Medical Treatment

Going to the U.S. for medical treatment

Each year, people travel to the U.S. for medical treatment. Sometimes the treatment isn't available in their home country, or the U.S. facilities are better equipped to treat a particular condition. For others, long waiting lists in their home country put them in danger, and they can get faster treatment overseas. Regardless of why you are getting medical treatment in the U.S. , make sure you have your paperwork in order.

I'm going to the U.S. for medical treatment. What do I need to do?
You would enter on a tourist visa, but you must also prove that:

• You have sufficient funds to pay for medical and living expenses while in the U.S. (this includes both the treatment and recovery periods)

• The treatment is unavailable in your home country
• U.S. treatment is your only hope
• You have social and economic ties to the home country

How do I prove I'm eligible?
To establish your eligibility you need:

• A letter from your doctor in the home country explaining your condition and outlining the necessary treatment(s)
• A letter from the licensed U.S. medical facility agreeing to treat you. Not only should this letter verify you have an appointment, it should also include details such as:
• an estimate of the total time your treatment will take
• an estimate of the total cost of your treatment
• details of any outpatient care you'll need before returning home
• Evidence you can pay for the treatment. This includes original bank statements detailing all deposits, withdrawals and transfers of funds for the past year

I have medical insurance. Will it pay for this?
If you have pre-existing medical insurance, it might cover some or all of the costs. Check your policy. However, visitor medical insurance does not cover these costs. Regardless of where you purchase this coverage, it applies only to unforeseen illness or injury and not pre-existing medical conditions.

My family will be paying for my medical expenses. How do I prove that?
If the funds will be provided by a close relative who lives in the U.S. , you must prove that they are willing and able to pay for your treatment. They will need to fill out an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) and provide evidence that they can afford to do so. Supporting documents usually include:

• Income tax records
• Bank statements showing transactions for the past year

Can I be refused?
Unfortunately, in some cases, even if you have a hospital already lined up, you might not be allowed into the country for treatment. Reasons include:

• The person willing to pay for your treatment is not a close relative
• You have a contagious disease

I'm not sick, but my relative in the U.S. is. Can I go to the U.S. to donate blood or a kidney?
Most likely. If you wish to help a relative in the U.S. with a procedure such as a kidney donation, you must submit medical documentation from both your home country and the U.S. , stating that you are a suitable donor and that matching and screening tests have already been done.