Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 600): Australia's Medical Stream
Australia's Subclass 600 visitor visa includes a Medical Treatment stream for people who need to travel to Australia for medical or dental treatment. The visa costs $190, allows stays of up to 12 months (or longer in exceptional cases), and requires a treatment letter from an Australian medical practitioner confirming your treatment plan. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover all medical costs, living expenses, and return travel.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 600 (Medical Treatment stream) |
| Cost | $190 |
| Processing time | 1 day – 5 months |
| Maximum stay | Up to 12 months (extensions possible) |
| Work rights | No |
| Apply from | Outside or inside Australia |
| Age requirement | None |
| Health insurance | Strongly recommended — medical costs are not covered by Medicare |
Who Is the Medical Treatment Stream For?
The Medical Treatment stream is designed for people who need to enter or remain in Australia specifically for medical treatment, dental treatment, or medical consultation. This includes:
- Patients seeking specialist treatment not available in their home country
- People referred to Australian hospitals or clinics by doctors overseas
- Patients needing follow-up treatment from previous medical care in Australia
- People requiring organ transplants where an Australian donor is involved
- Patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment in Australia
It's also used by support persons — a family member or carer who needs to accompany the patient during their treatment period. The support person applies under the same stream with a letter confirming their role.
This stream is distinct from the standard Tourist stream. While you could technically receive minor medical treatment on a Tourist visa, the Medical Treatment stream is specifically designed for cases where medical care is the primary purpose of your visit.
Evidence Requirements
The Medical Treatment stream has more specific evidence requirements than other Subclass 600 streams. The Department needs to be satisfied that your treatment is genuine, that you can pay for it, and that you'll leave Australia when it's done.
Treatment Letter
The most important document is a letter from an Australian registered medical practitioner or hospital. This letter must include:
- Your diagnosis or condition requiring treatment
- The specific treatment proposed
- The expected duration of treatment
- The estimated cost of treatment
- The treating doctor's name, qualifications, and registration number
- Confirmation that the Australian practitioner or facility has agreed to treat you
If you haven't yet seen an Australian doctor, a referral letter from your home-country doctor explaining why treatment in Australia is necessary can support your initial application. However, you'll still need the Australian treatment letter — some applicants provide one from a preliminary teleconsultation.
Financial Evidence
Medical treatment in Australia is expensive, and the Department wants assurance that you can cover all costs without becoming a burden on the Australian healthcare system. You'll need to show:
Medical costs: Evidence of the estimated treatment cost and proof you can cover it. This might be bank statements, a letter of financial support, medical insurance covering the treatment, or evidence of government funding from your home country.
Living expenses: Sufficient funds for accommodation, food, and daily living during your stay. Budget $2,500–$5,000 per month depending on the city.
Return travel: Evidence of funds for return flights, or a booked return ticket.
Support person costs: If a carer or family member is accompanying you, include evidence of their financial coverage as well.
Health Insurance
While not a formal visa condition, the Department strongly recommends health insurance. Australia's public health system (Medicare) does not cover overseas visitors except citizens of a handful of countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements.
Private health insurance that covers your specific treatment, plus any unexpected medical issues, can significantly strengthen your application. Some Australian hospitals require proof of insurance or upfront payment before committing to treat international patients.
How to Apply
From Outside Australia
- Arrange your treatment first. Contact the Australian hospital or specialist, confirm they can treat you, and obtain the treatment letter.
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Select Subclass 600, Medical Treatment stream.
- Complete the application with your personal details, medical information, and treatment details.
- Upload documents: passport, treatment letter, financial evidence, health insurance, and any supporting medical records.
- Pay $190 and submit.
From Inside Australia
If you're already in Australia on another visa and need to switch to the Medical Treatment stream, you can apply onshore — provided your current visa doesn't carry Condition 8503 ("no further stay"). This commonly happens when someone arrives on a Tourist visa and then discovers they need medical treatment.
A Bridging Visa A is automatically associated with your record when you lodge the onshore application, keeping you lawful while the application is processed.
Stay Period and Extensions
The initial stay period depends on your treatment plan. If your treatment letter indicates 3 months of treatment, expect a 3-month stay grant. For longer treatment plans, 6 or 12-month grants are possible.
If your treatment takes longer than originally planned — complications, additional procedures, or recovery time — you can apply for an extension from within Australia. You'll need an updated treatment letter from your doctor explaining why the additional time is required.
Extensions for medical treatment are viewed more favourably than standard tourist visa extensions. The Department recognises that medical situations are unpredictable, and a genuine need for continued treatment is a compelling reason for an extended stay.
Treatment for Support Persons
If you're accompanying a patient as their carer, your application should include:
- A letter from the patient's treating doctor confirming you're needed as a support person
- Evidence of your relationship to the patient (spouse, parent, sibling, etc.)
- Your own financial evidence
- Confirmation that you understand the visa conditions (including no work rights)
Support persons receive the same visa type and stay period as the patient. If the patient's visa is extended, the support person can apply for a corresponding extension.
Costs of Medical Treatment in Australia
Australia offers world-class medical care, but international patient costs can be substantial.
| Treatment Type | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Specialist consultation | $300 – $800 |
| MRI/CT scan | $500 – $2,000 |
| Minor surgery (day procedure) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Major surgery (hospital stay) | $20,000 – $100,000+ |
| Cancer treatment (per cycle) | $5,000 – $50,000 |
| Cardiac surgery | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Organ transplant | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
These are indicative only. Get a detailed cost estimate from your treating hospital before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access Medicare on a Medical Treatment visa?
No. Medical Treatment visa holders are not eligible for Medicare. You're responsible for all medical costs. Citizens of countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements (UK, Ireland, NZ, and some others) have limited Medicare access, but this covers emergency treatment only — not the planned treatment you're visiting for.
Can my family come with me?
Family members can apply for their own visitor visas (Tourist or Medical Treatment stream as support persons). They'll need separate applications and separate visa fees.
What if I can't afford the treatment?
The Department may refuse your visa if you can't demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. Some options include medical insurance, fundraising, home-country government support, or sponsorship by an Australian organisation.
Can I get a second opinion while on a Medical Treatment visa?
Yes. You're free to consult with other medical practitioners during your stay. Your visa isn't limited to a single doctor or hospital.
What if my treatment finishes early?
You can stay in Australia for the full duration of your visa grant, even if treatment finishes early. You're not obligated to leave the moment treatment concludes.
Is dental treatment covered under this stream?
Yes. The Medical Treatment stream covers dental treatment. You'll need a letter from an Australian registered dentist outlining your treatment plan and estimated costs.
