India has emerged as a prime destination for medical tourists from around the globe. The services on offer range from executive health packages to complicated heart surgeries.

Medical travellers come to India from all over the world to take advantage of the low cost of medical procedures, which are 40 to 80 percent lower in comparison to healthcare costs of most Western countries.

Medical tourists from Asia, Latin America and Africa are attracted to India's superior quality in healthcare, accredited medical facilities, and Western-trained qualified medical personnel.

The Healthcare System in India

The low cost of healthcare is not the only driving force of medical tourism in India. The level of healthcare service in the leading hospitals and medical centers are on par with what is being offered in American and British, and is superior to most Asian countries. Patients from Western nations who opt for top notch accredited facilities will receive the same type of medical services in a manner that they are accustomed to, as doctors, nurses and other health professionals are trained and certified to Western standards and practices.

Medical travelers to India are advised to make use of a specialized insurance company to insure their visit. Pros Low costs Quality healthcare at probably the lowest costs possible

Quality healthcare at the top hospitals Top hospitals offering high quality medical, healthcare and diagnostic facilities

English English-speaking and Western-trained doctors and health practitioners

Waiting times Minimal or no waiting time for medical attention and procedures Cons Lack of accreditation Except for the top hospitals, minor institutions lack proper hospital accreditation systems

Malpractice and liability Malpractice laws and implementations are still inefficient

Surrounding infrastructure Infrastructure and facilities in the surrounding communities do not resemble western standards. Once you leave the hospital you are at your own risk.

Cultural differences Certain cultural aspects as practiced by the locals may come as a culture shock for many foreign visitors. This includes aspects pertaining to religion, culture and even hygiene Traveling to India Average estimated travel time in hours From/To India New York City 16 Los Angeles 18 Dallas 18 London 7 Paris 10 Barcelona 9.5 Madrid 10.5 Mexico City 19 Bogota 19 Panama City 19 Rio de Janeiro 17 Buenos Aires 18 Entry and Exit Requirements to India Except for citizens from Nepal and Bhutan, all foreigners from other countries, including the European Union, United States and Canada, require a visa to enter India. In 2014 India has introduced "visas on arrival."



Requirements to obtain a visa include: a passport valid for a minimum of 190 days, the visa fee, passport photographs and a completed application form. Supporting documents may be necessary to determine or justify the required length of stay, but for medical cases, a multiple entry for a period of 6 months to one year may be provided.