Health Tourism in India

In this article you will find the answers for:

• Medical tourism in India.

• Hospital accreditation in India.

• Top medical services in India.

• Dentistry prices in India.

• Is India safe?

The seventh-largest in the world (by area), India is a country in South Asia. It’s the second most populated country in the world with an estimation of 1.2 billion people. It has several ancient temples and a wide variety of historical temples. It is ranked 52 out of 141 countries in the tourism sector.

Why India for Medical Tourism?

This is a sector that is fast growing in India. Excellent services are offered at a pocket-friendly price. As of 2015, the Medical Tourism Market Report found that India is one of the lowest-cost and high-quality medical tourism destinations. India has 28 JCI-accredited hospitals. This is a high number compared to other countries and thus has had a real positive effect on the development of medical tourism.

See Medical Institutions in India.

Medical Tourism Popularity in India

India is becoming the second most popular medical tourism destination after Malaysia. Professional doctors, mostly trained in America and Europe, are an added advantage because of their ability to speak several languages. Approximately 40 % of the tourists in India are medical tourists.

Medical tourism in India is a rapidly growing sector, with the country emerging as a major hub for medical travel.

Medical Tourism Industry: Medical tourism in India is projected to capture 2.5% of the global medical tourism market by 2020. In 2017, 495,056 patients visited India to seek medical care. The medical tourism industry in India is estimated to be worth US$5-6 billion.

Affordable Costs: Medical care in India is comparatively more affordable than in other countries. Patients can save up to 90% on the cost of medical treatments in India compared to the US and Europe.

Popular Treatments: Popular treatments for medical tourism in India include cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, eye surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, and fertility treatments.

Wellness Tourism: India is also promoting itself as a destination for wellness tourism, offering traditional healing practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy.

Government Initiatives: The Indian government is taking steps to promote medical tourism in the country. The Ministry of Tourism has extended its Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme to wellness tourism service providers, including accredited wellness centers. The government is also pulling out all stops to make India the No.1 Destination for Medical Tourism in the world, tripling it to $12 billion within 4 years.

Quality Healthcare: India offers high-quality healthcare services, with many hospitals and clinics accredited by international organizations such as Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). Indian doctors are highly skilled and experienced, with many having trained in the US and Europe.

Medical tourism in India is a rapidly growing sector, with the country offering affordable costs, high-quality healthcare services, and a wide range of popular treatments. The Indian government is taking steps to promote medical tourism in the country, and India is also promoting itself as a destination for wellness tourism.

The problems and risks associated with medical tourism in India:

Language barriers: Patients who do not speak the local language may face communication difficulties, which can affect their understanding of medical procedures, post-operative care, and overall patient experience.

Quality concerns: While India has many high-quality healthcare facilities and skilled medical professionals, there can be variations in the quality of care provided. It is important for patients to thoroughly research and choose reputable hospitals and clinics to ensure they receive safe and effective treatment.

Infection control: In some cases, there have been reports of inadequate infection control practices in certain healthcare facilities. Patients should ensure that the chosen facility follows strict hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infections.

Follow-up care: For patients traveling from abroad, arranging follow-up care and post-operative consultations can be challenging. It is important for patients to have a plan in place for post-treatment care and follow-up, either in India or in their home country.

Travel-related risks: Medical tourists may face travel-related risks such as jet lag, long flights, and exposure to different environments. It is important for patients to take necessary precautions and consult with their healthcare providers before traveling for medical treatment.

Ethical concerns: There have been instances of unethical practices, such as unnecessary procedures or overcharging, in the medical tourism industry. Patients should be cautious and choose reputable providers to avoid such issues.

It is important for patients considering medical tourism in India to thoroughly research and consider the potential risks and benefits. Seeking advice from healthcare professionals and using reputable medical tourism facilitators can help mitigate some of these risks.

Hospital Accreditation System in India

Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global certification that's considered a gold standard in the world of the medical industry. It accredits hospitals and medical schools in India. JCI has programs that help improve hospitals that meet their standards.

Top Medical Treatments in India

The most popular medical service offered in India is cancer treatment. Due to the availability of innovative equipment, India is attracting a lot of medical tourists most of them being from African countries. Besides cancer treatment, cosmetic surgery is the second most appreciated medical service.  India has to offer a variety of other high-quality medical services.

• Dentistry
• Cancer Treatment
• Ophthalmology
• Spine Surgery 
• Cardiology 
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Gynecology

Compare Breast Augmentation And Areola Reduction Surgery With Prices in different countries.

Dentistry Prices in India

• All on 4 - $6970
• All on 6 - $6000-$8000
• Single implant with crown - $520
• Bone Graft - $300
• Sinus lift - $350
• Porcelain veneers - $200
• Laser whitening - $169-209

Read Top Destinations For Full Mouth Restoration to compare India's prices with other countries.

Or see Dental Bonding Price Comparison to see India's prices compared to other countries. 

Fertility Treatment in India

India has become a developing area for medical travelers looking for treatments at low costs. Everything from a plastic medical procedure to in vitro fertilization (IVF) is accessible in urban areas like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and others. Moderate pricing, improving clinical offices, and English-talking specialists all make treatment in India appealing. In any event, figuring in movement expenses, the all-out cost is still well below compared to numerous urban areas in the U.S. furthermore, Western Europe.

Fertility clinics in India offer IVF at profoundly lower price rates when contrasted with different sectors in the U.S. or Europe. The normal IVF cost for one round of IVF in India goes from roughly $1,317 to $4,610, however, this does exclude prescriptions, testing, or extra methodology that might be required. When adding other regular charges for meds and additions like ICSI and FETs, the cost might be nearer to $7,867 to $10,400. This does exclude the expense of movement or housing costs.

Find a Fertility Clinic in India.

Is India Safe?

Generally, India is a safe country. General caution is advised, especially:
Sexual Assault - female tourists should be more cautious and alert toward possible sexual assaults. Although registered at low rates, women can seem more vulnerable, and thus extra care is advised.
Public demonstrations - tourists visiting India are encouraged to always watch out for an abrupt public demonstration.
Terrorism - tourists should be aware of terrorist threats in the country and avoid visiting threatened regions.
In case of any assault or incidents, you are advised to contact the Indian police force on the following Toll-Free numbers (100, 101, 102). In case you are detained or mishandled by the police, you should contact your respective embassy for help.

India Quick Facts

• Capital: New Delhi with a population of approx. 21 million.
• Population: About 1.3 billion people 
• Major infectious diseases: malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, jaundice, leptospirosis, diarrheal disease, amoebiasis, cholera.
• Degree of risk: Low
• Passport validity: A travel passport in India is valid if it has at least one hundred and eighty days left before it expires and at least two blank pages.
• Mandatory Vaccinations: there’s currently no mandatory vaccination in India. Vaccination against pneumococcus, chickenpox, meningococcal meningitis, and influenza is highly recommended. 
• Currency restrictions for entry: there’s no restriction for the import of foreign currency into India although an amount more than US$5,000 (or equivalent) in traveler’s cheque has to be declared.
• Emergency Telephone Numbers: 100 - police, 101 - fire, 102 – ambulance.