Not immigration advice. This page summarises publicly available Home Affairs information for orientation only. Visa criteria, forms and processing change. Always check the current Department of Home Affairs subclass 602 page (opens official site) or get advice from a registered migration agent (MARA). We do not lodge applications or guarantee outcomes.
Short answer: Subclass 602 is a temporary visa people research when they need to travel to, or stay in, Australia for medical treatment or related purposes defined by Home Affairs. Eligibility, evidence and conditions are set by the Department - not by clinics or this website (Home Affairs (opens official site)).
Risks and limitations to understand first
- Relying on outdated blog posts or clinic marketing for visa rules can invalidate an application or breach conditions
- A clinic letter is not a visa grant
- Onshore applications can be invalid without required evidence (for example a completed Form 1507 in circumstances Home Affairs specifies) (Form 1507 (opens official site))
- Treatment costs, hospital deposits and insurance are separate from the visa decision
- This site cannot tell you whether you will be granted a visa
What Home Affairs says the visa is for
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602) is the visa listing for people seeking medical treatment in Australia (and related categories described on that page). Read the full criteria, who can apply, what the visa lets you do, and how long you can stay on the official page:
Do not assume a tourist visa is interchangeable with subclass 602 for planned treatment.
Evidence people are commonly asked for
Orientation only - confirm current forms and checklists with Home Affairs.
| Item | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence of intended medical treatment | Shows the treatment plan and treating practitioner details | Form 1507 (opens official site) |
| Registered Australian medical practitioner | Form 1507 must be completed by a registered medical practitioner under Australian law | Form 1507 notes |
| Identity and visa history documents | Standard visa application requirements | Home Affairs 602 page |
| Arrangements to pay for treatment | You are generally expected to fund care; Medicare for visitors is limited | Services Australia - visitors (opens official site) |
Form 1507 notes that for certain onshore applicants who do not hold a substantive visa, a completed and signed Form 1507 must be submitted or the application may not be valid (Form 1507 (opens official site)).
Health and public safety (orientation)
Home Affairs maintains health requirements for many visas to protect public health (especially tuberculosis) and manage costs and access to services (Home Affairs - Health (opens official site)). Medical Treatment visa applicants may face different examination pathways depending on whether they are seeking treatment, donating an organ, or acting as a support person. Do not rely on this summary for your case - follow instructions issued with your application.
Sensible next steps
- Read the current subclass 602 page (opens official site)
- Confirm your treating practitioner is registered: Ahpra Register (opens official site)
- Get a written treatment plan and cost estimate from the Australian provider
- Arrange insurance that covers your stay and any complications - do not assume Medicare
- If unsure, consult a registered migration agent listed on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (opens official site)
Inbound overview: medical treatment in Australia for foreigners.
Costs and insurance are separate from the visa
A visa grant does not create Medicare cover for most visitors. Before you travel for treatment in Australia:
- Get a written cost estimate from the Australian hospital or clinic
- Confirm deposit and cancellation rules if your visa is delayed
- Arrange insurance that matches the planned procedure and any complications
- Budget companion accommodation and longer stays if recovery slips
Services Australia explains Medicare limits for visitors (Services Australia (opens official site)). Do not treat a 602 application as financial planning.
Common misunderstandings
| Claim you may see online | Reality check |
|---|---|
| “The hospital will get you the visa” | Only Home Affairs grants visas; hospitals provide evidence |
| “Tourist visa is fine for planned surgery” | Planned medical treatment often needs the correct visa pathway; confirm with Home Affairs |
| “602 means Medicare will pay” | Visa status and Medicare entitlement are different |
| “A clinic letter guarantees approval” | Evidence helps an application; it does not guarantee a grant |
If your situation is complex (prior refusals, bridging visas, support-person categories), speak with a registered migration agent listed on MARA (opens official site).
Frequently asked questions
Is this page immigration advice?
No. It is general information citing Home Affairs. For advice about your circumstances, use Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Can medicaltourism.com.au lodge my 602 application?
No.
Do I always need Form 1507?
Home Affairs and Form 1507 explain when the form is required. Read those sources for your situation rather than a third-party summary.
Does a 602 visa mean Medicare will pay for my surgery?
No. Visa status and Medicare entitlement are different. Check Services Australia.
Can I work on a 602 visa?
Work conditions depend on the grant. Read your grant notice and the current Home Affairs 602 page; do not rely on forum summaries.
What if my treatment plan changes after I apply?
Tell Home Affairs and your treating practitioner promptly. Material changes can affect validity of evidence you already lodged.
How long can I stay?
Stay periods depend on grant conditions. Confirm on the Home Affairs 602 page and your grant notice.
Sources
All accessed 24 October 2026.
- Department of Home Affairs, Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/medical-treatment-602
- Department of Home Affairs, Form 1507: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1507.pdf
- Department of Home Affairs, Health requirement: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health
- Services Australia, Medicare services for visitors to Australia: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-services-for-visitors-to-australia
- Ahpra, Register of practitioners: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority: https://www.mara.gov.au/
Disclaimer: The information on medicaltourism.com.au is general in nature. It isn’t immigration, legal, medical or financial advice. Visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs. See our editorial policy, medical disclaimer and how we make money.