Update to Medical Treatment Overseas Program

The Australian Government provides financial assistance through the Medical Treatment Overseas Program (MTOP) for approved applicants to access life-saving treatment overseas, where the proposed treatment, or an effective alternative treatment is not available in Australia.

There have been updates to MTOP guidelines and application forms. The updates aim to provide clarity on some elements of the program and adjust administrative processes. No changes have been made to the eligibility criteria, including the four medical eligibility criteria.

The revised Guidelines are available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Australian specialist medical practitioners can apply to the MTOP on behalf of their patient. The Australian treating specialist applying to the MTOP must:

• Refer the patient to the overseas treating facility (or provide evidence that another Australian specialist referred the patient to the overseas treating facility).
• Complete the relevant sections of the MTOP application form and provide all required documentation as set out in the application form