Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditation standards are followed in India?
The hospitals align to JCI or the NABH accreditation which are stringent and oriented to the highest standards for medical delivery
How much time will I have to wait for admission to a hospital and for procedure to get done?
In India there is no waiting period or queuing up, either for diagnostic procedures or for treatment. Healthcare is not worth it when there is a prolonged waiting time.
After the initial diagnosis is done and the medical procedure decided upon, your surgery/intervention will be scheduled quickly. In a matter of days any medical procedure can be completed, unlike in some countries where even the diagnostic procedure could take many weeks or months.
When making a trip to India for a medical treatment, what are the essential documents I need to carry along?
- Medical History/ Records/ Test reports/ Doctor referral notes/ X-rays
- Contact details – Residence/ Driver’s license/ Passport copies
- Passport size photos – keep 10-15 in hand for various purposes
- Bank statement/ Details of Health insurance, if any.
Should I take vaccinations before coming to India?
Vaccinations and up-to-date immunizations are a safeguard for any international travel. However, please check with the doctor in your home country, any Government advisory and also the hospital in India as to what should be taken. The recommended vaccinations would normally be from the following list:
- Diphtheria Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Polio (Oral Polio Vaccine or Injectable Polio Vaccine)
- Hemophilus b conjugate vaccine (Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B (when stay goes beyond 60 days)
- Typhoid
- Japanese B encephalitis (JBE)
What is the procedure for booking a treatment at a hospital?
Select a hospital of choice and drop them an email on the ID provided on their website. Alternately, speak to a staff at the ‘International Patients Desk’ of the hospital. From that point, the staff at the hospital will collect for more details on your health, the condition for which you need treatment and the possible options. The formalities may differ slightly by hospitals and depending on your physical condition, the medical attention needed etc. The hospitals will guide you fully on the requirements thereon after consulting their specialist doctor
Note: You could follow the link to the Hospital website from this portal.
Would the Hospital undertake bookings for my family/attendant’s accommodation?
On prior intimation, Hospitals are most likely to suggest options for stay and arrange for accommodation depending on your need. Kindly verify the same before your visit.
This portal also lists many facilities for accommodation and stay which are available near to the hospitals.
Can I obtain an estimate of the cost of treatment?
Yes, hospitals will provide that. Please ensure that you get this in hand before coming down to India for treatment.
The cost as you may be aware, depends on the medical condition, the choice of treatment, the type of room opted for etc.
All your medical history and essential treatment details should be analyzed by the team of experts in the hospital of your choice. They may also provide you the various types of rooms / accommodation packages available and you have to make the selection. Charges are likely to vary by the type of room you take.
Do the hospitals in India accept health insurance?
If you have health insurance that’s internationally valid / valid in India, please alert the hospitals about it. If it’s an approved insurance provider, hospitals might request you to get an advance payment guarantee which you will have to co-ordinate from your home country.
What are the inclusions / exclusions in the cost?
Hospitals will provide details very clearly. If they don’t, please ask them to do so.
Usual inclusions are:
- Stay and beds
- Diet – for patient and bystander
- Surgeon and anaesthetist’s fee
- Nursing
- Doctor’s / specialist consultation and fee
- Fee for surgery, theatre room
- Consumables used for surgery (sutures, tubes etc.)
- Usual Exclusions may be:
- Implants and special consumables
- Stay beyond the usual time in the hospital, depending on your recovery is likely to be additional.
- Special tests, special medications and high value drugs will be charged extra.
Will Hospitals assist in airport transfers?
Yes, pick-up and drops are usually arranged on request on clearly communicating the travel schedule. Many hospitals do provide airport transfers as a complimentary service and their guest relationship executive will be available at the time of your arrival. Others will intimate, if it is payable.
Will assistance be provided by hospitals in obtaining Medical Visa?
Hospitals would provide assistance in this regard. Once you decide on India as your medical travel destination, an invitation letter from the respective Hospital will be required for visa processing. The hospital will send this to you after your initial discussions about the treatment; this has to be presented at the ‘Embassy’ or ‘High Commission of India’ in your country.
Is it possible for my family members/ attendant travelling along with me for my treatment to obtain Medical Visas?
Attendants/family members of patients coming to India for medical treatment will have to apply for Medical Attendant visa (MEDX) co-terminus with the Medical visa of the patient. A letter from the hospital will be helpful here.
Who are the permitted attendants and how many can travel?
Attendants should be spouse/children or those having blood relations with the patient. Not more than two attendants are allowed.
What are the requirements for obtaining my medical visa?
- Passport with 6 month validity
- Passport size photographs
- Photo copy of passport
- Copy of online Filled form
- Proof of Residential Address
- Recommendation from the home country doctor to visit particular specialized medical center for treatment
- Passport copy of the attendant
- Proof of relationship with the attendant
- Medical reports
How long is a medical visa valid for?
Initial duration of the visa is one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. Visa will be valid for maximum three entries in a year.
If a necessity of a repeat visit arises, how many are allowed?
A maximum of 3 entries are allowed in one year.