Medical Treatment in the U.S. (B2)

There is no special visa for medical treatment in the U.S. Applicants must qualify for a visitor (B2) visa in the usual manner. In addition to meeting all other requirements for a B2 visa, applicants seeking medical care in the U.S. must:

• explain if your purpose is to visit a sick relative, obtain your own medical or accompany a relative;
• bring a written explanation from the attending physician of the patient’s condition, intended treatment, place and providers of treatment, estimate of total cost, time needed and prognosis;
• bring evidence that your intended U.S. medical care is fully paid in advance, or covered by insurance, or clear and convincing evidence of your ability to pay.

U.S. law contains visa ineligibilities for certain dangerous medical conditions and contagious diseases. In some cases, the visa applicant may seek a waiver of the ineligibility from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Embassy. Waivers take time and may require prior examination by an Embassy designated physician.