Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Treatment Visa Australia (Subclass 602)

Australia is globally recognised for its high-quality healthcare and medical innovation. For people needing essential medical care that isn’t available in their home country, the Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) provides a legal pathway to access health services in Australia.

If you're considering this visa for yourself or someone else, here are the most frequently asked questions about the Medical Treatment Visa Australia — explained in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

1. What is the Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)?

The Medical Treatment Visa Subclass 602 is a temporary visa that allows individuals to:

• Travel to Australia for medical treatment

• Support someone receiving medical care

• Donate an organ

• Stay longer in Australia due to a medical condition that prevents departure

2. Who can apply for a Medical Treatment Visa?

You may be eligible if:

• You need to receive medical treatment or consultations in Australia

• You are accompanying someone needing treatment

• You are an organ donor for someone in Australia

• You are unable to leave Australia due to a medical condition

• You are referred under government health arrangements

3. Can I apply for this visa from outside Australia?

Yes. You can apply either:

• Outside Australia (offshore) — if you are planning to travel for treatment

• Inside Australia (onshore) — if you are already in the country and unable to return home due to medical reasons

4. How long can I stay on a Medical Treatment Visa?

Stay durations vary depending on your medical needs. You can usually stay for:

• Up to 12 months, or

• As long as your medical treatment or condition requires

Visa extensions are possible with strong justification and proper documentation.

5. What documents are needed for the application?

You typically need:

• Valid passport

• Medical letter from an Australian healthcare provider

• Proof of appointment/treatment schedule

• Evidence of sufficient funds

• Travel itinerary and accommodation details

• Health insurance (recommended)

• Organ donor documents (if applicable)

6. Is there a visa fee for Subclass 602?

Most Medical Treatment Visas have no base application fee, especially for individuals coming under government arrangements. However, you may still incur:

• Medical check costs

• Biometrics

• Police clearance fees

• Agent or documentation fees (if using a professional)

7. Can I work in Australia on this visa?

No. The Medical Treatment Visa does not allow work rights. If you need to work during your stay, consider alternative visa options that permit employment.

8. Can I study while on a Medical Treatment Visa?

You can study for up to 3 months on this visa. For longer-term education, you’ll need to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500).

9. Can I include family members on my visa application?

Yes. You can include:

• A support person (such as a family member or caregiver)

• Children or dependents (if applicable)

Each family member must meet health and character requirements and be added as part of your application.

10. Can this visa lead to permanent residency (PR)?

No. The Medical Treatment Visa is not a pathway to PR. It is strictly a temporary visa intended for non-permanent medical care. If you wish to remain in Australia longer, explore other visa pathways such as skilled or family visas.

11. What happens if my treatment extends beyond the visa duration?

If your medical condition or treatment plan changes, you can apply to extend your visa before it expires. You’ll need updated documents from your healthcare provider to justify the extension.

12. How long does it take to process the 602 visa?

Processing times vary based on your location and medical situation. Typically:

• 2 to 6 weeks for straightforward cases

• Longer for complex cases or if supporting documents are missing

Using a registered migration agent can help reduce delays.

13. Do I need health insurance for this visa?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have health insurance to cover the cost of treatment and any unexpected expenses. Public healthcare in Australia is expensive for non-residents.

14. Can I travel in and out of Australia on this visa?

The 602 visa may be granted with:

• Single entry, or

• Multiple entries, depending on your case

You must confirm your visa conditions once granted to avoid breaching the terms.

15. Who can help me apply for a Medical Treatment Visa?

A MARA-registered migration agent can help you prepare your application, collect medical documentation, and ensure a complete submission.

Final Thoughts

The Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602) provides a vital option for people needing access to advanced healthcare in Australia. Whether you’re a patient, donor, or support person, the process is manageable when guided by expert advice and proper planning.

With help from experienced professionals like Immigration Buddy, you can access the treatment you need with less stress and a higher chance of approval.