ETA for Medical Treatment in the UK: Application Requirements, processing time, cost, and validity for Singaporeans

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Medical Treatment is a digital travel approval launching on 27 June 2025 for non-visa nationals, including Singaporeans, Qataris, Australians, Jordanians, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens. It permits short-term private medical visits to the United Kingdom for consultations, surgeries, or rehabilitation under the Standard Visitor route.

The ETA costs £26 in total (£16 government fee + £10 processing charge), is valid for two years, and allows multiple visits of up to six months each.

Singaporean travelers must obtain an ETA before traveling for treatment at UK hospitals or private clinics. The authorization verifies that applicants meet all immigration, health, and financial criteria for entry. It does not grant free access to the National Health Service (NHS), only emergency Accident & Emergency (A&E) care is provided without charge.

To qualify, applicants must hold a valid Singapore passport, a consultant or hospital letter, proof of sufficient funds, and medical insurance covering their stay. Applications are completed online via application.uketa.com.sg by uploading the passport, photo, and medical documents, then paying the £26 fee. Most approvals are issued within three working days and automatically link to the applicant’s passport.

The ETA simplifies travel for patients seeking private medical care in the UK while maintaining border security and efficient entry processing. Singaporeans planning treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation in the UK after June 2025 should apply early to ensure smooth entry and uninterrupted medical care.

What Does the UK ETA For Medical Treatment?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Medical Treatment refers to the digital travel approval required from 27 June 2025 for non-visa nationals such as Singaporeans, Qataris, Jordanians, Australians, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens. It permits short-term medical visits to the UK for consultations, surgeries, or rehabilitation under the Standard Visitor route.

Do Singaporeans need an ETA for Medical treatment in the UK?

Singaporean citizens must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short medical treatment visits starting 27 June 2025 under the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. The ETA costs £16 (government fee) plus £10 (processing fee), is valid for two years, and allows multiple entries for hospital or clinic visits, consultations, surgeries, rehabilitation, or oncology care.

What Type of Medical Treatment Are Allowed Under a UK ETA for Singaporeans?

Under the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) effective 27th June 2025, Singaporean citizens can travel to the UK for private medical treatment, short-term consultations, minor surgery, or rehabilitation therapy lasting up to six months under the Standard Visitor route, provided they meet all eligibility criteria, funding requirements, and documentation standards.

Short-Term Private Medical Treatments
Eligibility and Documentation Requirements
National Health Service (NHS) Access and Funding Arrangements
Hospital and Transport Options in the UK

Can Singaporeans Get Free Treatment in the UK on a Medical ETA?

No, Singaporeans cannot get free treatment in the UK under a Medical ETA after 27 June 2025. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) only allows entry for medical visits, not free NHS healthcare. All treatments, consultations, or surgeries must be paid privately.

ETA and Healthcare Rights: The Medical Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows non-visa nationals such as Singaporeans, Qataris, Australians, and Jordanians to enter the UK for short-term medical care of up to six months. It falls under the Standard Visitor route and does not include NHS coverage, only emergency Accident & Emergency (A&E) cases are free of charge.
Hospital Admission and Private Treatment: Singaporean patients may receive care in private hospitals or pay-per-use NHS Trusts for surgery, oncology, or rehabilitation. Applicants must present a consultant letter, treatment plan, and proof of payment or deposit before hospital admission.
Financial Documents and Insurance: Applicants must submit bank statements, sponsor letters, and valid medical insurance covering all treatment and return travel expenses. Applications are completed via: application.uketa.com.sg.
Treatment Types and Transport: The ETA permits medical consultations, surgery, rehabilitation, or organ donation. Patients may travel via air ambulance, ICU repatriation, or chauffeur transport. Hospitals require advance booking and payment confirmation before the patient’s arrival in the UK.
Immigration and Legal Rules: The Medical ETA is a subcategory of the Standard Visitor visa route within UK Immigration Rules. It authorizes short-term medical treatment, not extended stays or free access to public healthcare. Lack of proof of funding or incomplete documentation may result in entry refusal.
Funding and Aftercare: All treatment costs, aftercare, and medication must be paid by the traveler, sponsor, or insurance provider. Some private insurers and healthcare facilitators, such as Home SkyCare, may assist with partial reimbursements for approved medical services in the UK.

What are the UK Medical Treatment ETA eligibility criteria to get treatment in the UK for Singaporeans?

Singaporean citizens are eligible for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for medical treatment visits up to six months, provided they hold a valid Singapore passport, demonstrate sufficient funds, and meet immigration suitability, health, and security standards. Longer treatments require a Standard Visitor visa under the Appendix Visitor Visa National list.

Eligibility & Route

The ETA, effective 27 June 2025, is for non-visa nationals like Singaporeans under the Standard Visitor subcategory. It covers consultations, surgery, oncology, rehabilitation, or organ donation. Longer care needs a Standard Visitor Visa.

Required Documents

Applicants need a consultant or hospital letter, treatment plan, bank statements, insurance certificate, and return-flight proof. Sponsors must provide a letter of support with funding evidence and relationship details.

Medical & Financial Proof

Treatment can be at private hospitals or NHS Trusts on a pay-per-treatment basis. Overseas patients, including Singaporeans, pay 150 % of NHS costs or use insurance coverage with valid policy certificates.

Application & Fees

Apply through application.uketa.com.sg/ or uketa.com.sg/. The government ETA fee is £16, with a £10 processing fee (total £26). Submit passport, photo, and contact details accurately.

Hospital & Transport

Once approved, patients can enter for appointments or surgeries at UK hospitals. Chauffeur transfers, air ambulances, and ICU repatriation are available through Home SkyCare and London Air Ambulance.

How to Apply UK ETA For Medical Treatment?

Apply for a UK ETA

The easiest way for eligible non-visa nationals, such as Singaporean citizens, to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for medical treatment is through our official website: application.uketa.com.sg.

Fill Out the Online Form

Create an account: Enter your email address, contact details, and choose a secure password.
Provide your passport information: Upload your biometric passport details, ensuring the photo page is clearly visible.
Scan your passport’s chip: Use your smartphone to scan the biometric chip by placing your phone flat on the passport’s cover until it vibrates.
Upload a digital photo: Take a clear, well-lit photo of yourself against a plain background, following UK photo standards.
Answer application questions: Complete the form with accurate personal details, medical travel purpose, and security information. No flight or accommodation data is needed at this stage.
Attach supporting documents: Upload your consultant letter, hospital admission proof, insurance policy certificate, and funding evidence (bank statements or sponsor letter).
Pay the total fee: Pay £26 GBP (includes the £16 ETA fee and £10 processing) using a credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Submit your application: Once submitted, you’ll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email receipt showing your ETA reference number.

What Documents Are Required for Medical Treatment ETA For Singaporeans?

UK ETA Requirement

Singaporean citizens applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for medical treatment must prepare their passport details, recent photograph, medical documentation, consultant letters, proof of funding, accommodation details, travel itinerary, and insurance evidence before submitting the application at application.uketa.com.sg.

Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date to the UK. You’ll need it for both the application and your trip.

Recent Photo

Upload a clear and recent photo that meets the UK requirements:

Size: At least 600 x 750 pixels.
File Size: Between 50 KB and 10 MB.
Background: Plain white with your face clearly visible.

Consultant Letter

From a Singapore or UK hospital confirming diagnosis, treatment, and duration.

Hospital Admission Proof

Appointment confirmation, deposit receipt, or treatment plan.

Clean Criminal Record

You need to have a clean criminal record. If you’ve been convicted of a crime and served a prison sentence of 12 months or more, your application could be denied. This also applies if you’ve been convicted in the past year.

Proof of Funds

Latest bank statements, sponsor letter, or payment evidence for treatment and stay.

Accommodation Details

Hotel booking, hospital stay letter, or UK address confirmation.

Medical Insurance Policy

Coverage for treatment, repatriation, and aftercare.

Sponsor Letter (if any)

From family, employer, or charity, showing financial support and relationship proof.

What Is the Processing Time for a UK Medical Treatment ETA?

The UK Medical Treatment ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) usually takes up to three working days to process after submission. It’s a digital pre-travel authorisation that allows non-visa nationals like Singaporeans, Qataris, and Australians etc. to travel to the UK for short-term medical treatment, care, or hospital consultations under the Standard Visitor route.

What is the processing time for a UK Medical treatment ETA ?

The UK Medical Treatment Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Singaporean citizens costs £16 (government fee) plus a £10 processing charge, totaling £26. Applications can be submitted online through application.uketa.com.sg. The ETA permits short-term stays of up to six months for approved medical care, hospital consultations, or organ donation under the Standard Visitor route.

How Long is a UK Medical treatment ETA Valid for Get treatment?

A UK Medical Treatment ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first, but it allows individual stays of up to six months for eligible non-visa nationals

How Long is a UK Medical treatment ETA Valid for Get treatment?

Singaporean nationals holding a valid UK Medical Treatment Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may use the same authorization for multiple short-term visits, including medical care, business meetings, or work-related consultations, provided each stay is under six months and the ETA remains valid for two years.

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What to know about the UK Medical Treatment ETA ?

You need to know that The UK Medical Treatment Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is part of the UK’s new digital travel system launching on 27 June 2025. It allows Singaporeans and other non-European nationals, including Qataris, Jordanians, Australians, Americans, and GCC citizens, to visit the UK for private medical treatment, such as consultations, surgeries, or rehabilitation, under the Standard Visitor route.

The ETA is a digital travel permit valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple visits of up to six months each. It costs £26 (£16 government fee + £10 processing) and is available through application.uketa.com.sg. Applicants must provide a consultant or hospital letter, proof of funds, and medical insurance, as NHS care is not included—all treatment must be privately funded.

This system represents a modernized upgrade of the traditional visa process, designed for efficiency and digital convenience, giving travelers faster and easier access to the UK’s world-class healthcare facilities.

What’s the Difference Between a UK ETA for Medical Treatment and a UK Medical Visa?

The UK ETA for Medical Treatment is a digital authorization for non-visa nationals such as Singaporeans, allowing short-term private care visits of up to six months. In contrast, a UK Medical Visa (under the Standard Visitor route) applies to longer or complex treatment programs requiring extended stays.

When Should a Singaporean Apply for a Medical Visa Instead of an ETA?

A Singaporean citizen should apply for a UK Medical Visa instead of an ETA if the treatment exceeds six months, involves multiple admissions, or includes specialized programs such as organ donation, oncology, or rehabilitation requiring prolonged care.

Do I Need UK Travel Health Insurance for Treatment on an ETA?

Yes. Travel health insurance is mandatory for Singaporean ETA holders seeking private medical treatment in the UK, as the ETA does not grant free NHS coverage—only emergency Accident & Emergency (A&E) care is exempt from charges.

What Medical Documents Should Singapore Residents Upload for an ETA Application?

Applicants must upload the following when applying for a UK ETA for Medical Treatment:

Consultant or hospital letter
Appointment confirmation
Proof of payment or deposit
Bank statements or sponsor letters demonstrating financial ability

Are Singaporeans Eligible for Free NHS Treatment When Visiting the UK?

No. Singaporean visitors under a Medical ETA or Medical Visa are not eligible for free NHS treatment, as free care is limited to UK residents or countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements.

Are Children/Minors from Singapore Allowed on a Medical ETA with a Parent Patient?

Yes. Children from Singapore can accompany a parent under a UK Medical ETA, but each child must hold a separate ETA and individual passport.

What Is the Refund or Re-Apply Process if My Medical ETA Gets Refused?

If a UK Medical ETA is refused, applicants should review the refusal reason, correct errors, and reapply via application.uketa.com.sg with updated passport, photo, and supporting documents.

How to Check ETA Status Online?

To check ETA status, sign in at uketa.com.sg using the application number, passport details, and email address. The portal shows real-time updates once verification and payment are confirmed.

When Should a Singaporean Choose a Medical ETA vs. a Full Medical Visa?

A Medical ETA is suitable for short treatments under six months—such as consultations, rehabilitation, or minor surgery while a Medical Visa is required for extended care or complex procedures.

Can I Extend or Switch If My Treatment Exceeds Six Months?

No. A Medical ETA cannot be extended or converted within the UK. Patients must leave the UK and apply for a Medical Visitor Visa if continued treatment is required.

Is a Civil Partnership Allowed on an ETA?

No. The UK ETA, including the Medical ETA, does not permit marriage or civil partnership activities. Travelers must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa for such purposes.

How Early Should Singaporeans Apply for a Medical ETA?

Singaporean travelers should apply for the UK Medical ETA at least one month before departure via application.uketa.com.sg to allow time for document verification and processing.

Freequently Ask Questions

Do you need medical insurance for a UK visa?

Not usually required for an ETA or short Visitor stay, but it’s strongly recommended because most NHS hospital care is chargeable to visitors. Long-term visas pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) instead of private insurance.

Will Singaporeans need an ETA to enter the UK from 8 January 2025?

Yes. Singapore passport holders must hold an ETA for visits and landside transit from 8 Jan 2025.

Can I still enter the UK without an ETA?

If you’re an ETA-required, visa-free national (e.g., Singapore), no—airlines may deny boarding without a valid ETA. British/Irish citizens and people with UK immigration permission do not need an ETA.

How much does a UK ETA cost?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation government fee is £16 (raised on 9 April 2025); our processing fee is £10, so your total is £26. Fees are kept under review. Apply only at application.uketa.com.sg/.

Can foreigners get medical treatment in the UK?

Yes. You can receive private treatment (or NHS treatment), but non-residents are usually charged. Emergency A&E is free; charges apply once admitted or for most non-emergency care.

What is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK medical visa?

ETA = digital permission to travel for short visits; not intended when the primary purpose is medical treatment. The medical visitor route requires evidence (doctor’s letter, duration, costs) and permission before travel.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in the UK?

You’ll get emergency A&E care free; further hospital treatment is chargeable unless exempt. Carry travel medical insurance to cover costs.

Do tourists in the UK have to pay for healthcare?

Usually yes for hospitals and many non-emergency services; A&E (before admission) and some public-health services are free.

Do foreign visitors pay for NHS treatment in the UK?

Yes, unless specifically exempt (e.g., certain infectious-disease treatments). Providers must charge overseas visitors for most secondary care.

What proof do I need for NHS treatment?

To be treated as charge-exempt you must prove entitlement (e.g., EHIC/GHIC for EU/EEA visitors or ordinary residence). Otherwise, expect to show ID and arrange payment/insurance for chargeable care.

Can I use my US health insurance in the UK?

Maybe. Some policies reimburse after you pay; many don’t directly cover NHS/private charges. The UK government advises buying travel health insurance with medical coverage.

How to expedite a UK ETA application?

There’s no paid priority; most ETAs are decided within 1 day, but you should allow up to 3 working days. Apply as early as possible.

Why would my UK ETA be denied?

Common reasons include security/criminality concerns, immigration breaches/overstays, or false/mismatched information—assessed under Immigration Rules Part 9 and ETA guidance.

How long can I stay on a “Medical Treatment ETA”?

There isn’t one. If your main purpose is medical treatment, apply under the Visitor for medical reasons route (normally up to 6 months) with a doctor’s letter and funds.

Do I need medical insurance, and what coverage is recommended?

Strongly recommended. Choose a policy covering emergency + hospital treatment, repatriation, and pre-existing conditions; UK guidance advises buying travel/health insurance before travel.

What happens if my ETA is refused—can I reapply or appeal?

You can reapply if you’ve corrected issues (e.g., data errors). There’s no formal appeal for ETA; serious refusals may require applying for an appropriate visa and addressing Part 9 concerns.