Why people choose India for surgery
Treatment costs less because staff, living and legal costs are lower, not because standards are. Busy hospitals also mean very experienced teams.
Why people choose India
Six reasons
Internationally accredited
India has 60+ hospitals accredited by JCI, the body that accredits many US hospitals, and 1,700+ accredited by NABH, its national standard.
High surgical volume
Large centres perform complex heart and joint operations every day. Experience with a procedure is one of the factors linked to good outcomes.
English throughout
English is the working clinical language in major accredited hospitals, so you can talk directly with your surgeon and nurses.
Modern technology
Robotic surgery, robot-assisted joint replacement and advanced imaging are available at leading centres.
Package pricing
Hospitals quote packages up front, with inclusions and exclusions listed, so you know what you're paying for.
Straightforward entry
Citizens of about 167 countries can apply online for an e-Medical visa, usually processed in 48–72 hours. Up to two companions can come too.
Where you'll be treated
Delhi NCR, one of India's largest hospital clusters.
India's capital region has many of its best-known hospitals, every embassy, and the central immigration office, which helps if a visa needs extending.
- Indira Gandhi International has direct long-haul links and medical travel help desks.
- Embassies and the central FRRO are in the city.
- Serviced apartments registered for foreign guests, close to the hospitals.
- JCI-accredited hospitals in India
- 63
- NABH-accredited hospitals
- 1,700+
- of India's medical travellers go to Delhi NCR and the north
- 25.5%
- go to the southern hubs: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad
- 32.7%
Sources: industry business plan research (regional shares) and accreditation bodies' public registers.Compare hospitals in Delhi NCR →
Getting there
Non-stop from all four countries
There are direct flights to Delhi from London, North America and Australia, so most people make the trip in one go.
- LondonUnited Kingdom~9 h non-stop
- SydneyAustralia12–13 h non-stop
- TorontoCanada14–15 h non-stop
- New YorkUnited States14–16 h non-stop
How destinations compare
India and other destinations
For complex, planned surgery with English-speaking teams at a low cost, India is a strong option. For other treatments, somewhere else may suit you better.
| Destination | Best known for | Language on the ward | Cost | Reference point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Complex heart, joint and spine surgery, IVF and dental | English | Bypass $3,500–$9,000 | |
| Thailand | Cosmetic, dental and wellness | Thai on the wards | Fewer complex cases | |
| Turkey | Hair, dental and cosmetic | Turkish | Mostly straightforward elective care | |
| Mexico / Colombia | Orthopaedics, weight loss and dental | Spanish | Hip replacement $8,000–$13,600 | |
| Singapore | Premium, insurer-funded care | English | Bypass $35,000–$65,000 |
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