What the Medical Treatment Visa Covers
The subclass 602 provides a lawful basis to be in Australia for medical purposes — whether the applicant is travelling from overseas for treatment, is a carer supporting a patient, or is already in Australia and cannot safely depart due to a medical condition.
Patients seeking treatment
People travelling to Australia for surgery, specialist consultations, cancer treatment, dental procedures, organ donation, or other medical care — provided treatment arrangements with an Australian provider are in place.
Supporting carers
A person accompanying a patient who cannot travel to or within Australia without assistance. The carer must demonstrate their relationship to the patient and that the patient genuinely requires support.
People unable to depart
A person already in Australia who has a medical condition that makes departure medically inadvisable or impossible. Medical evidence from an Australian treating doctor is required.
Organ donors
People travelling to Australia to donate an organ to a recipient in Australia. Documentation from the treating hospital confirming the donation arrangements is required.
Who Can Apply
Confirmed medical treatment arrangements
A letter from an Australian hospital, specialist, or registered medical practitioner confirming: (a) the nature of the treatment or consultation; (b) that arrangements are in place; and (c) the expected duration of the treatment. This is the primary eligibility requirement for patients.
Financial capacity to pay
The applicant must demonstrate they have the financial means to pay for all medical treatment costs, accommodation, and living expenses during their stay in Australia. Evidence includes bank statements, payment guarantees, or letters from overseas health insurers. Medicare generally does not cover treatment sought specifically as the purpose of the visa, unless reciprocal arrangements apply.
Health and character requirements
Applicants must meet Australian health and character requirements. Note that applicants with serious health conditions may still be granted the 602 where the purpose of the visa is to receive treatment for that condition — the standard health requirement assessment takes into account the purpose of travel.
Genuine temporary entry intent
As with all temporary visas, the applicant must demonstrate they intend to remain in Australia only for the duration of the permitted activities — in this case, for the duration of the medical treatment — and intend to depart when treatment is complete (or when the visa expires).
Key Evidence to Gather
The Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.