7 mins read
15/10/2025
Many people now travel abroad for affordable and high-quality medical care. But what is medical tourism in India? Why is it the best choice for international patients? India offers world-class hospitals, advanced technology, experienced doctors, and low treatment costs, making it one of the top global destinations for medical tourism today.
Many people choose to travel for medical care today, and they do this for reasons like lower costs, better quality treatment, and access to services not available in their home countries. Medical tourism enables individuals to undergo medical procedures while also enjoying a vacation.
As the world becomes more connected through globalization, medical tourism is growing very quickly. Every year, millions of people travel to other countries to get good-quality and affordable medical care.
Medical tourism means going to another country to receive medical, cosmetic, and dental treatment. People choose this option for many reasons, and they can combine their treatment with a holiday while recovering. At the same time, developing countries now offer advanced medical technology and high standards of care, which makes them attractive for international patients.
Among the top destinations for medical tourism, India stands out as a preferred choice for several reasons. With its world-class healthcare facilities, renowned doctors, and cost-effective treatments, medical tourism in India has gained immense popularity. For people who want to save money, medical tourism in India is a good option. In India, medical care is much cheaper than in many other countries.
More people now have the chance to get advanced treatments, experienced doctors, and the latest technology. With new medical techniques and a focus on patient care, medical tourism in India is becoming even more promising. Leading hospitals are adopting these improvements, making healthcare better and more affordable for patients from around the world.
Knowing these factors will help potential investors understand why medical tourism in India is growing so quickly:
‣ Affordable Healthcare Costs
Medical tourism is growing fast because treatment abroad often costs much less. For example, a heart bypass surgery that costs $123,000 in the U.S. can be done in India for around 4500-5500 USD, but the cost depends on the severity of the case.
‣ Access to Specialized Healthcare and Wellness Facilities
Some patients travel abroad to get advanced treatments and wellness services that are not yet available in their own country. This helps people with serious conditions get care sooner instead of waiting years.
‣ Shorter Wait Times and Immediate Access to Care
In many countries, patients wait months for surgeries like in Canada, hip replacement can take more than 6 months. But in India, the same surgery can be arranged within a week, giving faster relief.
‣ High-Quality Healthcare with International Accreditation
Hospitals in India meet international standards with JCI accreditation. Famous hospitals such as Apollo in India are known for their advanced technology and skilled doctors.
‣ Health Tourism Destinations Offering a Holistic Experience
Many patients combine medical treatment with travel. They offer both modern hospitals and wellness retreats. Where people can get affordable dental care and recover faster.
‣ Accessibility Through a Digital System
Online health platforms make it easier to research and connect with hospitals abroad, like reading reviews, and even talk to doctors online before travelling.
‣ Access to Advanced Medical Technology
Countries such as India use the latest medical technology, including robot-assisted surgeries and precision cancer treatments.
Medical tourism is the process of travelling internationally to receive medical treatment, often driven by lower costs, shorter wait times, or access to procedures unavailable at home. Patients can coordinate arrangements themselves and use a medical tourism facilitator, which acts as a travel agent specializing in medical trips.
India is now one of the top places in the world for medical tourism, attracting millions of international patients each year. The Medical Tourism Index shows that India ranked 10th in 2020-2021 out of 46 destinations in the world. With thousands of people from many countries coming to get their treatment. Additionally, India offers affordable treatment and advanced medical technology, which are the main reasons for its success, and make India a great choice for medical tourism.
One of the biggest reasons people choose India is the low cost of treatment, here is 30-70% cheaper compared to countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
India has many hospitals that meet global standards, and there are over 500 JCI-accredited hospitals that provide high-quality care, modern facilities, and advanced medical technology, attracting thousands of international patients every year.
India has one of the largest groups of qualified doctors in the world, with more than 1.8 Lakh professionals. Many of them have trained in top medical institutions. Indian doctors are especially recognized in cardiology, oncology, cancer treatments, and orthopedics as well.
Hospitals in India use the latest medical technology, including robotic surgery, telemedicine, and advanced imaging systems, which ensure faster recovery and better results. According to NASSCOM, India’s healthcare sector has been growing quickly in high-end medical technologies.
In countries like the U.S. and the U.K., patients sometimes wait months for treatment. But in India, patients get appointments much faster, often within a week. However, it is important for urgent conditions like cancer and heart disease.
India makes it simple for patients to travel with a special medical visa (M-visa). This helps them to stay for their entire treatment. Many hospitals also help with visa applications, flight bookings, and accommodation, making travel stress-free.
India offers almost every type of medical treatment, from regular check-ups to complex surgeries. Popular fields include cardiology, cancer care, orthopedics, neurology, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments. Patients can also choose traditional therapies like Ayurveda for holistic care.
Indian hospitals focus on patient comfort and personal attention. Many have international patient services, including translators, care coordinators. A Global Health Intelligence survey found that 85% of medical tourists rate India’s care and hospitality as excellent.
Medical tourism is becoming more popular in India, and India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) reports that over 700,000 medical tourists come to India each year. This sector is expected to grow by 15-20% annually. The rising number of medical tourists shows the trust and reputation that India has built in the global medical tourism market.
India has built a complete ecosystem for medical tourists, from hospitals and doctors to travel services and support staff; everything is organized. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are top places for strong medical tourism infrastructure.
Note: India now receives more than 700,000 medical tourists every year, according to IBEF. The sector is growing by 15-20% annually, showing the increasing trust patients place in India’s healthcare system.
India is not only a popular place for medical treatment but also a country full of travel experiences. Patients coming for treatment can also enjoy India’s culture, history, and natural beauty:
When people come for medical treatment, they don’t have to limit themselves to hospitals alone. After their recovery, they can explore temples, markets, palaces, and many other unique places, for their medical journey also becomes a memorable vacation.
Many hospitals and medical tourism companies in India provide special packages including airport pickup, hotel stays, transportation, and guided tours, which makes the entire trip stress-free, so patients can focus on their treatment while also enjoying sightseeing.
India is known for combining modern healthcare with traditional treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy. Patients can benefit from advanced medical treatments while also improving their overall well-being through natural therapies.
You can visit world-famous sites like the Taj Mahal, relax on the calm backwaters of Kerala, and explore the snowy mountains of the Himalayas. From historical monuments and colourful festivals to peaceful landscapes, India offers something for everyone.
Choosing the best country for medical tourism is a very important decision that needs proper planning. You must think about things like the quality of healthcare, cost, safety rules, and how easy it is to travel there. However, it can give you not only top medical care but also save you money and let you experience a new culture.
FAQs
Medical tourism in India refers to the practice of international patients travelling to the country for affordable, high-quality medical, dental treatments while also enjoying the local tourist attractions.
People travel to other countries for medical care mainly because it costs less, waiting times are shorter, and some treatments and specialists may not be available at home. They also look for better technology, good nursing care, privacy, and sometimes combine treatment with travel.
The most common treatments in medical tourism in India include cosmetic surgeries, dental care, bone and joint surgeries, IVF treatments, heart surgeries, and cancer treatments.
Medical tourism in India saves money for patients because medical costs, medicine, and staff fees are usually lower. Also, many people plan their trips as both a medical treatment and a vacation, making travel expenses more worthwhile.
The safety of medical tourism depends on the country and hospital chosen. Some places are very safe and well-regulated, while others may not be. Patients need to research hospitals carefully, check their accreditation, and make sure doctors are qualified.
Usually, patients choose a hospital by checking if it has international certificates, looking at doctors’ experience, reading reviews from other patients, and seeing if the hospital uses modern equipment and facilities.
Written By
Hi! I’m Shafaq Khan, a content writer at Mejocare.com, where I create simple, easy-to-understand healthcare content. With 1+ years of experience, my goal is to make health topics clear and helpful for everyone, no matter their background.
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