UK medical treatment visa: private care, NHS and organ donors

You must have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK, have arranged that treatment, have the money to pay for it, intend to leave once it ends, and not be a danger to public health. NHS treatment is only possible as a visitor when your own government pays under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement and issues an authorisation form. Organ donors may come to donate to a genetically related family member or someone they have a close personal relationship with.

The key document is a letter from the treating doctor or consultant setting out the condition, where treatment will take place, its likely duration and estimated cost. Donors need a letter, dated within 3 months of arrival, from the transplant team lead nurse, a GMC-registered specialist or an NHS consultant confirming the match or testing and the relationship. Stays over 6 months may require a TB certificate if you have recently lived in a country on GOV.UK's TB testing list.

£135 covers up to 6 months. If treatment is expected to take longer you can apply before travel for a medical visit visa of up to 11 months for £234, which every nationality needs for stays over 6 months. Alternatively you can come for 6 months and apply inside the UK for further 6-month periods at £1,172 each, as long as earlier treatment has been paid for and you can pay for the rest; there is no limit on the number of extensions.

Apply online on GOV.UK choosing medical treatment as the purpose, then attend the visa application centre. Companions such as a parent or carer must apply for their own Standard Visitor visa and should reference the patient’s application. In-country extensions are applied for online and need a UKVCAS appointment; super priority is available for an extra £1,000.

There is no appeal and no administrative review against a Standard Visitor refusal. The refusal notice lists the requirements UKVI found unmet, most often doubts about your intention to leave, the source of funds or the purpose of the trip. You can apply again at any time with a new fee and evidence that answers those points.