International Patient's Travel Guide for Medical Treatment in India

22 February,2024

India ranks amongst the top 10 medical tourism destinations worldwide. The country observed over 3 lakh international patients despite the global pandemic in 2021. The Indian medical tourism industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20%, making it one of the most sought-after countries among international patients.

The country offers various treatment and medical services at prices that won't break the bank. The top specialties for which patients visit India are:

• Cardiology: India is a global hub for advanced cardiac procedures like CABG, minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, pacemaker implantation, TAVR, heart transplants, ASD/VSD closures, etc.
• Oncology: The country is known for offering the latest interventions in the field of oncology. These include CyberKnife, GammaKnife, stereotactic radiosurgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), etc.
• Orthopedics: India's orthopedic hospitals deliver holistic patient care, from accurate diagnosis to selecting the best procedures for you. The top orthopedic procedures performed by these institutes are total knee replacement, hip replacement, shoulder replacement, ankle surgery, and knee arthroscopy.
• Gynecology and IVF: Women and couples seeking individualized treatment plans catering to each patient's specific needs trust India for its medical excellence. Assisted reproductive technology, which includes procedures like IVF, embryo freezing, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), etc, has helped lakhs of couples to become parents.

Apart from the procedures mentioned above, Indian hospitals are also known for neurosurgery, cosmetic surgery, gastrointestinal surgeries, etc.

India welcomes international patients with open arms and is constantly working to improve its healthcare structure. If you are also planning to visit the country for treatment, it is essential to know about a few things, such as the medical visa process and where to go for basic needs like food and medicines. This blog aims to enlighten you with the necessary knowledge to smooth your travel experience in India. 

Plan Your Trip in Advance

• Visa Application: The Indian government has streamlined the medical visa process. Patients are advised to apply for e-Medical Visa 4-7 days in advance. The attendants are required to file separately for a MED X visa.
• Flight Booking: It is necessary to book flights in advance. Apps like Goibibo, EaseMyTrip, and Ixigo offer discounts on flight tickets and have excellent customer service. 
• Medical Records: Remember to carry your medical records, such as prescriptions and test reports, when coming for treatment in India. Translating these documents into English is advisable for a better understanding of the doctors. 
• Hotel Accommodation: Booking hotels in advance eases the hassles of finding a place to stay on arrival. Various apps like Booking.com, OYO, MakeMyTrip, Airbnb, etc., can be used to book hotels. There are innumerable accommodation options to choose from, according to your budget. Always try to book hotels that are near your hospital. This would help you save time and money required for travel.

Basic Needs

Once you have arrived in India, knowing how to get food, medicines, taxis, etc is crucial. This section covers the basic requirements of international patients and their companions coming to India.

Food: 

• Indian restaurants offer multi-cuisine food. You get a wide variety of eating options to choose from. 
• You can visit the nearest restaurant for dine-in, and you can also order food via Zomato or Swiggy. These food-delivering apps offer live tracking options and have online and offline payment options. 
• You may use Blinkit or Swiggy Instamart for quick delivery of eggs, groceries, milk, fruits, etc.

Travel: 

• India's transport system is one of the best in the world. Depending on your specific needs, you can travel by road, rail, or airways. 
• For local transport, booking taxis through Uber and Ola is advisable. These service providers have standard rates and are reliable. The drivers appointed by them have their background checked, offering peace of mind regarding safety. 
• Metro rail services are available in most urban cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Nagpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, etc. You can visit the nearest metro station and buy a ticket from the counter.
• If you wish to travel through Indian railways, you can book a ticket from the IRCTC website.

Medicines:

• There are abundant pharmacy stores in India. You can get OTC medicines directly from such stores. As for scheduled drugs such as antibiotics, you must produce a prescription.
• Medicines can also be delivered to your guest house or hotel via apps like PharmEasy, NetMeds, and Tata 1mg. You can use these when there's no emergency, as they usually take 1-2 days to deliver medicines.

Currency Exchange:

• You can exchange foreign currency at airports and government institutions like national post offices and banks. They have better exchange rates than private dealers.
• You can also use Thomas Cook and BookMyForex and get your Indian currency delivered to your doorstep. 
• You can still use online payment portals such as PayPal if you cannot exchange your currency.
• You can also pay using various debit and credit cards at facilities such as hospitals, hotels, airports, etc.

Other Important Points to Remember

• WiFi is available at most public places in major tourist cities. You can easily access the internet from hospitals, hotels, cafes, etc.
• You can quickly get a SIM card from Indian telecom operators like Airtel and Jio at the airport. You need to submit a few photographs and a copy of your passport.
• It would be best to take hepatitis A and B vaccinations before coming to India.
• Avoid consuming water from unknown sources, such as tap water. Always opt for packaged water bottles.
• The winter season in India starts in October and lasts till February. Remember to bring woolen clothes if you plan to come during this time.
• The emergency contact numbers in India are as follows:
  • Police 100
  • Fire 101
  • Ambulance 102 
  • Emergency 112

MediJourney is a well-established organization that provides patients with a seamless medical tourism experience abroad. We offer services like visa assistance and on-ground support ranging from airport pick-up and drop-off, hotel accommodation, travel arrangements, doctor's consultations to hospital admissions. Contact us at info@medijourney.co.in or submit an inquiry for your specific needs.

To Conclude

With the rising costs of healthcare facilities in most developed nations, patients are turning to countries like India, which provide top-notch patient care at a fraction of the cost. If you are also considering flying to India for high-quality treatment services, planning a trip will help you have a hassle-free medical tour. Following the tips and information mentioned in the blog, you can make informed choices for a safe and successful trip abroad.