Medical Tourism India: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything international patients ask before travelling to India for treatment, covering medical tourism basics, costs and insurance, visa and logistics, medical records and safety, and post-treatment care.
31 questions5 topics
Medical Tourism
Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country to receive medical care. Patients typically seek treatment abroad to benefit from lower costs, shorter wait times, access to specialized procedures, or higher-quality facilities than those available in their home country.
India is one of the world's leading medical tourism destinations. It offers world-class JCI-accredited hospitals, highly trained doctors (many with US/UK qualifications), state-of-the-art technology, and treatment costs that are 60–90% lower than in Western countries - all without compromising on quality.
Arodya connects you with vetted hospitals and specialist doctors across India. We handle everything from initial consultation and treatment planning to travel logistics, accommodation, and post-treatment follow-up - so you can focus entirely on your health.
Yes, when you choose accredited hospitals and work with a trusted facilitator like Arodya. We partner only with JCI- or NABH-accredited hospitals. Our coordinators guide you through every step, ensure continuity of care, and remain available 24/7 throughout your stay.
Arodya supports a wide range of treatments including cardiac surgery, orthopaedic procedures (knee/hip replacement), cancer treatment (oncology), neurosurgery, fertility treatments (IVF), dental procedures, cosmetic surgery, organ transplants, and more. If you have a specific requirement, our team can assess it for you.
Yes. Indian embassies and consulates issue Medical Visas specifically for patients travelling for treatment. You will typically need a letter from your Indian hospital, your doctor's referral, and standard identity documents. Arodya assists you in preparing the visa documentation package.
Costs & Insurance
Savings vary by procedure, but patients commonly save 60–90%. For example, open-heart bypass surgery that costs $80,000–$150,000 in the US typically costs $6,000–$10,000 in India at an equivalent-quality hospital. Hip replacement surgery priced at $40,000+ in the UK can cost $5,000–$8,000 in India.
Some international health insurance plans and travel insurance policies do cover overseas medical treatment. You should check with your insurer before you travel. Arodya can provide official cost estimates and hospital letters to support your insurance claim.
Your Arodya treatment quote typically includes the surgeon's fee, hospital room charges, operation theatre fees, anaesthesia, standard diagnostic tests, nursing care, and meals during your hospital stay. Exclusions (such as additional tests, complications, or extended stay) are clearly listed so there are no surprises.
No. Arodya is committed to transparent pricing. We provide detailed itemised quotes before you travel. If additional costs arise during treatment, your coordinator will inform you immediately and clearly explain what is needed and why.
Hospitals in India invoice in Indian Rupees (INR). Most major hospitals accept international debit/credit cards, wire transfers, and online bank transfers. Your Arodya coordinator will advise on the payment process and the most cost-effective method for your country.
Arodya's coordination services are free for patients. We are remunerated by our hospital partners, not by you. This means you receive full support - from pre-departure to post-treatment - at no extra cost.
Visa & Logistics
For elective procedures, we recommend planning at least 4–8 weeks in advance to allow time for remote consultations, visa processing, and travel arrangements. Emergency or urgent cases can often be fast-tracked within days. Your Arodya coordinator will create a personalised timeline based on your treatment and country of origin.
Yes. We arrange comfortable accommodation near the hospital - ranging from budget guesthouses to serviced apartments and 5-star hotels. We also coordinate airport transfers, hospital transport, and local sightseeing if you wish to explore India during your recovery.
Absolutely. We encourage patients to travel with a companion for emotional support. Arodya can arrange accommodation, meals, and local transport for your companion. Some hospitals also offer in-room attendant beds so your companion can stay with you.
Medical schedules can occasionally change. If your procedure needs to be rescheduled, Arodya works closely with the hospital and your travel providers to adjust your accommodation and travel arrangements with minimal disruption and cost.
No. India's top hospitals cater extensively to international patients. Doctors and senior nursing staff almost universally speak fluent English. For patients who speak Arabic, Russian, French, or other languages, Arodya can arrange interpreters to ensure clear communication throughout your care.
Stay duration varies by procedure. Minor surgeries may require just 5–7 days, while major operations such as a cardiac bypass or bone marrow transplant may need 3–6 weeks in-country for surgery, recovery, and follow-up appointments. Your Arodya coordinator will give you a realistic timeline before you book.
Yes. For patients who require urgent repatriation or medical evacuation, Arodya coordinates with international medical evacuation services. We strongly recommend all patients obtain travel insurance that includes medical evacuation cover before travelling.
Medical Records & Safety
You can upload your reports, scans, lab results, and doctor's notes securely through the Arodya platform or share them with your coordinator via email. All documents are reviewed by the hospital's specialist team to provide an accurate treatment opinion and cost estimate before you travel.
Arodya takes data privacy seriously. Your medical records and personal information are encrypted in transit and at rest. Access is restricted to your care team only. We follow HIPAA-aligned data handling practices and do not share your information with third parties without your explicit consent.
Yes. Before your consultation, your Arodya coordinator ensures that all relevant medical records, imaging, pathology reports, and referral notes are shared with your treating team. A pre-treatment briefing is conducted so the doctors are fully prepared.
All Arodya hospital partners are accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International) and/or NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) - internationally recognised standards for patient safety, clinical outcomes, and quality of care. We conduct regular quality reviews of all partner hospitals.
Absolutely. Arodya encourages patients to seek second opinions. We can arrange teleconsultations with one or more specialist doctors in India based on your medical records - before you make any travel commitment.
Our partner hospitals have dedicated international patient departments and intensive care units equipped to handle complications. Your Arodya coordinator remains available around the clock. If issues arise post-discharge, the hospital provides follow-up consultations and appropriate care, including readmission if necessary.
Post-Treatment
Before you depart India, the hospital provides a comprehensive discharge summary, follow-up care plan, prescription details, and physiotherapy guidance. Arodya shares these documents with your home doctor and arranges teleconsultation follow-ups with your Indian specialist as needed.
Yes. Indian hospitals produce internationally standardised clinical summaries, operative notes, and lab reports. Your Arodya coordinator can also arrange a virtual debrief between your home doctor and the treating specialist in India to ensure continuity of care.
Recovery timelines vary widely by procedure and individual health. For example, knee replacement typically requires 6–8 weeks of rehabilitation, while cardiac surgery recovery may take 3–6 months. Your treating surgeon will provide a personalised recovery plan with milestones before you leave India.
Not always. Flying too soon after certain surgeries (especially cardiac, orthopaedic, or abdominal procedures) carries risks such as deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). Your treating doctor will advise on the minimum safe waiting period before you fly. Arodya plans your stay accordingly.
Yes. Post-treatment support is part of the Arodya experience. Your coordinator checks in regularly after you return, helps you arrange follow-up teleconsultations with your Indian specialist, and is available to answer any medical or logistical questions during your recovery.
While revision surgeries are rare at our partner hospitals, they do happen in any medical system. Arodya maintains long-term relationships with the hospitals and can facilitate return visits if clinically necessary. Many hospitals also offer warranties or revision policies for specific procedures.
Still not answered?
Send your reports and a coordinator will come back with hospital options and an indicative estimate within a day. There is no charge, and nothing is shared with a hospital until you say so.
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