Standard Visitor visa for
Medical reasons

Anyone who needs to come to the UK to receive private medical treatment can apply for a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons.

You can stay in the UK for up to 11 months on a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons.

No, you cannot work or carry out any business activities in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons.

You can take a short course of study (up to 30 days) with a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons, but you cannot study for a degree or other long-term course.

Although it is not mandatory to have travel insurance, it is highly recommended to have adequate travel and medical insurance before travelling to the UK for medical treatment.

Processing times can vary depending on your country of residence, but it usually takes up to 3 weeks for a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons application to be processed.

The cost of a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons depends on the length of your stay and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. As of September 2021, the fee for an 11-month Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons is £190 if applying from outside the UK.

You may be able to extend your stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons for up to 11 months, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are only granted in certain circumstances, such as for ongoing medical treatment or if there are compelling compassionate reasons.

No, you cannot work as a doctor or nurse in the UK with a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons. If you wish to work in the UK as a healthcare professional, you will need to apply for the appropriate work visa.