India Medical Tourism Guide: Hospitals, Visas, Costs, and...

Medical Tourism Guides · 2 · July 8, 2025

India attracted 1.4 million medical tourists in 2025 — a 35% increase from 2023. The country offers the widest specialty coverage, the lowest pricing, and some of the highest surgical volumes in the world. Here's everything you need to plan a medical trip.

Top Hospitals by Specialty

Orthopedics: Fortis Gurugram, BLK-Max Delhi, Kokilaben Mumbai. Cardiac: Medanta Gurugram, Narayana Health Bangalore, Apollo Chennai. Oncology: Tata Memorial Mumbai, HCG Bangalore, Apollo Chennai. Fertility: Nova IVF (68 locations), Apollo Fertility, Cloudnine. Dental: Apollo Dental, Clove Dental, Sabka Dentist.

All hospitals listed above hold NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) accreditation — India's equivalent of Joint Commission. Seven also hold JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation: Apollo Delhi, Fortis Gurugram, Medanta, BLK-Max, Kokilaben, Max Saket, and Artemis.

Medical Visa and Travel Logistics

India's Medical Visa (M-Visa) allows stays up to 60 days, extendable to 6 months. Application requires: a letter from the Indian hospital confirming treatment appointment, passport with 6+ months validity, and standard visa application. Processing: 5-10 business days for most nationalities. E-Medical Visa (online) is available for citizens of 150+ countries — quicker processing. One companion can apply for a Medical Attendant Visa simultaneously.

Practical Tips from Experienced Medical Tourists

Book a hospital-affiliated hotel or guesthouse — most major hospitals have arrangements within walking distance. Use the hospital's international patient coordinator for airport pickup and appointment scheduling. Bring all medical records digitally (USB drive and cloud backup). Indian hospitals accept international credit cards but ATM cash withdrawal has a daily limit of ~$400. Tip: install WhatsApp before arrival — it's the primary communication tool for appointment confirmations and doctor consultations.

Cost Comparison

| Country | Cost Range (Average Procedure Savings)

| United States | $50,000–$150,000 (US)

| India | $5,000–$20,000

| Turkey | $8,000–$30,000

| Mexico | $10,000–$35,000

Key Takeaways

- India offers 70-90% savings across virtually every medical specialty

- 7 hospitals hold both NABH and JCI accreditation for international safety standards

- Medical Visa allows 60 days, extendable to 6 months — apply with hospital letter

- Hospital-affiliated hotels and WhatsApp coordination simplify the logistics

Compare real-time pricing using our global cost calculator.