The visa
- e-Medical visa: valid for 60 days, with triple entry. Apply at the official Indian Visa Online site with a letter from the hospital.
- e-Medical Attendant visa: for up to two family members or carers travelling with the patient.
- e-Ayush and e-Ayush Attendant visas: for treatment under traditional Indian systems such as Ayurveda, yoga, Unani, Siddha and homeopathy.
- Longer treatment may need a regular medical visa from an Indian mission. Your hospital’s international patient desk can advise.
Choosing a hospital
- Look for NABH accreditation (India’s national hospital standard) or JCI accreditation (an international standard).
- Ask for the surgeon’s name, qualifications and how many of your procedure they do each year.
- Get a written estimate that lists what’s included: surgeon, anaesthesia, implants, room type, nights in hospital, medicines, follow-up visits and what happens if there are complications.
- Ask for a video consultation before you book flights, and send your reports in advance.
- Big private hospital groups in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi have international patient desks that handle visa letters, airport pickup and interpreters.
Facilitators
Medical travel agents can help, but many are paid commission by hospitals. Ask how they’re paid, and check prices directly with the hospital too.
Plan your recovery
- Ask your surgeon how long you should stay in India before flying home. For major surgery it can be several weeks.
- Book a hotel or serviced apartment near the hospital.
- Get your discharge summary, scans and prescriptions in English, and a plan for follow-up with your doctor at home.
Money and insurance
- Hospitals usually take international cards and bank transfers. Ask for an itemised final bill.
- Most standard travel insurance doesn’t cover planned treatment abroad. Look for specific medical travel cover, including complications.
Things to know
- Commercial surrogacy is not allowed in India.
- Organ transplants for foreign patients are tightly regulated and need donor documents and committee approvals. Be very wary of anyone offering shortcuts.
Red flags
- Pressure to pay a large deposit before you’ve spoken to the surgeon.
- Prices that seem far below what other accredited hospitals quote.
- No clear answer about who handles complications.
General information only, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules change. Check the official source or a qualified professional before you act.
