India
Medical Tourism Guide
The value leader in medical tourism with the highest cost savings globally. India's $47 billion medical tourism industry specializes in cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and complex procedures at up to 90% savings.
Cost Comparison: US vs. India
| Procedure | US Price | India Price |
|---|---|---|
| CABG (Heart Bypass) | $70,000-150,000 | $7,000-15,000 |
| Knee Replacement | $35,000-60,000 | $4,000-7,000 |
| Hip Replacement | $40,000-65,000 | $5,000-8,000 |
| IVF Cycle | $15,000-25,000 | $3,000-5,000 |
* Prices are estimates based on 2024 data. Actual costs vary by clinic, complexity, and package inclusions.
Why India?
- ✓Highest cost savings globally - up to 90% on cardiac surgery
- ✓$47 billion industry growing at 19.4% annually (2024)
- ✓World-class surgeons trained at top US and UK institutions
- ✓Minimal waiting times compared to Western countries (months vs years)
- ✓English widely spoken - no language barrier in medical settings
- ✓Apollo, Fortis, Max hospital networks offer consistent quality
Things to Consider
- !Long flight from US (15-20 hours)
- !Infrastructure and traffic in major cities can be challenging
- !Cultural adjustment required - very different from Western countries
- !Quality varies significantly - stick to accredited major hospitals
- !Climate can be extreme (hot/humid or cold depending on season)
- !Some visa complexity for medical tourism
Where to Go in India
Delhi/NCR
National capital region with top hospitals including Max, Fortis, and Apollo. Major hub for cardiac and orthopedic surgery.
Tip: Stay in South Delhi or Gurgaon for proximity to major hospitals. Traffic is significant.
Mumbai
Financial capital with world-class hospitals like Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani and Lilavati. Cosmopolitan with good tourism infrastructure.
Tip: Stay in Bandra or South Mumbai. Well-developed medical tourism infrastructure.
Chennai
Known as India's health capital. Apollo flagship hospital, major cardiac and transplant center.
Tip: Humid climate. Strong medical tourism ecosystem with many international patient coordinators.
Bangalore
India's tech capital with excellent hospitals like Narayana Health (famous for affordable cardiac care).
Tip: Pleasant climate year-round. Good tourism infrastructure.
Practical Information
Visa
Medical visa (M-Visa) required. Apply online, valid for treatment duration.
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR). USD accepted at major hospitals. Cards widely accepted.
Language
Hindi and English. English is common in medical settings.
Timezone
GMT+5:30 (9.5-12.5 hours ahead of US)
Insurance
Travel medical insurance recommended. Many hospitals offer package pricing.
Browse Procedures in India
Ready to Explore India?
Compare vetted providers and read real patient experiences.