Medical Treatment Visa — Subclass 602
Medical Treatment Visa for Australia
The medical treatment visa (subclass 602) allows people to travel to Australia to receive medical treatment or undergo a medical assessment not available in their home country, and to bring a carer or family member to support them during treatment.
Who the subclass 602 covers
The subclass 602 is available to people who need to enter Australia to receive medical treatment at a recognised medical institution, to accompany a patient as a carer or family member, or to donate an organ to a person in Australia.
The visa is also available to people already in Australia on another temporary visa who need to extend their stay to continue medical treatment. In these cases, the application is lodged onshore. The visa is not available to people whose sole purpose of travel is to receive Medicare-funded treatment as a cost-shifting mechanism.
The visa is granted for the period of treatment, which the Department determines based on evidence provided by the treating medical practitioner. Where treatment is ongoing, the visa may be extended for as long as treatment is required and medically evidenced.
Eligibility and evidence
Medical evidence
A letter from a registered Australian medical practitioner confirming the diagnosis, the nature of the treatment required, the expected duration, and why the treatment must be received in Australia is required.
Financial capacity
The applicant must demonstrate the financial capacity to fund the full cost of treatment, accommodation, and return travel. Evidence of funds or financial guarantors is required at the time of application.
Carer eligibility
A carer or family member accompanying the primary applicant must demonstrate their relationship to the patient and the genuine need for their presence during the treatment period.
No work rights
The medical treatment visa does not permit paid employment in Australia. The purpose of the visa is strictly limited to receiving or supporting medical treatment.
602
Visa subclass
Treatment
Duration determined by evidence
Carer
Accompanying person eligible
No work
No paid employment permitted
Why instruct Visa Plan?
Medical evidence preparation
The quality and specificity of the medical evidence determines whether the visa is granted and for how long. We advise on what the treating practitioner's letter must address to satisfy the Department.
Financial evidence structuring
Medical treatment in Australia is costly. We advise on how to present financial evidence, including guarantors and institutional sponsorships, in a way the Department will accept.
Extensions and ongoing treatment
Where treatment extends beyond the original visa period, a further application must be lodged before the current visa expires. We manage extensions with updated medical evidence throughout the treatment period.
Medical treatment visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at 21 May 2026. Eligibility criteria and conditions are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.