New ZealandVisits and short stays

New Zealand medical treatment visa

Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

In short

The Medical Treatment Visitor Visa is for people already accepted for treatment or a consultation in New Zealand; everyone travelling for this purpose needs it, visa waiver nationals included. It costs from NZD 341, allows up to 6 months and requires form INZ 1009, written acceptance, a cost estimate and proof you can pay. 80% of applications are decided within 4.5 weeks.

Apply on Immigration New Zealand – Medical Treatment Visitor Visa checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 6 months; you are not asked to leave until it is safe to travel
Validity
From the date of entry if granted outside New Zealand
Fee
NZ$341INZ ‘from’ price
Processing time
80% within 4.5 weeks; contact INZ if treatment is urgent
Work
No; remote work for an overseas employer may be allowed
Family
Partner and dependent children aged 19 or under can be included; an escort applies for the Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa
Where to apply
Online through Immigration Online

Requirements

You must already be accepted for treatment, give the expected costs and pay all medical costs yourself unless a special funding arrangement applies. You also need funds to live on or a sponsor, good character, a genuine purpose and plans to leave afterwards. Only South Pacific citizens can get a visa for renal dialysis.

Medical evidence

Complete the Details of Intended Medical Treatment form (INZ 1009) and attach the provider’s written acceptance, the cost estimate and how it will be paid; guide INZ 1010 explains what INZ expects. Medical reports not in English need English translations with copies of the originals.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid 3 months beyond departure and a photo

Travel

  • Onward ticket or funds to buy one

Money

  • Cost estimate and proof of how it will be paid
  • Living funds or sponsor form INZ 1025

Other

  • Form INZ 1009 and the provider’s written acceptance
  • English translations of non-English documents

Costs and funds

You or your sponsor must pay for all health care; INZ recommends full medical insurance, and only some people qualify for publicly funded care. Show living funds with bank statements or prepaid accommodation, or a sponsor’s form INZ 1025, plus an onward ticket or money to buy one.

Applying

In Immigration Online choose Visitor, Other, ‘To seek medical treatment or consultation’, upload documents and pay from NZD 341. Your passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure. If treatment is urgent, contact INZ about special arrangements. Approved applicants get an eVisa by email.

  1. Get written acceptance and a cost estimate from the New Zealand provider.
  2. Complete INZ 1009 and arrange payment, insurance and funds.
  3. Apply online and pay the fee.
  4. Ask any escort to apply for their own visa.
  5. Complete the Traveller Declaration and travel with your evidence.

In New Zealand

Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration within 24 hours before travel. You may receive only the treatment and hospital named on your visa. Work in New Zealand is not allowed, though remote work for an overseas employer may be.

Staying longer

INZ will not ask you to leave until it is safe to travel. If you need more treatment, apply for a new visitor visa before yours expires; an interim visa normally covers you meanwhile.

Escorts and family

Your partner and children aged 19 or under can be included. An escort your condition requires applies for the Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa, from NZD 341, showing NZD 1,000 a month to live on, or NZD 400 if accommodation is prepaid.

Checks and refusals

Police certificates are needed only for total stays of 24 months or more. INZ may refuse if it doubts the visit is genuine, character rules are not met, or you lack an onward ticket or funds.

Frequently asked questions

Do visa waiver nationals need this visa for treatment?

Yes. INZ requires it even from visa waiver countries.

How long can I stay?

Up to 6 months, and you will not be asked to leave before it is safe to travel.

Can a relative accompany me?

Yes, if your condition requires it, on an Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa.

What if my treatment is urgent?

Contact INZ, which may make special arrangements.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for New Zealand

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Multiple entry: 6 months in any 12; single entry: up to 9 months in 18
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 24 hours, inside the Auckland airport transit area

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 months in any 1 year
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years (12-month establishment stage, then operating stage); one renewal of up to 2 years

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Up to 4 years, linked to the course

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years: 3 years for master’s or doctoral study of 30+ weeks; otherwise equal to the study period
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 years in total (3 years for skill level 4 or 5 jobs), then time outside New Zealand
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

New Zealand visa guide