Even though about a third of the population still lives below the poverty line in India, the country is considered one of the largest centers for medical tourism. Tourists from all over the world turn to local hospitals and centers for services.

Medicine in the country is affordable and of high quality, and the prices are more democratic than in many other countries. However, it is worth remembering that a high level of medical care is provided precisely in private institutions, a large number of which are among the best in Asia. If we talk about state ones, the quality of services there is not too satisfactory. We offer to check a piece of useful information below about how foreign tourists can get to India for treatment or examination.

What needs to be done to come to the country for medical care

To properly plan your trip, first of all, you need to choose a medical facility in India and determine the date of your visit. The list of the best local private hospitals can be found at the link.

Having found a suitable institution and consulted with a doctor, you should collect the necessary documents. All tourists who are going to receive medical care in India must have a visa. For this, you need to visit the Indian embassy in your country. A list of Indian embassies worldwide is available at the following link.

Often, private medical institutions help with the preparation of documents. However, the lion's share will have to be done independently. To obtain a visa, you may need to provide the embassy with the address of the clinic, proof of sufficient income for medical expenses, the name of the insurance company, prescriptions, and treatment plan, as well as other papers. All this will be clarified on the spot.

To travel to the country for treating a medical visa is usually required. However, foreign nationals can come now to India on a tourist or business visa and receive certain types of medical care. But for long-term and serious treatment, it is still better to choose a medical visa.

Before travel, it is recommended to carefully check all documents, medical certificates, doctor's reports, and, if necessary, x-rays, MRIs, health histories, photographs, immunization records, prescriptions, and any other medical records relevant to future treatment.

Terms

As already mentioned, all tourists who have come to India for treatment or examination must have a visa. In addition, it is very important to get health insurance. For this, it is recommended to apply to reliable insurance companies.

Foreign citizens should choose private health insurance. Public plans are generally cheaper but have significant drawbacks, including service in underfunded hospitals and poor quality. Private insurance, on the contrary, will protect against huge costs and guarantee access to the best medical services.

Every tourist should remember that any treatment or examination in another country requires the correct preparation of a package of documents. Some clinics help with documentation. However, each country has its requirements and rules. Therefore, before the trip, it is recommended to clarify all information at the embassy and at the medical institution where the service will be provided.

Documents required

To obtain a medical visa to enter India, the following documents are usually required:

• a copy of the first page of the passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the country;

• color photos of passport size,

• e-mail address and payment card;

• a copy of the letter from the hospital in India, where the treatment will take place;

• round-trip tickets.

Other documents may be required. Therefore, it is always necessary to clarify the information at the embassy.

Funds

Medicine in the country is paid for, and in private clinics, it is quite expensive. However, prices for medical services in local hospitals remain more affordable than in many countries. If compared with other countries, in India patients can save on some types of treatment from 65 to 90% of funds.

Indian doctors perform many types of procedures. Tourists often come to the country for the following services:

• surgical operations;

• organ transplantation;

• plastic surgery;

• cosmetology procedures;

• laser treatment;

• dental services;

• treatment of women's diseases;

• cancer treatment, etc.

Pricing policy in private hospitals is different. For example, spine surgery can cost anywhere between 2,50,000 - 4,00,000 rupees. Cancer treatment will cost between 4,00,000 - 7,00,000 rupees and more. Organ transplant prices can range from 20,00,000 to 24,00,000 rupees and more.

Medical tourism in India continues to develop and has every chance to reach an even higher level. Among the main reasons why tourists prefer Indian clinics are high-quality service, highly qualified specialists, more affordable prices, and comprehensive treatment.