Australia is not only known for its amazing landscape and world class universities, but also for its high quality healthcare system. Every year, people from all over the world come to Australia who do not provide special medical care or counseling in their home countries. If you or a loved one needs to travel to Australia for medical treatment, Australian medical treatment visa subclass 600 is your legal passage to do so.
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In this blog post, we will find you all the things necessary to know about the medical treatment visa (Subclass 602), including who it is, how to apply eligibility criteria, how to apply, how to apply, cost, processing time, and what to expect during your stay.
What is a Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)?
Subclass 602 Medical Treatment Visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals to travel in Australia for medical treatment or support someone with living or medical care.
It is specifically designed for those who:
Need to undergo medical treatment in Australia,
Want to donate an organ to someone in Australia,
Accompany a patient receiving treatment (as a support person),
Are in Australia and aged, with no other visa options and unable to leave due to medical reasons.
This visa does not allow work and is not the path of permanent residence, but it is a kind option for individuals seeking important medical services.
Who can Apply for the Subclass 602?
If you are you can apply for this visa:
Outside Australia and intend to travel for medical treatment,
Inside Australia already (on another visa or unlawfully) and need treatment,
Accompanying a patient as a family member or carer,
Visiting Australia as an organ donor,
Unable to leave Australia due to a medical condition and do not meet the requirements for any other visa.
What Medical Services Are Covered?
You may Apply for a Medical Treatment Visa if you Require:
Complex or advanced medical procedures,
Elective surgeries unavailable or too costly in your home country,
Consultations and follow-up care for serious conditions,
Organ transplant procedures (as a donor or recipient),
Recovery and rehabilitation services.
Note: You should arrange self -medical treatment before applying for a visa. The Department of Home Affairs will not arrange your treatment for you.
Visa Streams and Inclusions:
There is no separate stream or subclass within the 602 visa. However, it covers:
Patients: The primary applicant undergoing medical care.
Support persons: A relative or carer accompanying the patient.
Organ donors: People traveling to Australia specifically to donate an organ.
In all cases, the visa grants temporary stay only, and applicants must leave Australia when treatment is completed, unless granted another visa.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for 602 visas, you have to meet the following requirements:
Intention to receive medical treatment
You must provide documentation confirming your scheduled treatment, including a letter from the Australian hospital or medical facility.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet certain health standards. If you are a risk to public health (e.g., untreated tuberculosis), your visa may be refused. Police clearances may also be required.
Proof of Funds
You Must Demonstrate the Ability to pay for:
Your medical treatment (unless it’s covered by a third party),
Living expenses while in Australia,
Travel costs (including return airfare).
Actual temporary entry (GTE)
You will actually have to show the intention to live temporarily for treatment in Australia and will leave once your treatment or visa period is over.
Required Documents:
Here’s a checklist of documents you typically need for your application:
Valid passport
Medical treatment plan or appointment letter from an Australian doctor or hospital
Letter from your treating physician explaining your condition
Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsor letter, payment guarantees)
Travel and accommodation plans
Evidence of health insurance (if applicable)
Supporting documentation for organ donation (if relevant)
Police clearance certificates (if required)
Application Process:
If necessary, you can apply online through Immiaccount or through a paper form. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide:
1: Collect the Required Documents
Before starting your application, make sure all the required documents are accurate and updated.
2: Create an ImmiAccount
Go to Immi.homeafafairs.gov.au to register and submit your application.
3: Submit the Application
Fill out the application form accurately and upload your supporting documents.
4: Pay the Visa Fee
The application is generally free of charge, but if you’re applying from within Australia while unlawful or on a bridging visa, a visa application charge may apply.
5: Attend Health Examinations
If required, attend medical exams and/or biometrics appointments.
6: Wait for Decision
Processing time can range from 1 to 2 months, depending on your circumstances and the completion of your application.
Conditions of Medical Treatment Visa
Once granted, the visa comes with specific conditions:
You cannot work in Australia.
You may be able to study for up to 3 months.
You must only receive the treatment stated in your application.
You must not overstay your visa and must leave Australia when it expires.
You must maintain health insurance during your stay (unless waived).
Processing Times and Costs
As 2025:
Processing time: Usually 30 to 60 days, but immediate cases can be accelerated.
Cost: Generally free, unless applying from within Australia unlawfully. Then, fees up to AUD 405 may apply.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Although the Medical Treatment Visa is a compassionate visa, applications can still be refused for reasons such as:
Incomplete or unclear medical documentation
Insufficient funds to support your stay
Inadequate explanation of treatment arrangements
Doubts about your intent to leave after treatment
Failure to meet health or character requirements
Always make sure that your application is honest, wide and well supported by evidence.
After Treatment: What Happens Next?
Once your treatment ends:
If your visa is still valid, you can stay till its end date.
If you need further treatment, you can apply for another subclass 602 visa.
If you are medically unqualified to travel, you have to contact the Department of Home Affairs with medical evidence.
You should not work or change the purpose of your stay without applying for a new visa.
In some cases, if your condition improves and you meet the eligibility criteria, you can detect other visa options-but the subclass 602 is not designed for long-term residence.
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Final Thoughts
Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) is an essential option for people required to travel to Australia for health care, especially when treatment is unavailable or ineffective in our country. It provides a human, structured passage to reach world class medical services while maintaining strict inspection to ensure compliance.
