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Treatment & recovery
Medical Tourism
India is one of the world’s largest medical tourism destinations, combining internationally accredited hospitals with costs a fraction of the US, UK, or Gulf states. The visa framework is built specifically around this.
General information only, not medical or legal advice. Confirm hospital accreditation and visa specifics independently. See our full disclaimer on the hub page.
The visas: Medical and Medical Attendant
e-Medical Visa
For medical treatment in India, including Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, etc.). Valid 60 days from first arrival, triple entry. Genuinely extendable — up to 6 months, case-by-case, via FRRO, based on documented ongoing medical need. This is one of the few e-Visa categories with real extension flexibility.
e-Medical Attendant Visa
For companions travelling with a patient — up to two attendants per patient, each requiring their own linked application. Validity is tied to the primary patient’s Medical Visa.
Choosing a hospital
Look for accreditation
International patients should look for hospitals with NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) accreditation, and ideally JCI (Joint Commission International) certification for the strongest quality assurance. Major Indian cities have multiple internationally accredited hospital networks.
What India is known for
Cardiac care, orthopaedic and joint replacement surgery, oncology, fertility treatment, and complex surgeries at a fraction of Western pricing are the most common reasons international patients choose India specifically.
Practical planning
Documentation
You’ll typically need a formal letter from the treating hospital confirming your treatment plan as part of the e-Medical Visa application — apply with this in hand, not before you’ve confirmed a hospital and treatment plan.
Insurance
Confirm in advance whether your home health insurance covers treatment abroad, and separately consider India-specific travel/medical insurance — the e-Medical Visa itself doesn’t include or require insurance, but going without it is a real financial risk.
Airport arrival
Given many patients travel while unwell, consider which airport’s guide best matches your treating hospital’s city — accessibility and transfer time matter more on a medical trip than a typical one.
Extensions
If treatment runs longer than planned, apply for the FRRO extension well before your 60 days run out, with updated documentation from your hospital — don’t wait until the visa has already expired.
Official sources
e-Medical and e-Medical Attendant Visa applications.
Medical Visa extensions.