Medical Treatment Visa Australia | A Comprehensive Guide

 

Are you or someone you know in need of medical care in Australia? 

 

The Australian Government offers a medical treatment visa for those seeking medical treatment, organ donation, or support for loved ones undergoing these processes in Australia.

 

And the amazing thing about this visa is that if you are applying outside of Australia, there is no application fee for it. So, isn’t it amazing?

 

Read this blog if you are in need of this visa and looking for the eligibility requirements, application process, visa cost and more. 

 

What is a Medical Treatment Visa Australia?

The Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to travel to Australia or stay longer in the country for medical treatment. 

 

This visa is also available for those who want to support someone receiving medical care and for people who are donating an organ.

 

This visa offers numerous benefits, which include the following:

 

• You can get medical care or consultations.
• If you are an organ donor, this visa allows you to travel for that purpose.
• You can help someone who holds this visa, whether they are receiving treatment or donating an organ.
• You may be granted a single entry or multiple entries into Australia based on your circumstances.
• You can study for up to 3 months or longer if you meet certain conditions.

 

How long can you stay with Medical Treatment Visa in Australia?

This is a temporary visa, and the length of your stay will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Factors like your treatment plan will influence how long you can stay.

 

Moreover, you cannot extend this visa. If you need more time for treatment or other reasons, you will have to apply for a different visa.

 

Can support persons apply for this visa?

If you’re applying for medical treatment or organ donation, a family member or friend can apply as your support person. 

 

Each support person needs to submit a separate application unless they are already included in your passport. 

 

The Department of Home Affairs will process your applications together, but your visa must be granted first before the support person’s visa is approved.

 

What is the cost of a Medical Treatment Visa? 

 

• There is no application fee for a medical treatment visa if you apply from outside Australia.
• However, if you apply from Australia, you have to pay an application fee of AUD 370. 
• If you represent a foreign government, the application is free.
• You may also need to pay for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

 

From where can you apply for this visa?

You can apply while in Australia or from outside the country. However, if your application is approved, you must be in the correct location (in or out of Australia) at the time of the visa grant.

 

What is the processing time for a Medical Treatment Visa?

The time it takes to process your application for the Medical Treatment Visa can vary. To get an idea of how long it might take, you can use the visa processing time guide tool. 

 

This tool shows how long it took to process recent applications, but remember, it’s just a guide and not specific to your case.

 

The processing time depends on various factors such as:

 

• Whether you have provided the complete information.
• How quickly you respond to the queries by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Whether you have attached all the documents.
• Volume of applications received by DHA. 

 

Can you travel with a Medical Treatment Visa?

This visa allows either single or multiple entries into Australia. Make sure to arrive before your visa expires.

 

• Multiple Entry: You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as needed.
• Single Entry: If granted while outside Australia, you can enter once. If granted while in Australia, you can leave and return once but cannot re-enter again after that.

 

Lastly, instead of a physical label, your visa will be digitally linked to your passport.

 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Medical Treatment Visa Australia?

To apply for subclass 602, you must meet the following requirements set by the Australian Government. 

 

1. Purpose of your visit

To qualify for this visa, you must fit into one of these categories:

 

• You plan to receive medical care or consultations in Australia.
• You intend to donate an organ to someone in Australia.
• You want to support someone who is receiving medical treatment or donating an organ.
• You plan to receive an organ from someone travelling with you to Australia.
• You are coming under specific agreements between the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and the Queensland Department of Health.

 

2. No threat to public health 

You must not be suffering from a medical condition that can pose a risk to the health of the Australian community.

 

3. Visa requirements

If you are in Australia, you must not hold or have last held a Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker stream unless you are over 50 and were refused a permanent visa due to health reasons.

 

4. Financial requirements

You must have enough money to cover your travel, medical treatment, and living expenses in Australia. Moreover, you must be capable of supporting those who are accompanying you. 

You need to have arrangements in place to pay for your medical treatment, so it doesn’t become a cost to the Australian government. This can be shown with written proof from a hospital confirming your treatment and payment plans.

 

5. Age requirements

There is no age restriction to apply for a medical treatment visa (subclass 602). 

 

6. Health and character 

You must meet both health and character standards set by the Australian government. You can demonstrate this via medical certificate and police clearance certificate. 

 

7. Genuine visitor

You must intend to stay in Australia temporarily and only do activities allowed by this visa. However, this doesn’t apply if you are over 50, were refused a permanent visa due to health reasons, and are unable to leave Australia.

 

How to Apply for a Medical Treatment Visa Australia?

First of all, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Medical Treatment Visa. And you must have proper evidence documents to demonstarte your eligibility. 

 

Follow these steps to apply for a Medical Treatment Visa to Australia: 

 

Step 1: Gather required documents

Gather and organise all the necessary documents. These documents include the following:

 

Valid passport: Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Completed Form 48ME: This is the application form for the Medical Treatment Visa.

Proof of Medical Treatment: Obtain a letter from a registered medical practitioner explaining your treatment plan, including dates and costs.

Payment Arrangements: Provide evidence that you have arranged to pay for your medical treatment, such as a letter from the hospital or proof of health insurance.

Financial Evidence: Show that you have enough money to cover your stay and any accompanying individuals’ expenses.

Health Examination: Complete a health examination if required.

Police Certificates: Depending on your circumstances, you might need to provide police certificates.

 

Step 2: Apply for the Visa

To apply for this visa, create an account on ImmiAccount website. Log into your account and download the application form. Fill out the application by providing all the details. Make sure you provide accurate information. 

 

After that, attach the required documents. Pay the application fee if you are in Australia. Submit the form. 

 

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, but typically, 75% of applications are processed within about 27 days. You can check the status of your application through your ImmiAccount. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa grant letter. This letter will include details about your visa, such as the duration of your stay and any conditions.

 

Ending Notes

So, a medical treatment visa provides an important pathway to those who are in need of it. This blog has comprehensively covered the requirements, documents and application process for this visa. So, what’s next? Do your own research and apply for this visa.

 

 

FAQs about Medical Treatment Visa Australia

Can I go to Australia for medical treatment?

Yes, you can go to Australia for medical treatment by applying for the Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602). This visa allows individuals to enter Australia to receive medical care, consultations, or to support someone undergoing treatment.

 

What are the requirements for a medical visa in Australia?

To be eligible for the Medical Treatment Visa, you must:

• Intend to receive medical treatment or consultations.
• Have adequate funds to cover your treatment and living expenses.
• Not pose a public health risk.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Be a genuine visitor with arrangements for your medical care.

 

Can I move to Australia with a medical condition?

Yes, you can move to Australia with a medical condition if you apply for the Medical Treatment Visa. However, your condition must not pose a threat to public health, and you must meet specific health and character requirements.

 

What are the medical tests for an Australia visa?

The specific medical tests required depend on your individual circumstances and health conditions. Generally, applicants may need to undergo a health examination, which could include tests for communicable diseases and assessments of overall health as part of the visa application process.