Introduction
The Standard Visitor visa has a sub-category that allows persons to visit the UK for up to six months for medical reasons.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- How to qualify for the Medical Reasons Visit Visa
- Visiting the UK for Private Medical Treatment
- Visiting the UK for Treatment at an NHS Hospital
- Visiting the UK as an Organ Donor
- How long can you stay in the UK?
- Tuberculosis Test for the Visit Visa for Medical Reasons
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Indefinite Leave to Remain
- How Breytenbachs can help you
How to qualify for the UK Medical Reasons Visit Visa
To qualify for the Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Reasons, you will have to prove, among other things;
- You are planning to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- Prove that you will be able to support yourself and your dependants during the trip
- You have enough funds to pay for your return or onward journey.
- Have the required documents to prove you are eligible for medical treatment or that you will be visiting the UK for medical reasons.
Visiting the UK for Private Medical Treatment
If you plan to visit the UK for private medical treatment, you will also have to prove the following:
- You have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK
- There are arrangements for consultations or treatment
- You have enough money or funds to pay for the treatment
- That you will leave the UK once your treatment is completed or when your visa expires
- If you have an infectious disease, you will have to prove that you are not a danger to public health in the UK
The proof will usually be in the form of a letter from a doctor or consultant confirming that your condition needs consultation or treatment. The letter will also confirm the cost and duration and where the consultation and treatment will occur.
Visiting the UK for Treatment at an NHS Hospital
Persons can visit the UK for treatment at an NHS hospital if their government has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with the UK. The patient will have to provide proof in the form of an authorisation form issued by their government stating that their government will pay for the treatment.
Visiting the UK as an Organ Donor
Persons can visit the UK to donate organs to genetically related family members or someone with whom they have a close personal relationship.
You will have to prove that the person you donate an organ to is legally allowed in the UK.
You will need to provide a letter from the lead nurse of the transplant team, a General Medical Council registered specialist, or a registered NHS consultant. The letter should be dated no more than three months before arriving in the UK. The letter must confirm that:
- You are a donor match, or they will test you to determine whether you are a potential donor.
- The recipient is genetically related to you or in a close relationship;
- When and where the transplant will take place
How long can you stay in the UK?
It is possible to stay in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa for Medical reasons for up to six months or up to eleven months. You have to apply as such.
All persons who need to visit the UK for longer than six months for medical treatment require a Standard Visitor Visa, regardless of whether they are visa nationals or not.
If you are already in the UK, extending the visa for a further six months is possible, provided that you have already paid for any treatment you have already had. You will also have to show that you can and will pay the further cost of your treatment and continue to meet the other eligibility requirements. There is no limit on how many times you extend your stay, but there is an application fee for every time you extend.
Tuberculosis Test for the Visit Visa for Medical Reasons
If you apply for the Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Reasons, you may need to submit a Tuberculosis Test with your visa application. Please speak to your Breytenbachs consultant for confirmation in your case.
Immigration Health Surcharge
Fortunately, no immigration health surcharge is payable on the Visit Visa for Medical Reasons.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
The Standard Visitor Visas and its sub-categories do not lead to settlement in the UK. The rules of the visa state that a person must leave the UK at the end of their visit.
How Breytenbachs can help you obtain your UK Medical Reasons Visit Visa
Breytenbachs has a dedicated team dealing with the UK Standard Visitor Visas and its sub-categories. The application for a Visit visa for Medical Reasons can be complicated. We strongly advise that you seek advice from our consultants. Please get in touch with Breytenbachs to apply for your visa or for more information.
Other Related Links
Please see the links below to other types of short stay visitor visas to the UK:
