Who Can Apply
The Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602) covers three types of applicants:
Medical Treatment
People travelling to Australia to receive medical or dental treatment from an Australian registered practitioner.
Organ or Tissue Donor
People donating an organ or tissue to someone already in Australia, where the donation procedure is carried out by an Australian practitioner.
Carer or Assistance
People accompanying and providing personal support to a medical treatment applicant or organ donor during their time in Australia.
What the Application Requires
The most important document in a medical treatment visa application is the letter from the Australian treating practitioner. A weak letter — one that is vague about the nature of treatment, its duration, or its necessity — is a common reason applications are refused or delayed.
The treating practitioner's letter should address:
- The nature of the medical condition and why treatment in Australia is necessary
- The specific treatment planned and the expected duration
- The name of the treating facility and the practitioner's credentials
- An estimate of the cost of treatment
- Confirmation that the practitioner is registered in Australia
In addition to the practitioner's letter, you'll need to show:
- Sufficient funds to cover both medical costs and living expenses for the expected duration
- Health insurance arrangements for the period of treatment
- Evidence that you intend to leave Australia when treatment is completed (genuine temporary intent applies here too)
Organ Donor Applications
For organ or tissue donor applications, you also need documentation from the receiving hospital in Australia confirming the donation arrangement, the date of the planned procedure, and the receiving practitioner's details.
Duration and Extensions
The visa is typically granted for the period needed for treatment plus a reasonable recovery window. If treatment takes longer than expected, you can apply for an extension from within Australia before the current visa expires. Extensions require updated medical evidence confirming the ongoing need for treatment.
Work Rights
The medical treatment visa does not include work rights. If work rights are needed during a medical stay in Australia, this needs to be considered carefully — combining a medical purpose with another visa type may be possible in some circumstances.
Can Family Members Come?
Carer applicants can be included in the application. Immediate family members who aren't providing care may need to apply for visitor visas separately. We advise on the most practical arrangement for your specific situation.