A medical visa is issued to travellers seeking medical treatment in another country. It is designed for genuine medical care and usually requires documentation from a recognised hospital or medical provider in the destination.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Receiving medical treatment in a recognised hospital or clinic abroad.
Who is it for?
Patients travelling for treatment that is unavailable, delayed or preferred abroad, sometimes with an attendant.
Typical application method
Online or embassy application, supported by a hospital appointment letter and medical records.
Can Krosz help?
Krosz helps you confirm the medical visa route, prepare the hospital letter and documents, and submit the application. We are a private service and do not provide medical advice.
Krosz does not publish fabricated processing times, fees, validity or stay durations. Country-specific figures appear only when pulled from Krosz's verified visa database.
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
Overview
A medical visa authorises entry specifically to receive medical treatment. It is granted based on a confirmed appointment at a recognised hospital or medical facility in the destination country.
It is designed for treatment that is not available, has long waiting times, or is preferred abroad — such as specialist surgery, fertility treatment, cancer therapy or advanced diagnostics.
Medical visas are distinct from tourist visas: they require a medical appointment letter, often allow a longer stay than a tourist visa, and in some countries permit an attendant to travel with the patient.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
Activities
Medical treatment
Receiving care at the named hospital or clinic.
Hospital stay
Staying for the treatment and recovery period.
Accompanied travel
In some countries, travelling with an attendant.
Follow-up visits
Attending follow-up appointments within the visa period.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category are shown. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient blank pages and validity beyond the treatment period.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed medical visa application.
Hospital appointment letter
Letter from the recognised hospital confirming the appointment and treatment.
Medical records
Recent medical reports and referral from your local doctor.
Financial evidence
Proof of funds to cover treatment and stay.
Travel itinerary
Return or onward booking matching the treatment dates.
Process
A category-specific application timeline. Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Get a medical referral
Obtain a diagnosis and referral from your local doctor.
Confirm the hospital
Book an appointment at a recognised hospital and get their letter.
Prepare documents
Gather passport, hospital letter, medical records and funds proof.
Apply & pay
Submit the medical visa application online or at the embassy/VAC.
Processing
The authority verifies the hospital letter and medical records.
Decision
Receive the visa, often for a stay matching the treatment period.
Krosz tool
Tell us where you want to travel and your passport. We'll route you to the right Krosz visa page.
Destinations
Only destinations where Krosz has verified data for this purpose are shown. We never claim every country offers a visa with the same name.
Krosz does not currently process this visa category for specific destinations.
Contact the relevant embassy or authority for the country you plan to visit, or for guidance.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Medical Visa | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Receiving medical treatment | Leisure and sightseeing |
| Key document | Hospital appointment letter | Travel itinerary and accommodation |
| Stay length | Often matched to treatment duration | Fixed tourist stay limit |
| Attendant | Some allow a medical attendant visa | No attendant provision |
Be prepared
General, educational reasons relevant to this category. We never publish invented refusal rates.
Practical
FAQ
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
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