Quick answer: To plan a medical trip to India, start by sharing your recent medical reports with a hospital or medical travel facilitator, get a written treatment plan and cost estimate, apply for an Indian e-Medical visa using the hospital's invitation letter, then book flights, a stay near the hospital, and enough time for recovery and follow-up before you fly home. Most patients can complete the planning in two to four weeks.
Every year, more people choose India for surgery and specialist care. According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, over 1.8 million foreign nationals travelled to India for medical care between January 2023 and December 2025. Some come for a heart bypass, some for a knee replacement, others for IVF or cancer treatment. Almost all of them have the same questions before they book: Where do I start? What documents do I need? How long will I stay?
This guide answers those questions in the order you will actually face them. Whether you are planning on your own or comparing medical tourism packages in India, the steps below will help you travel with fewer surprises.
Step 1: Gather and Organise Your Medical Records
Your medical records are the foundation of the whole trip. Without them, no doctor can give you a reliable opinion or a realistic cost.
Collect the following before you contact any hospital:
- Your most recent diagnosis or doctor's referral letter
- Blood test results from the last 3 months
- Scans and imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound), ideally with the actual image files, not just the written report
- Biopsy or pathology reports, if relevant
- A list of current medicines and their doses
- Details of past surgeries, allergies and chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Practical tip: Scan everything into clear PDF files and name them simply, for example "MRI-knee-August-2026.pdf". If your reports are in Russian, Arabic, Uzbek or another language, ask your facilitator whether translation is needed. A good medical travel partner will arrange this for you.
Keep both a digital copy (on your phone and email) and a printed set in your hand luggage. You will need them at the hospital, and sometimes at immigration.
Step 2: Get a Medical Opinion and Treatment Estimate
Once your records are ready, send them for review. At this stage you should receive three things:
- A treatment plan – what the specialist recommends, and whether surgery is really necessary
- A cost estimate – usually a range, covering surgery, hospital stay, doctor fees, implants or medicines, and standard tests
- A timeline – how many days in hospital and how long you should stay in India afterwards
Ask for the estimate in writing. Check what it includes and, just as important, what it does not. Common exclusions are extra tests, ICU days beyond the plan, blood products and complications.
It is sensible to compare opinions from two or three hospitals. India has a large network of NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) and JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospitals. These accreditations mean the hospital has been checked against strict standards for patient safety, infection control and clinical care.
Why India costs less: Treatment in India often costs a fraction of what patients pay in the US, UK, Canada or the Gulf, without a drop in quality at accredited hospitals. Lower operating costs, high patient volumes and experienced specialists, many trained abroad, make this possible. Exact savings depend on the procedure, the hospital and your health condition.
Step 3: Choose Between Planning Alone and a Medical Tourism Package
You can arrange everything yourself, but most international patients find it easier to work with a facilitator. Here is how the two approaches compare:
|
Planning alone |
Medical tourism package |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Hospital and doctor selection |
You research and contact hospitals |
Multiple opinions arranged for you |
|
Cost estimate |
Collected from each hospital separately |
Compared and explained in one place |
|
Visa invitation letter |
You request it from the hospital |
Arranged on your behalf |
|
Airport pickup and local transport |
Your responsibility |
Usually included |
|
Accommodation |
You book it |
Options near the hospital arranged |
|
Interpreter and patient support |
Rarely available |
Often included |
|
Follow-up after you go home |
You coordinate |
Facilitated |
Good medical tourism packages in India are not about adding cost. They save time, reduce stress and give you one point of contact when something changes, which it often does with medical care.
At CureTours India, our team works with NABH and JCI accredited hospitals across specialities such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, organ transplant, fertility, neurosurgery and bariatric surgery. We help patients compare options honestly and plan the full journey, from the first report review to the flight home.
Step 4: Apply for an Indian Medical Visa
If you are travelling to India for treatment, you need a medical visa, not a tourist visa. Treatment on a tourist visa can cause problems at the hospital and with immigration.
e-Medical Visa for the patient
Most international patients apply for the e-Medical Visa online through the official Government of India portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). In 2026, India expanded the e-Medical visa facility to citizens of 176 countries and extended its validity to one year, making it easier for patients who need repeat visits or follow-up treatment.
You will typically need:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages
- A recent passport-size photo
- A letter from the Indian hospital confirming your treatment (your facilitator or hospital will provide this)
- Your medical reports or referral, if requested
e-Medical Attendant Visa for family members
If a family member is travelling with you, they must apply separately for the e-Medical Attendant Visa. Generally, up to two attendants can accompany one patient. The attendant's application is linked to the patient's visa, so the patient usually applies first.
Important: Visa rules can change and may differ by nationality. Always confirm the current rules on the official portal before applying. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before travel to leave room for any delay.
If your treatment runs longer than planned, visa extension is handled through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Your hospital or facilitator can guide you through this.
Step 5: Book Flights the Smart Way
Book your flight only after your treatment date is confirmed and your visa is approved. A few things to keep in mind:
- Choose a flexible or refundable ticket. Surgery dates can move, and recovery can take longer than expected.
- Fly into the right city. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have major hospitals and direct international flights.
- Book an aisle seat or extra legroom, especially on the return flight after surgery.
- Check with your doctor before flying back. After some operations, such as heart or abdominal surgery, doctors advise waiting a set number of days before a long flight to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Request wheelchair assistance at the airport if mobility is limited. Airlines arrange this free of charge if you ask in advance.
Step 6: Arrange Accommodation Near the Hospital
You will usually spend part of your trip in hospital and part of it outside, recovering and attending follow-up visits. Where you stay matters more than most people expect.
Popular options include:
- Guest houses and serviced apartments near the hospital – good value for longer stays, often with a kitchen
- Hotels with hospital tie-ups – some offer patient-friendly rooms and shuttle services
- Hospital guest rooms – a few large hospitals have on-site rooms for attendants
Look for a place within 10 to 15 minutes of the hospital, with a lift, clean bathrooms, Wi-Fi and access to simple, hygienic food. If you follow a specific diet, such as halal, vegetarian or diabetic-friendly meals, mention it while booking.
Step 7: Prepare for Your Hospital Appointments
A well-planned first few days make the rest of the trip smoother. Here is what usually happens after you land:
- Airport pickup and transfer to your accommodation
- First consultation with the specialist, often within 24 to 48 hours of arrival
- Pre-procedure tests such as blood work, ECG, scans or anaesthesia check-up
- Final treatment plan and cost confirmation after the tests
- Admission and procedure
Carry your passport, visa copy, medical records and any medicines you take regularly to every appointment. Write down your questions in advance. Good questions to ask include:
- What are the risks of this procedure for someone with my health history?
- How many days will I stay in hospital?
- When can I fly home safely?
- What follow-up will I need once I am back in my country?
If language is a concern, ask for an interpreter. Many hospitals that treat international patients have international patient desks and interpreters for Arabic, Russian, French, Uzbek and other languages.
Step 8: Plan Your Recovery Time in India
Recovery is the part patients most often underestimate. Leaving India too soon to save on hotel costs can lead to complications far from your surgeon.
As a general guide, here is how long patients often stay in India for common treatments. Your doctor will give you a timeline based on your case.
|
Treatment |
Typical hospital stay |
Typical total stay in India |
|---|---|---|
|
Knee replacement (one knee) |
3–5 days |
2–3 weeks |
|
Heart bypass surgery (CABG) |
6–8 days |
3–4 weeks |
|
Angioplasty |
1–3 days |
7–10 days |
|
Spine surgery |
3–7 days |
2–4 weeks |
|
Bariatric surgery |
2–4 days |
2 weeks |
|
IVF cycle |
Mostly outpatient |
3–4 weeks |
|
Liver or kidney transplant |
2–3 weeks |
6–12 weeks |
During recovery, focus on rest, wound care, prescribed physiotherapy and follow-up visits. Before you leave, make sure you have:
- A discharge summary with full details of the procedure
- A prescription for medicines, with generic names your local pharmacy will recognise
- Instructions on wound care, diet and activity
- A fitness-to-fly note if your airline requires one
- A plan for teleconsultation follow-ups with your Indian doctor
A Simple Timeline for Your Medical Trip
If you like to see the whole journey at a glance, here is a realistic planning timeline:
- 4 weeks before travel: Collect and share medical records, receive opinions and estimates
- 3 weeks before: Choose hospital and doctor, confirm treatment date, receive hospital letter
- 2–3 weeks before: Apply for e-Medical and attendant visas
- 2 weeks before: Book flights and accommodation, arrange travel insurance
- 1 week before: Pack documents, medicines and comfortable clothing, confirm airport pickup
- In India: Consultation, tests, treatment, recovery and follow-ups
- After returning home: Online follow-up consultations and local care as advised
Budgeting: What to Include Beyond Treatment
The hospital estimate is only one part of the total cost. Plan for these as well:
- Return flights for you and your attendant
- Visa fees
- Accommodation for the recovery period
- Local transport and airport transfers
- Meals and daily expenses
- Medicines after discharge
- A buffer of 10 to 15 percent for unexpected tests or a longer stay
Many patients also buy travel or medical travel insurance. Read the policy carefully, as standard travel insurance often does not cover planned treatment abroad.
Why Patients Choose CureTours India
Planning medical travel is about trust as much as logistics. CureTours India helps international patients with:
- Free review of medical reports and opinions from leading specialists
- Transparent treatment estimates from NABH and JCI accredited hospitals
- Visa invitation letter support for patients and attendants
- Airport pickup, accommodation near the hospital and local transport
- Interpreter support and a dedicated patient coordinator
- Help with recovery planning and follow-up after you return home
If you are comparing medical tourism packages in India, share your reports with our team and we will help you understand your options clearly, with no pressure to decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start planning medical treatment in India?
Start by sending your latest medical reports to a hospital or a medical travel facilitator such as CureTours India. You will receive a treatment plan, cost estimate and expected stay, which you can use to plan your visa, flights and accommodation.
What visa do I need for medical treatment in India?
Patients need an Indian Medical visa, usually the e-Medical Visa applied for online at the official Government of India portal. Family members travelling with the patient need a separate e-Medical Attendant Visa. Up to two attendants are generally allowed per patient.
How long does it take to plan a medical trip to India?
Most patients complete planning in two to four weeks. This includes report review, choosing a hospital, getting the visa and booking travel. Urgent cases can sometimes be arranged faster.
What is included in medical tourism packages in India?
Packages usually include hospital coordination, treatment estimates, visa letter support, airport pickup, help with accommodation, interpreter services and follow-up support. Treatment costs are charged by the hospital, so always ask what the package covers.
Are hospitals in India safe for international patients?
Many Indian hospitals hold NABH or JCI accreditation, which means they meet national or international standards for safety and care. Choosing an accredited hospital and an experienced specialist is the best way to reduce risk.
How long should I stay in India after surgery?
It depends on the procedure. Minor procedures may need a week, while major surgery such as heart bypass usually needs three to four weeks in India. Organ transplants can require two to three months. Your surgeon will confirm when you are fit to fly.
Can a family member stay with me in the hospital?
Yes. Most hospitals allow one attendant to stay with the patient. The attendant must travel on an e-Medical Attendant Visa linked to the patient's visa.
Do I need to bring all my medical records to India?
Yes. Carry printed and digital copies of all reports, scans, prescriptions and referral letters. Your Indian doctor will review them before treatment, and they help avoid repeating tests unnecessarily.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. Treatment plans, costs and visa rules vary by patient and nationality. Please consult your doctor and check official government sources before travelling.