
Travelling to the UK for Medical Treatment

Are you or a loved one considering on travelling to the UK for medical treatment in the UK but unsure where to start? As a leading group of specialist hospitals in London, we have extensive experience helping international patients plan their journey for medical care to the UK. This blog offers a guide to navigating the process of visiting the UK for medical treatment.
The first and most crucial step is to check if they meet the eligibility criteria and acquire the necessary travel documents before planning their journey.
Travel & Visa Requirements
According to Gov.UK, patients can visit the UK for up to 6 months to have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility. You will also be granted visitation to the UK to donate an organ to a family member or close friend, including an assessment for suitability as a donor match.
If your treatment is likely to last longer than 6 months, you are required to get a standard visitor visa regardless of your nationality.
You can apply for a visa before you come to the UK, which lasts up to 11 months for £200. Or you can stay up to 6 months and pay £1,000 to extend your stay each time. More information is available on this at Gov.uk.
You will also be expected to:
- Check you meet eligibility requirements.
- Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
- Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online – if you require one.
You can check if you require a UK visa or ETA through here
Checking your Eligibility
If you are visiting the UK for private medical treatment, you will need to prove the following:
- Have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK.
- Have made the necessary arrangements for consultation or treatment.
- Have the necessary money or funding to pay for your treatment.
- Will leave the UK once your treatment is completed or when your visa expires.
- Are not a carrier of an infectious disease like COVID-19 or leprosy that poses a danger to public health.
You will also need to provide a letter written by a doctor or a consultant that confirms:
- What condition do you have that needs consultation or treatment?
- The estimated cost and the duration of your treatment.
- Where the consultation and treatment will take place.
Specialists from the hospital you are receiving treatments from will help with your treatment plans and provide you with a written contract indicating a clear plan of treatments, responsibilities for all costs, aftercare, medications, extended stay, nursing care and follow-up.
Plan for aftercare and possible side effects or complications
Before agreeing to undergo any treatment, ensure that all possible complications and side effects that can arise from the treatment are understood.
Make sure that you’re clear about how your aftercare will be coordinated. It’s recommended that you stay in the UK for the whole duration of your care to ensure adequate time for recovery before returning home.
For your recovery period, carefully consider who will be caring for you during your stay in the UK, during your travel back home and once you have returned home. Family visas may be granted to those who meet eligibility.
Budget Appropriately
The cost of your treatments may vary depending on your conditions. Government and embassy funds may be available for some patients depending on their home country, but if you are self-funding, several things to keep in mind include treatment and consultation costs, travel, and accommodation costs.
You will need to factor in fluctuating exchange rates, the possibility of extending your stay (if needed), and the cost of possible return trips.
This also means that before travelling abroad, you should ensure you have the necessary travel insurance or have told your insurance company about your planned treatment abroad.
London Specialists Hospitals include world-leading specialist hospitals based in London, UK. With extensive experience in the field, our multi-disciplinary team can guide you through your needs as you prepare to book your travel to the UK for treatments in one of our hospitals.
Fill in the enquiry form to contact one of our experts and get personalised advice for your medical treatments in the UK.