# Medical tourism in India: costs, hospitals & safety

> Informational only, not medical advice. Figures are sourced population data; outcome rates are population averages, not a personal prognosis. Source: CureMeridian (https://curemeridian.com/destinations/in).

## Quick facts
- Procedures with sourced pricing: 16
- Typical savings vs home: around 83%
- Popular hospitals listed: 6
- English proficiency: Official and Common

## Treatment cost in India by procedure

| Procedure | Average cost | Typical range | Save up to |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) | $2,750 | $2,000 to $3,500 | 85% |
| Angioplasty & Stenting | $3,750 | $2,500 to $5,000 | 86% |
| Heart Valve Repair & Replacement | $9,000 | $6,000 to $12,000 | 94% |
| Microdiscectomy | $4,500 | $3,000 to $6,000 | 82% |
| Egg Freezing | $1,807 | $1,355 to $2,259 | 81% |
| Embryo Freezing | $1,917 | $1,438 to $2,396 | 80% |
| Hip Replacement | $7,000 | $5,000 to $9,000 | 82% |
| Disc Replacement | $6,500 | $4,500 to $8,500 | 88% |
| Spinal Decompression | $5,500 | $3,500 to $7,500 | 82% |
| Spinal Fusion | $7,500 | $5,000 to $10,000 | 93% |
| Shoulder Replacement | $6,250 | $4,500 to $8,000 | 50% |
| Cataract Surgery | $1,400 | $900 to $2,000 | 75% |
| LASIK | $900 | $600 to $1,200 | 78% |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | $7,000 | $5,000 to $9,000 | 95% |
| Knee Replacement | $5,500 | $4,000 to $7,000 | 83% |
| Hair Transplant | $1,400 | $800 to $2,000 | 86% |

## Safety & recovery by procedure in India

| Procedure | Success rate | Serious complication | Safe to fly after |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) | — | 2% | ~2 days |
| Angioplasty & Stenting | 95% | 1% | ~7 days |
| Heart Valve Repair & Replacement | 95% | 3% | ~21 days |
| Microdiscectomy | 90% | 2% | ~7 days |
| Egg Freezing | — | 1% | ~2 days |
| Embryo Freezing | 90% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Hip Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Disc Replacement | 75% | 14% | ~10 days |
| Spinal Decompression | 85% | 5% | ~14 days |
| Spinal Fusion | 85% | 5% | ~21 days |
| Shoulder Replacement | 90% | 3% | ~10 days |
| Cataract Surgery | 98% | 1% | ~2 days |
| LASIK | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | 98% | 2% | ~21 days |
| Knee Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Hair Transplant | 95% | 1% | ~7 days |

Outcome rates are sourced population averages, not a personal prognosis.

## Safety & advisories
US travel advisory: Exercise Increased Caution.

## Visa & entry
- Visa: E-Visa Available
- Main airport: DEL

## Popular hospitals in India
- Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, rated 4.7
- Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Hyderabad, rated 4.8
- Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore, rated 4.6
- Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, rated 4.7
- Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, rated 4.7
- Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, rated 4.8

## Frequently asked questions

### What currency is used and how should I handle payments at Indian hospitals?
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Major private hospitals accept Visa, MasterCard, and Amex credit cards, as well as international wire transfers. ATMs are widely available in cities with per-transaction limits around 10,000-20,000 INR. Always exchange currency at accredited bureaus or bank-operated ATMs, and keep your exchange receipts.

### Is tap water safe to drink in India, and what precautions should I take with food?
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in India. Always drink sealed bottled water from recognized brands such as Bisleri, Kinley, or Aquafina, and check that the cap seal is intact before use. Stick to freshly cooked hot food, avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit from street vendors, and use bottled water even for brushing your teeth.

### How do I get around to and from hospitals, and what ride-hailing apps are available?
Uber and Ola are the two dominant ride-hailing apps in India, handling nearly 10 million daily rides across Indian cities. Both offer multiple vehicle tiers (auto-rickshaw, economy, sedan, SUV) and are the safest and most convenient way to travel to hospitals. Download both apps before arrival, as pricing and availability can vary by area and time of day.

### Can I buy over-the-counter medicines at pharmacies in India?
India has a very accessible pharmacy network, and common medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen, antacids, and cold remedies are readily available without a prescription. Pharmacies are found near every major hospital and in most neighborhoods. India also operates over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (government generic medicine stores) that sell quality generic medicines at prices up to 80% lower than branded equivalents.

### What should I expect at a private hospital regarding companions and attendants?
Most Indian private hospitals allow one companion to stay with the patient around the clock, with an attendant pass issued at admission. Companions are generally not permitted in the ICU, though periodic visits may be allowed at scheduled times. Mat bedding for attendants is available at nominal cost, and cafeterias serve meals for visitors, as outside food is typically not allowed in patient wards.

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Source: CureMeridian, https://curemeridian.com/destinations/in. Hospital rankings are calculated by our algorithm and are not paid placements.