If you or someone you care about needs to visit Australia for medical treatment, this guide is for you. The Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) enables individuals to travel to Australia for medical care, health check-ups, or to support a loved one undergoing treatment.
Let’s break it down in a simple and easy-to-understand way. 🧠💡
🌟 What Is This Visa All About?
Medical Treatment Visa, under the Subclass 602, is a temporary visa that allows you to:
- Get medical treatment or attend medical consultations in Australia
- Donate an organ to someone in Australia
- Support a friend or family member who needs medical care
- Stay in Australia longer if you’re already there and too sick to leave
✅ Who Can Apply?
You can apply for this visa if:
- You are going to Australia for medical treatment or check-ups
- You are donating an organ to someone in Australia
- You are going with someone as a support person
- You are already in Australia but can’t leave because of your medical condition
- You are not applying for a permanent visa at the same time (except in some exceptional cases)
📌 What Do They Look For?
To get this visa, you need to show that:
- You do need medical care in Australia
- You have a letter from an Australian doctor or hospital confirming this
- You can afford the costs of your treatment, stay, and return travel
- You’re not a health risk to the public
- You plan to leave Australia after your treatment is over
🪜 How to Apply – Step by Step
Let’s keep it simple:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get a letter from your Australian doctor or hospital |
| 2 | Collect your documents (e.g., ID, health insurance, proof of funds, etc.). |
| 3 | Get your visa result (they’ll email or post the decision to you) |
| 4 | Wait and respond if they ask for extra documents or a medical check |
| 5 | Get your visa result (they’ll email or post the decision to you) |
📄 What Documents Do You Need?
Here’s your basic checklist:
🧍 Identity
- Your passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Birth certificate
🏥 Medical
- Letter from the doctor/hospital in Australia
- Details of treatment dates and cost
- Organ donor proof (if applicable)
💰 Money
- Bank statements
- Letter from sponsor (if someone else is paying for you)
- Flight booking and accommodation plans
👥 Support Person
- Evidence to show the relationship between the two, like a birth or marriage certificate
- A doctor’s note stating that you need someone with you.
💵 Visa Cost and Waiting Time
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | Usually Free (especially for medical reasons) |
| Application Fee | AUD 315 (only if you’re not exempt) |
| Processing Time | Around 15 to 50 days, depending on the case |
💡 Tip: Apply early to avoid delays!
💸 How Much Money Should You Show?
There’s no fixed amount, but you must show you can:
- Pay for your medical care
- Afford your stay (like food and transport)
- Cover your return flights
👉 Suggested budget: AUD 3,000 to $7,000, depending on your situation.
🎁 What You Get With This Visa
Here are the benefits of the 602 visa:
- Stay in Australia until your treatment is done
- Bring someone with you for support (if needed)
- Get multiple entries if approved, so that you can come and go
- Study for up to 3 months (optional)
- Apply from inside or outside Australia
⚠️ What You Can’t Do
- No work rights — you can’t work on this visa
- It’s not permanent — it won’t lead to permanent residency
- You must follow the visa rules
- You need to leave once your treatment is done (or apply again)
🌐 Useful Contacts and Links
| Need Help With? | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Full Visa Info | Home Affairs – Visa 602 |
| Online Application | ImmiAccount |
| Connect with a Trusted Immigration Consultant | Visas Adviser |
| Contact Details | +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com |
📄 Sample Medical Letter Format
Here’s an example of the kind of letter you need from your doctor or hospital:
❓ Common Questions
Q: Can I bring a family member with me?
Yes, if the doctor recommends support, your companion can also apply.
Q: Can I apply while I’m already in Australia?
Yes! If you’re here and need to stay longer, you can apply from within Australia.
Q: What if I need more time for treatment?
You can apply for another 602 visa before your current one expires.
Q: Can I study while on this visa?
Yes, but only up to 3 months.
💡 Expert Tips
✅ Apply early – don’t wait until the last moment
✅ Make sure your medical letter has precise treatment details
✅ Include proof of funds – even if someone else is paying
✅ Keep a copy of everything you send
✅ Ask for multiple entries if you think you’ll need to travel in and out
🧾 Final Thoughts – In Simple Words
Getting medical treatment abroad can feel overwhelming, but the Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) is here to help make things easier when you need care in Australia.
Whether you’re a patient, organ donor, or simply supporting someone through their health journey, this visa allows you to stay legally, safely, and with peace of mind. The process is straightforward if you plan, gather the proper documents, and follow each step carefully.
Just remember:
- Always get a clear letter from your doctor or hospital
- Show you can support yourself during your stay
- Stick to the rules and apply before your current visa expires (if you are already in Australia)
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a migration agent, a hospital social worker, or visit the official Australian immigration website for guidance.
Health comes first—and with the correct visa, you can focus on getting better, not paperwork.