Frequent Asked Questions
General Information
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.
You need to submit the following documents:
- 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
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:
- Diptheria 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)
Essentials Prior to Visit
Select one or a few hospitals and drop them an email on the ID provided in the portal. Alternately, speak to a staff at the ‘International Patients Division’ 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:Contact details can be taken from this portal, and you could also follow the link to the Hospital website.
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 in various cities of India and in particular, the options which are available near to the hospitals.
Yes, hospitals will provide that. Please ensure that you get this in hand.
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 would be analysed by the team of experts in the hospitals. They will 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..
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.
Hospitals will provide details very clearly.
- 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.)
Implants and special consumables
These are choice driven. If the medical procedure needs implants or special consumables, the doctors or staff will intimate you. Implants, consumables are of different sizes, types, materials and cost options. Depending on what suits your body condition, there will be a range of choices. You can make the selection on the brands and/or their quality options based on the cost suitability and suggestion of the specialist.
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.
Yes, pick-up and drop will be arranged on request and clear communication of 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.
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.
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 useful here as well.
Attendants should be spouse/children or those having blood relations with the patient. Not more than two attendants are allowed.
During Visit / Treatment
- Single accommodation units
- Suite Room
- Deluxe Rooms
- Normal single room
- Multiple sharing units
- Twin sharing
- Triple sharing
- Ward type
- International calling services/ Local sim cards
- Newspaper – Local/ International
- Internet facility – Wi-Fi
- Room telephone
Food is provided to bystanders too from the hospital catering unit.
If you are on any special dietary requirements, the hospital will cater if intimated earlier.
- Laundry services
- Local sight-seeing
- In-house business centre
- Safety locker facility
- Gymnasium
- Shopping assistance
Post Treatment
It will depend on the period of recuperation for the specific treatment. Based on your Doctor’s advice your return travel can be planned.
Medical insurance can be claimed, but kindly check with the respective Hospital if this facility is accepted and, availed.
All major modes of payments are accepted in India – Cash/ International Master or Visa Credit Card, Travellers cheque etc.
You can keep in touch with the respective Doctor via email/phone. Certain Hospitals have the option of video-conferencing with patients offshore.