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Schengen Medical Visa

Last verified: 3 min read

For medical treatment and healthcare in Europe

About the Medical Visa

The Schengen medical visa is a Type C short-stay visa for traveling to Europe to receive medical treatment. It's for patients seeking healthcare not available in their home country, or preferring European medical facilities.

Medical visas require additional documentation proving your treatment arrangements and ability to pay for healthcare costs.

Medical Visa Quick Facts

Purpose Medical treatment Healthcare, surgeries
Cost €80 Standard fee
Max stay 90 days Per 180-day period
Companion visa Available For caregiver/family

What This Visa Covers

  • Surgical procedures: Operations at European hospitals
  • Medical consultations: Specialist appointments and diagnoses
  • Ongoing treatment: Chemotherapy, rehabilitation, etc.
  • Dental procedures: Major dental work
  • Medical checkups: Comprehensive health examinations
  • Recovery period: Post-operative care and recovery

Required Medical Documentation

In addition to standard Schengen visa documents, medical visa applicants need:

  • Medical diagnosis: From your home country doctor explaining your condition
  • Hospital acceptance letter: From the European medical facility confirming your appointment/treatment
  • Treatment details: What treatment you'll receive, estimated duration, and schedule
  • Cost estimate: Official quote from the hospital for treatment costs
  • Proof of payment: Evidence of prepayment or ability to pay (bank statements, insurance)
  • Medical insurance: Coverage for the treatment (if not prepaid)

Bring a Companion

If you need someone to accompany you (family member, caregiver), they can apply for a companion medical visa. They should apply simultaneously and reference your medical visa application in their documents.

Proof of Financial Means

Medical treatment in Europe can be expensive. You must prove you can cover:

  • Treatment costs: Hospital bills, doctor fees, medications
  • Accommodation: Hotel or recovery facility stays
  • Living expenses: Food, transport during recovery
  • Emergency funds: Complications or extended stay

Bring comprehensive bank statements, prepayment receipts, and insurance documentation.

If Treatment Exceeds 90 Days

If your treatment and recovery will take longer than 90 days, you may need:

  • A national long-stay visa (Type D) from the specific country
  • Detailed medical documentation explaining why extended stay is necessary
  • More extensive financial proof

Discuss with the embassy if your treatment timeline is uncertain or potentially long.

Related Guides

Travel Insurance

Insurance requirements

How to Apply

Application process

Visa Extension

If recovery takes longer

Medical Visa FAQs

Do I need travel insurance if I've prepaid treatment?
Yes. Standard Schengen travel insurance is still required, though you may not need additional medical insurance if treatment is fully prepaid. The travel insurance covers emergencies outside your planned treatment.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Family members or caregivers can apply for companion visas. They should apply at the same time and reference your medical visa application. They'll need their own standard documents.
Which embassy do I apply to?
Apply to the embassy of the country where you'll receive treatment. If receiving treatment in multiple countries, apply to the country of your main hospital.
Can I get emergency medical treatment without this visa?
If you have a valid Schengen visa (tourist, business), you can receive emergency medical care. The medical visa is specifically for planned treatment, not emergencies while traveling.
Can I extend my visa if recovery takes longer?
Possibly. Medical emergencies and extended recovery are legitimate reasons for visa extensions. You'd need documentation from your European doctor explaining the medical necessity.

Related Information

ETIAS Guide Travel Insurance Schengen Area Guide UK Travel Requirements

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