UK Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Guide 2026

Understand UK Standard Visitor rules for private medical treatment, NHS reciprocal healthcare treatment, qualifying organ donation, 11-month medical visas, and £1,172 extension procedures.

11-Month Medical Visa Permission

While standard tourism visits are limited to 6 months, entry clearance for private medical treatment expected to exceed 6 months can be granted for up to 11 months under Appendix V: Visitor.

Overview of Medical Treatment Visitor Rules

Visiting the UK for medical reasons requires compliance with both general Standard Visitor eligibility (genuine intention to leave, sufficient funds) and specific statutory medical requirements under Appendix V: Visitor.

Private Medical Treatment Requirements

Requirement	Statutory Evidence Required
Medical Condition	Condition requiring private consultation or treatment in the UK.
Arranged Treatment	Must be pre-arranged prior to travelling to the UK.
Consultant Letter	Official letter from UK doctor/consultant giving condition, estimated cost, duration & location.
Financial Proof	Evidence of funds to pay all treatment and maintenance costs.
Communicable Diseases	Must not pose a public health danger (TB screening certificate if applicable).

Stay Durations & Official Fees

Standard Medical Stay

6 Months

Normal Visitor

Longer Medical Visa

11 Months

£234 Visa Fee

In-Country Extension

+6 Months

£1,172 Fee

Reciprocal NHS Treatment & Organ Donation

Reciprocal NHS Healthcare: Visitors can receive planned NHS hospital treatment if their home government has a reciprocal agreement with the UK. An official authorization form issued by their home healthcare authority confirming full payment guarantee is mandatory.

Organ Donation: Visitors may enter the UK to donate an organ to an identified recipient or undergo donor suitability assessment under Appendix V rules. Commercial organ trade is strictly illegal and prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)

A Standard Visitor can normally stay for up to 6 months. For private medical treatment expected to last more than 6 months, you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons with permission for up to 11 months.

You must provide a letter from a doctor or consultant registered in the UK confirming your condition, estimated cost, likely duration, and treatment location. You must also prove you can afford the treatment and intend to leave after.

NHS hospital treatment is permitted if covered by a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between the UK and your home government. You must provide an official government authorization form confirming your government will pay.

Yes. You can apply from within the UK for a further 6-month extension to complete private medical treatment, provided costs are paid and requirements are met. The GOV.UK extension fee is £1,172.

Yes. A Standard Visitor can enter the UK to donate an organ to an identified recipient or undergo donor suitability assessment under Appendix V: Visitor requirements.

The Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons (up to 11 months) costs £234. If your treatment takes 6 months or less, the standard 6-month visitor visa fee applies.