If an applicant wishes to come to the UK to receive private medical treatment, they must meet the specified additional eligibility requirements in Appendix V:Visitor.
The applicant must satisfy:
1. They are not a danger to public health if they are suffering from a communicable disease.
2. They have arranged their private medical treatment before travelling to the UK, and must provide either:
- a letter from their doctor or consultant in the UK detailing the medical condition requiring consultation or treatment; and
- the estimated costs, likely duration of any treatment which must be of finite duration; and
- where the treatment will take place; or
3. If the applicant intends to receive NHS treatment under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement between the UK and another country, an authorisation form issued by the government of that country.
What is a reciprocal healthcare?
This is an agreement between the UK with a number of countries that provide equivalent access to immediately necessary healthcare for the citizens of the contracting countries where they are present in the other’s country for a limited period. This applies only to short-term visitors.
If the applicant is applying for an 11-month entry clearance to receive medical treatment, they must provide either:
- Evidence from their doctor/consultant in the UK that the prosed treatment is likely to exceed 6 months but not more than 11 months; or
- An authorisation for issued by the government of the relevant country which clearly states that the proposed treatment is likely to exceed 6 months but not more than 11 months; and
- A valid TB certificate confirming that they have undergone screening and are fee from active pulmonary tuberculosis (if the applicant is travelling from listed countries)
The letter obtained from a doctor/consultant in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council. The applicant will also need to show they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their treatment and all reasonable of their stay.
If you need any assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to contact our team.