Key points

  • Start with records and a hospital case review, not with flights.
  • Choose the hospital based on written responses from specialists, then apply for the visa with the hospital's letter.
  • Plan for a stay before admission and after discharge, not just the hospital days.

Patients travel to India for treatment for many reasons: access to a particular specialist, a treatment not available at home, shorter waiting times, or family connections. Whatever the reason, the planning follows a similar sequence. Doing the steps in order avoids the most common problems, such as booking flights before a hospital has confirmed it can treat the patient.

1. Gather the records

Everything starts with the medical records. Hospitals in India need them to give an opinion and an estimate. The guide on sending medical records to hospitals in India explains what to collect.

2. Hospital case review

With the patient’s consent, the records are shared with hospitals suited to the condition. Their specialists review the case and respond with an opinion, a proposed plan, an estimated length of stay and a cost estimate. Some offer a video consultation before the patient decides.

3. Compare the responses

Compare the specialists’ proposals, not only the cost. Ask what each plan involves, how long the stay will be, and what could change. Our guide to understanding treatment estimates and questions to ask before choosing a hospital apply equally to international patients.

4. Choose the hospital and get the invitation letter

Once the patient chooses, the hospital issues a letter for the visa application describing the proposed treatment.

5. Apply for the visa

Patients apply for a medical visa, and family members travelling with them for a medical attendant visa. For many nationalities these are available online. Always use the official Government of India portal. See our medical visa page and documents to bring.

6. Plan travel and accommodation

Book flights once the visa is granted and the admission date is confirmed. Allow a few days before admission for tests and consultations, and time after discharge for review before flying home. See where to stay near the hospital.

7. Arrival and admission

Someone should meet the patient at the airport, especially after a long flight. Read arriving in India for treatment.

8. Treatment and stay

During treatment, the patient and family need one point of contact for practical matters, and regular updates for family at home. If language is a barrier, arrange an interpreter in advance; see interpreters and language support.

9. Discharge and return home

The treating doctor confirms when the patient is fit to fly. The patient leaves with a discharge summary for their doctor at home. See returning home after treatment and continuing care with your doctor at home.

How we help

We coordinate each of these steps with one named coordinator. See international patient services or request a case review.