The UK Medical Visa 2026 enables individuals from around the world to access private healthcare services in the United Kingdom. Whether you need specialist surgery, cancer treatment, fertility services, or consultation with world-renowned medical specialists, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK medical visa requirements, the documents required, application costs (£127-£220), processing times, and the step-by-step application process.
Understanding the UK Medical Visa in 2026
The UK Medical Visa—officially known as the Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Treatment—is a visitor visa category that allows individuals to enter the United Kingdom specifically to receive private medical treatment. This visa falls under the Standard Visitor visa route with additional medical-specific requirements.
The UK's private healthcare sector attracts patients worldwide due to its renowned specialists, cutting-edge medical technology, and high standards of care. Common reasons for seeking a UK Medical Visa include: specialist surgeries, cancer treatment, cardiology procedures, fertility treatments (IVF), organ transplants, and consultations with specialist practitioners registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Unlike NHS treatment (which is generally unavailable to visitors), the UK Medical Visa specifically covers private medical treatment only. Applicants must demonstrate they can fund their treatment privately and have made arrangements with a registered UK medical practitioner. According to the official UK Government guidance, all treatment must be at private healthcare facilities unless specific exemptions apply.
UK Medical Visa Requirements 2026
To successfully obtain a UK Medical Visa for private treatment, applicants must satisfy specific eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These UK medical visa requirements focus on demonstrating genuine medical need, financial capability, and clear intention to leave after treatment concludes.
What are the UK medical visa requirements?
UK medical visa requirements include: genuine need for private medical treatment, a detailed treatment plan from a GMC-registered UK practitioner, sufficient funds to cover treatment and living costs, proof you will leave the UK after treatment, and no public health risk. You must also demonstrate strong ties to your home country and cannot access NHS services except in emergencies.
The complete eligibility criteria for a UK Medical Visa include:
- Genuine Medical Need: You must demonstrate a legitimate need for private medical treatment unavailable or more suitable in the UK
- UK Medical Practitioner: Have arrangements with a GMC-registered medical practitioner who has confirmed they can provide your treatment
- Treatment Plan: Possess a detailed treatment plan specifying the condition, proposed treatment, expected duration, and follow-up care
- Private Treatment Only: Treatment must be at private healthcare facilities—NHS treatment is not available to medical visitors
- Financial Evidence: Sufficient funds to cover all treatment costs, accommodation, and living expenses during your stay
- Intent to Leave: Clear intention to depart the UK upon completion of treatment, with evidence of ties to your home country
- No Settlement Intent: You must not intend to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
- Public Health: You must not pose a public health risk and should be free from certain infectious diseases
Documents Required for UK Medical Visa
Strong supporting documents are essential for a successful UK Medical Visa application. The Home Office assesses applications carefully, and incomplete or insufficient documentation is a common reason for refusal.
What documents are required for a UK medical visa application?
Documents required for a UK medical visa include: valid passport, confirmation letter from a GMC-registered UK doctor, detailed treatment plan with cost estimate, proof of funds (bank statements, payslips), evidence of UK accommodation, proof of intention to leave (return ticket, employment letter, property ownership), and a TB test certificate if applicable.
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, one blank page)
- Confirmation letter from UK medical practitioner (GMC-registered)
- Detailed treatment plan with diagnosis, proposed treatment, and estimated duration
- Cost estimate for treatment from the healthcare provider
- Financial evidence: bank statements (last 6 months), payslips, sponsor letters
- Accommodation arrangements in the UK (hotel booking or host letter)
- Evidence of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- TB test certificate (if staying over 6 months or from designated country)
Medical Documentation Requirements
The medical documentation component is critical to your UK Medical Visa application. The Home Office specifically requires:
Letter from UK Medical Practitioner: This confirmation letter should be dated within the last 3 months and include: the practitioner's GMC registration number, confirmation they can provide the required treatment, details of the medical condition, expected treatment duration, estimated cost of treatment, and confirmation the treatment is private (not NHS).
Treatment Plan: A detailed medical plan outlining the specific treatment required, expected timeline, any follow-up procedures, and post-treatment care requirements. This should align with the information in your practitioner's letter.
Medical History (Optional but Recommended): Relevant medical records from your home country can strengthen your application by demonstrating the genuine medical need for specialist UK treatment.
Financial Evidence Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate they have adequate funds to cover:
- Treatment Costs: Full cost of all medical procedures, consultations, and medications
- Accommodation: Hotel, rental accommodation, or arrangements with a UK host/sponsor
- Living Expenses: Day-to-day costs during your stay including food, transport, and incidentals
- Return Journey: Cost of your return or onward travel after treatment
Acceptable financial evidence includes: bank statements from the last 6 months, payslips, tax returns, sponsor letters with supporting financial evidence, or government sponsorship letters if your treatment is funded by your home country's government.
UK Medical Visa Application Process
The UK Medical Visa application follows the standard UK visa application process. You must apply online from outside the UK before travelling. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your intended travel date.
How do I apply for a UK medical visa?
Apply for a UK medical visa online via the GOV.UK website, selecting "Standard Visitor visa" and specifying medical treatment as your purpose. Pay the visa fee (£127 for 6 months, £220 for 11 months), book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre, submit your documents, and await a decision—typically within 3 weeks.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application. Visit the official UK Government visa application portal and complete the Standard Visitor visa form. Select "medical treatment" as your purpose of visit. Provide accurate details about your medical condition, treatment arrangements, and travel plans.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee. The UK Medical Visa fee is £127 for stays up to 6 months, or £220 for stays up to 11 months. Payment is made online during the application process and is non-refundable.
Step 3: Book Biometric Appointment. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph. Some countries may have the VAC in a different city, so allow time for travel.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents. Submit all required supporting documents at your VAC appointment or via the designated upload portal. Ensure all medical documentation is current (within 3 months) and financial evidence covers the anticipated costs.
Step 5: Await Decision. After your biometrics appointment, wait for the Home Office to process your application. You will be notified when a decision has been made and when to collect your passport.
UK Medical Visa Cost and Processing Time 2026
Understanding the UK visa fees and processing times is essential for planning your medical journey to the UK.
How much does a UK medical visa cost in 2026?
The UK Medical Visa costs £127 for stays up to 6 months, or £220 for an 11-month visa if your treatment requires a longer stay. Unlike settlement visas, medical visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, but cannot access NHS services except in emergencies. Extensions cost £1,100 each.
How long does a UK medical visa take to process?
The standard UK medical visa processing time is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) after your biometric appointment. For urgent medical cases, priority processing (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) may be available for additional fees.
Processing times can vary depending on your location and individual circumstances. Applying at least 3 months before your planned travel date is recommended to accommodate any potential delays. Priority and super priority services are subject to availability and may not be offered at all Visa Application Centres.
Can I extend my UK medical visa?
Yes, unlike most visitor visa categories, the UK Medical Visa can be extended if your treatment requires additional time. You have two options for longer stays:
- Apply for 11-month visa initially: If you know treatment will exceed 6 months, apply for the extended 11-month medical visitor visa (£220) from the outset
- Extend from within the UK: Apply for a 6-month extension while in the UK using Form FLR(IR). Each extension costs £1,100
There is no limit on the number of extensions you can apply for, but each extension requires fresh evidence of ongoing medical need and updated financial documentation. You must apply before your current visa expires.
UK Medical Visa Restrictions
While on a UK Medical Visa, you must comply with specific conditions:
- No NHS Access: You cannot access free NHS treatment except in genuine emergencies
- No Public Funds: No access to welfare benefits or social services
- No Work: Employment is not permitted on a medical visitor visa
- No Study: Formal courses of study are not permitted
- Private Treatment Only: All medical treatment must be at private healthcare facilities
- No Settlement: This visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain
- UK Medical Visa costs £127 (6 months) or £220 (11 months) with 3-week standard processing
- Requires confirmation letter from a GMC-registered UK medical practitioner
- Only covers private medical treatment—NHS services are not available to medical visitors
- Extensions are possible for £1,100 each if ongoing treatment is required
- Different from the Health and Care Worker Visa, which is for healthcare professionals seeking employment
Frequently Asked Questions: UK Medical Visa
What is a UK medical visa?
A UK medical visa is a Standard Visitor visa category that allows individuals to enter the United Kingdom specifically to receive private medical treatment at licensed healthcare facilities. It permits stays of up to 6 months (£127) or 11 months (£220) and can be extended if ongoing treatment is required. This visa is only for patients seeking treatment—healthcare professionals looking to work in the UK need the separate Health and Care Worker visa.
Can I access NHS treatment on a UK medical visa?
No, medical visitors cannot access free NHS treatment. All medical care must be obtained from private healthcare providers. The only exception is emergency treatment, which may be provided at NHS hospitals but will be charged at 150% of the treatment cost. Medical visitors do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge but are responsible for all medical costs incurred during their stay.
How long does a UK medical visa take to process?
The standard UK medical visa processing time is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) after your biometric appointment. Priority service (5 working days) is available for an additional £500, or super priority (next working day) for £1,000, subject to availability at your Visa Application Centre. For urgent medical cases, it is advisable to apply as early as possible—up to 3 months before your travel date.
Can a medical attendant accompany me on my UK medical visa application?
Medical attendants, carers, or family members accompanying a patient must apply separately for their own Standard Visitor visas. They cannot be included on the patient's application. Each attendant must meet the standard visitor visa requirements independently, including demonstrating they have sufficient funds and intend to leave the UK. In exceptional cases, the Referred Casework Unit may consider granting leave outside the immigration rules for essential medical attendants.
What is the difference between a UK medical visa and a healthcare visa?
These are completely different visas. The UK Medical Visa (covered in this guide) is for patients seeking private medical treatment in the UK. The Health and Care Worker Visa (sometimes called "healthcare visa") is a work visa for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, care workers) coming to the UK for employment in the healthcare sector. The Health and Care Worker visa requires employer sponsorship, has different fees, and can lead to settlement after 5 years.
Can I extend my UK medical visa if my treatment takes longer?
Yes, the UK medical visa is one of the few visitor visa categories that can be extended. You can apply for a 6-month extension from within the UK for £1,100 using Form FLR(IR). There is no limit on the number of extensions you can apply for, provided you continue to demonstrate genuine medical need and adequate funds. You must apply before your current visa expires and provide updated medical documentation and financial evidence.
Can I visit the UK for organ donation?
Yes, you can apply for a UK medical visa as an organ donor. You must provide a letter from the transplant team's lead nurse or a GMC-registered consultant confirming: you are a donor match or being tested as a potential donor, the recipient is genetically related or in a close personal relationship with you, and details of when and where the procedure will take place. The letter must be dated within 3 months of your application. Note that organ donation for financial gain is illegal in the UK.
What happens if my UK medical visa application is refused?
If your UK medical visa is refused, you will receive a refusal notice explaining the reasons. Unfortunately, there is no right of appeal or administrative review for visitor visa refusals. Your options are to address the reasons for refusal and submit a fresh application with stronger evidence, or in limited cases, seek a judicial review within 3 months if you believe there was a legal error in the decision. Common refusal reasons include insufficient financial evidence, incomplete medical documentation, or doubts about your intention to leave the UK.
For the most current information on UK Medical Visa requirements and application procedures, refer to the official UK Government medical treatment guidance and UK Visas and Immigration portal. For complex medical situations or previous refusals, professional immigration solicitors can provide specialist guidance tailored to your circumstances.