Medical tourism in India: treatments and travel

India has evolved into a major hub for people who travel to receive planned medical treatment. Large public institutions, private hospital networks and specialty clinics serve international patients in many cities. An August 2025 analysis that drew on 2024 data from India's Ministry of Tourism reported that around 73 lakh foreign patients, or about 7.3 million people, travelled to India for medical treatment in 2024. Other assessments in 2024 suggested that roughly 2 million medical travellers from about 78 countries chose India for care. A separate industry article from November 2024 indicated that India accounted for approximately 8 percent of the global medical tourism market at that time. Together these findings show that medical travel is now an important part of the health and tourism landscape.

Why India for medical care

Several factors make India attractive for people who are comparing destinations for care abroad. The country has a large network of tertiary hospitals that use modern imaging, operating theaters and intensive care units. Many doctors complete long training pathways and work in teams that focus on areas such as heart surgery, cancer, organ transplant or joint replacement. English is widely used in medical education, which often makes communication easier for many visitors.

Government and industry strategies published in 2024 and 2025 describe India as a key player in global medical value travel. They highlight clusters around cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad where hospital capacity, hotels and transport links grow together. These reports also mention efforts to expand digital tools such as teleconsultations, online second opinions and integrated platforms that link visas, hospitals and travel services so that planning from home becomes simpler for patients.

Common treatments and specialties

International patients travel to India for many types of treatment. The most requested areas include:

• Cardiac and heart surgery. High volume heart centers perform bypass surgery, valve repair and minimally invasive procedures for coronary artery disease and structural heart problems.
• Orthopedics and joint replacement. Hospitals offer hip and knee replacement, trauma surgery and spine procedures with rehabilitation programs.
• Oncology and cancer care. Comprehensive cancer centers provide chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery with input from multidisciplinary teams.
• Organ transplant. Selected centers perform kidney and liver transplants under national regulations for organ donation and allocation.
• Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Patients seek procedures such as rhinoplasty, body contouring, breast surgery and post trauma reconstruction.
• Dental care. Dental hospitals and clinics provide dental implants, crowns, bridges and full mouth rehabilitation.
• Fertility and IVF. Fertility clinics offer in vitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination and related investigations for people who have difficulty conceiving.
• Eye and neurosurgery. Eye institutes treat cataract and refractive problems and neurosurgeons manage selected brain and spine conditions.
• Ayurveda and wellness. Some visitors combine modern treatment with traditional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga and other wellness services especially in states like Kerala and Karnataka.

Several 2024 and 2025 market reviews note that this mix of advanced hospital care and recognised wellness traditions is one reason India appeals to a broad range of patients from different regions.

Quality, accreditation and safety

Quality and safety standards in India are supported by both national and international accreditation systems. Many large hospitals hold accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, which evaluates clinical processes, infrastructure and patient rights. Some also seek international accreditation.

Joint Commission International accreditation is one of the most widely recognised global frameworks. Recent reports based on JCI data describe several dozen JCI accredited hospitals in India in 2024 and 2025, mostly large multispecialty institutions. Other sources point out that numerous hospitals also maintain ISO quality certification. For patients this means there is a significant pool of facilities that have been audited against defined standards, although accreditation is only one part of overall quality.

When you review options you can improve safety by taking practical steps:

• Check that the hospital is licensed and, where relevant, appears on the NABH website or in the JCI directory with a current certificate.
• Confirm your doctor's specialty registration, years of experience and focus on the procedure you are considering.
• Ask about infection control protocols, availability of intensive care and how complications are managed.
• Request clear written consent forms and discharge instructions in a language that you understand.

Travel basics and practicalities

Most medical travelers arrive through major international hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. From these airports domestic flights connect to regional centers that host well known hospitals.

Many foreign nationals can apply for an e-Medical visa or e-Medical Attendant visa. The authorised Indian e-visa portal is indianvisaonline.gov.in, which is linked from official embassy websites. In parallel a dedicated Medical and Ayush Visa portal at indianfrro.gov.in supports some aspects of the process. Visa rules, eligible countries and permitted length of stay change over time so it is important to check current information on these official sites and with the nearest Indian mission before you travel.

For elective surgery many patients plan a stay of ten to fourteen days. This usually allows time for in person assessment, pre procedure tests, admission, early recovery and at least one follow up visit before return travel. Diagnostic visits can be shorter while complex cancer or transplant pathways may require several trips or longer stays. Your treating team can advise on minimum safe timing based on your health and the procedure.

Hindi and English are widely used in major cities and English is common in private hospitals. Many institutions also offer interpreters for other languages such as Arabic, Russian or African languages depending on their usual patient groups. It is useful to confirm language support in advance, especially if you rely on a language other than English.

Most large hospitals and hotels accept international credit cards and bank transfers. Smaller guest houses or local services may prefer cash or local digital wallets. Because some international cards may have fraud controls or regional limits it is wise to inform your bank about travel dates and have a backup payment method.

Care pathway for international patients

Although each hospital has its own process the overall path for an international patient in India usually includes several steps:

• Initial inquiry. You contact a hospital, doctor or coordination service and share your medical concern, previous reports and any imaging or lab results.
• Preliminary review. A clinical team reviews the information and may ask for extra tests from your home country to clarify your condition.
• Remote consultation. A video or phone consultation or detailed written opinion explains potential options, likely timelines and the main risks and benefits in general terms.
• Provisional plan. The team prepares a suggested plan and an estimated cost range based on current information. This is not a final decision and can change after in person examination.
• Visa and travel planning. Once you choose a provider you apply for the appropriate visa, organise flights, accommodation and local transport. Some hospitals help with airport transfers and hotel bookings.
• In person assessment. On arrival doctors confirm the diagnosis, repeat or extend tests if needed and make sure the proposed plan is safe for you.
• Treatment and early recovery. You receive treatment in hospital, step down units or day care facilities then move to a hotel or guest house for further rest.
• Discharge and documentation. Before you leave the doctor reviews medication, wound care and warning signs and provides reports in English or another agreed language.
• Follow up from home. Many teams schedule video calls or secure messaging follow up so you can share photos or test results with them after you return.

Throughout the process keep copies of all documents and imaging so your local doctors can continue your care safely.

Cost factors without prices

India is often seen as more affordable than many patients' home countries yet the real cost of a treatment journey varies for each person. Instead of focusing on headline price examples it can help to understand what drives total cost.

• Type and complexity of treatment. More complex surgery, combined procedures or advanced devices usually call for longer operating times and more intensive monitoring.
• Hospital category. Tertiary referral hospitals with intensive care units and multiple specialties can cost more than smaller day care centers although they may be appropriate for higher risk situations.
• Experience of the team. Senior surgeons, anesthesiologists and specialised nursing teams may charge higher professional fees.
• Length of stay. Extra days in hospital or hotel as well as physiotherapy, home nursing and interpreter services add to the final bill.
• Devices and medicines. Implants, stents, prostheses and some cancer medicines can make a significant difference to cost.
• Travel choices. Flight class, hotel category, local transport and any tourism before or after treatment all influence total spending.

When you compare offers clarify exactly what is included, for example tests, consumables, garments, medications, follow up visits and support if complications occur.

Cultural tips and accessibility

India is very diverse in language, religion and daily life. In large cities dress is varied although modest clothing is still appreciated in hospitals and religious places. If you visit a temple, mosque or other sacred site staff may ask you to remove shoes and keep shoulders and knees covered.

Family involvement in care is common. Relatives often stay with patients, bring home cooked food and help with basic needs. If you prefer more privacy you can ask in advance about private rooms and visitor policies.

Most newer hospitals have ramps, elevators and accessible toilets yet the streets around them may be busy and less accessible. If you use a wheelchair or have visual or hearing needs share this with your coordinator before you travel so they can choose suitable accommodation, plan routes and arrange any extra equipment.

Interpreters and patient coordinators can also help you understand medical information, complete paperwork and navigate daily tasks such as pharmacy visits and local transport.

How Cura can help

If you decide to explore treatment options in India a coordination service such as Cura Medical Tourism can help you shortlist vetted hospitals, gather second opinions, plan airport transfers and hotels and organise follow up calls after you return home. This support does not replace guidance from your local doctors but can make practical steps easier to manage.

This guide is for general information only and does not replace personalised advice from qualified health professionals or official visa and travel authorities. Always confirm medical plans, provider credentials, visa options and current travel advisories before you decide to travel.