If you need medical treatment in a UK medical facility, you can apply for a medical treatment visa. This visa is issued based on the details of your treatment plan.
Overview
| Purpose | To receive medical treatment in the UK |
| Eligibility | Patients who have been in contact with a UK medical facility and are expected to receive treatment there |
| Type | Depends on the duration of the treatment (short-term or long-term) |
| Validity | Up to 12 months |
| Cost | The visa fee is £200 for a standard medical treatment visa (up to 6 months) or a long-term visa (more than 6 months). There may also be an immigration health surcharge (IHS) applicable, which varies depending on the duration of stay. |
Requirements for Medical Treatment Visa in the UK
To receive a visa for medical treatment in the UK, you must submit the following:
- Valid passport.
- Printed and signed application form.
- Two biometric photographs.
- Letter from your doctor: This letter should confirm your diagnosis and state that medical treatment is required in the UK.
- Confirmation from the hospital in the UK: The hospital where you plan to receive treatment should provide a confirmation letter that outlines:
- Availability of accommodation for you
- Type of treatment you will receive
- Duration of the treatment
- Estimated cost of the treatment
- Proof of financial means for treatment: This may include bank statements, evidence of partial payment, or a letter from an organization or sponsor who will cover your treatment costs.
- Proof of financial means for your stay: You should provide evidence that you can financially support yourself and any accompanying caretaker during your stay in the UK.
- Travel health insurance: You will need comprehensive health insurance valid for the duration of your stay, covering emergencies and unforeseen medical complications (excluding the treatment itself).
- Proof of accommodation: If you will be staying in the hospital for the duration of your treatment, the hospital’s confirmation letter should include this. If you plan to stay elsewhere, you will need to provide evidence such as a hotel booking, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host in the UK.
- Payment of the visa fee: Attach the payment receipt to the required documents.
- Additional documents: Any additional documents requested by the embassy.
Who Needs a Visa for Medical Treatment in the UK?
If your planned treatment will take more than 6 months, you will need a visa for medical treatment. If your treatment duration is under 6 months, a visa may not be necessary if you are from a country with a visa-exempt agreement with the UK.
Check whether you need a visa for short stays in Uk.
What Type of Visa to Apply for?
The type of visa you need to apply for depends on how long your treatment will take.
- Short-term (less than 6 months): Apply for a Medical Treatment Visa.
- Long-term (more than 6 months): Apply for a Long-Term Medical Treatment Visa.
Application Process
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK visa for medical treatment:
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the visa application form, which can be done online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. You will need to print it out and sign it. Attach your biometric photos in the designated area.
Step 2: Schedule a Visa Appointment
Once the application is completed, schedule an appointment at the nearest UK visa application center (VAC). The VAC will forward your application to the relevant embassy or consulate for review.
Step 3: Collect the Required Documents
Make sure you collect all the necessary documents as outlined in the “Requirements for Medical Treatment Visa in the UK” section. The embassy or consulate will provide a checklist of required documents. Ensure that each document is properly organized and attached as instructed.
Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay the Visa Fee
On the day of your appointment, submit the completed application form, required documents, and biometric data. Pay the visa fee during your appointment. The fee is £200 for a standard medical treatment visa or £200 for a long-term visa.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing
Once your documents are submitted, you can expect processing to take approximately 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the UK authorities will review your documents and decide whether to approve your visa application.
Step 6: Travel to the UK
If your visa is approved, you can travel to the UK for treatment. A short-term visa will be valid for the duration of your treatment (up to 6 months), and a long-term visa will be valid for up to 12 months. You can begin your medical treatment as soon as you arrive.
Step 7: Apply for a Residence Permit (For Stays Longer Than 6 Months)
If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, you must apply for a residence permit after arriving in the UK. This application can be made through the UK Home Office, and you will need to submit similar documents as when you applied for the visa. The fee for the residence permit application is approximately £300.
Processing Time
A UK medical treatment visa typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks to process, depending on the complexity of the application and the embassy’s workload.
Validity and Extensions
The visa is valid for the duration of the treatment, with a maximum period of 12 months. If your treatment extends beyond the original validity period, you may apply for an extension. You will need confirmation from your doctor or medical facility in the UK to support this request.