving treatment under an agreement with your home government
You will need to attend a UKVCAS service point to provide biometrics and supporting documents for the extension. Leaving the UK while the application is pending will result in it being treated as withdrawn.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
More so than any other visitor visa subcategory, the medical visa may be extended, but this is a discretionary decision and will only be granted in limited circumstances. As with the initial visa application, expect to have to submit extensive evidence and proof that you remain a genuine visitor. You’ll need a detailed letter from your consultant explaining precisely why more time is needed for your treatment in the UK and proof of continued treatment funding. Your current circumstances will also be checked to ensure there are no adverse conditions, such as unpaid hospital bills.
Section E: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. Our team provides advice and guidance on all aspects of medical visitor visas, including eligibility, supporting evidence and application strategy.
For expert support with preparing your application, contact us.
Section F: Medical Visa FAQs
What is a Medical Visit Visa?
A Medical Visit Visa is granted under the Standard Visitor route and allows you to come to the UK for private medical treatment or to act as an organ donor. It does not provide free access to NHS care, which must be paid for privately or covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement.
Who is eligible for a Medical Visit Visa?
Applicants must show they are seeking genuine medical treatment in the UK, that arrangements for treatment are in place, that they can afford the costs, and that they intend to leave the UK when treatment is complete.
How do I apply for a Medical Visit Visa?
You must submit an online application from outside the UK, provide supporting documents, attend a biometric appointment, and pay the visa fee. In some cases, UKVI may require you to attend an interview.
What documents are required?
Typical documents include a valid passport, letters from doctors in both your home country and the UK, confirmation of treatment, financial evidence, accommodation details, and travel plans. If you are a non-visa national visiting for less than six months, you must also hold a valid ETA.
How long does it take to process?
Decisions usually take up to three weeks, though priority services may be available depending on your country of application.
What is the fee?
The fee is £115 for stays of up to six months and £200 for stays of more than six months but not exceeding 11 months. Each extension application within the UK costs £1,000.
Do I need to provide biometrics?
Yes. All applicants must provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre or UKVCAS service point.
Can I bring a companion?
If you need assistance during your treatment, a companion may apply separately for a visa. They must show their role in supporting you and meet all eligibility requirements.
What happens if my application is refused?
You will receive a refusal notice with reasons. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to request an administrative review or reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal.
How long can I stay?
You can usually stay up to six months, or up to 11 months if approved for extended treatment. Further extensions may be granted in limited cases with strong supporting evidence.
Do I need an ETA?
If you are a non-visa national travelling for medical treatment lasting less than six months, you must obtain an ETA before you travel. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Section G: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Biometric Information | Physical data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, collected to verify an individual’s identity. Required as part of the UK Medical Visitor Visa application. |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Treatment | A letter from a UK hospital or clinic confirming your medical treatment details, including the treatment plan, duration, and costs. This document is crucial for your visa application. |
| Financial Proof | Documentation showing that you can afford your medical treatment and stay in the UK. This may include bank statements, savings accounts, or a letter from a sponsor. |
| Medical Evidence | A letter from your doctor or consultant in your home country explaining your medical condition and why treatment in the UK is necessary. |
| Visa Application Centre (VAC) | A centre where applicants submit their biometric information and any required documentation for their visa application. |
| Visa Fee | The cost associated with applying for a visa, which must be paid online during the application process. The fee amount can vary, so it is important to check the current fee on the official UK Government website. |
| Vignette | A sticker placed in your passport indicating that a visa has been granted. For a Medical Visitor Visa, it shows the valid entry dates for the UK. |
| Entry Clearance | The permission granted by a visa, allowing entry into the UK. This is documented by the vignette in your passport. |
| Consultant Letter | A formal letter from a UK-registered consultant or hospital confirming your diagnosis, treatment plan, expected duration, costs, and aftercare arrangements. This is one of the most important documents in a medical visitor visa application, as UKVI requires evidence that treatment is genuine, finite and fully funded. |
| Fast-Track Visa Service | An expedited service that processes visa applications more quickly for an additional fee. This service is useful for urgent medical treatment cases. |
| Sponsor | A person or organisation that supports your visa application, often providing financial or logistical assistance. In the context of a medical visa, this could be the UK hospital or clinic where you will receive treatment. |
| Immigration Rules | The legal framework governing who can enter and stay in the UK, including the requirements for various types of visas. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Test | A medical test required for visa applicants from certain countries to prove they are free from TB before entering the UK. The test must be conducted at an approved clinic. |
Section H: Additional Resources and Links
| Resource | What it covers | Link |
|---|---|---|
| GOV.UK – Visit for Medical Treatment | Official guidance on eligibility, documents and conditions for medical visitors under the Standard Visitor route. | https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/visit-for-medical-treatment |
| GOV.UK – Visit to Donate Organs | Rules and evidence for visitors who intend to donate an organ or be assessed as a donor. | https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/organ-donor |
| GOV.UK – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Eligibility, how to apply, fee and validity of the ETA for non-visa nationals. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta |
| GOV.UK – Visa Fees | Current visitor visa fees, including the 6–11 month medical treatment option. | https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees |
| GOV.UK – TB Testing for UK Visas | Who needs a TB test and the list of approved clinics by country. | https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa |
| NHS – Overseas Visitor Charging | How NHS charging works for overseas visitors, including exemptions and reciprocal arrangements. | https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/overseas-visitors-to-england |
| GOV.UK – Appendix Visitor | The Immigration Rules governing visitors, including permissible activities and eligibility. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor |
| GOV.UK – Visa Decision Waiting Times | Typical processing times and availability of priority services by location. | https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times |
| UKVCAS – Inside UK Applications | Biometric enrolment and document submission for in-country extension applications. | https://www.ukvcas.co.uk |
