FAQs

1. What is the standard procedure for availing treatment at an Indian hospital?

Select any one or a couple of hospitals. Drop them an e-mail on the e-id published on their portal.

Alternatively, you could speak to ‘International Patients Division’ of the hospital. The staff may ask for more specifics on your health, the medical condition you are to undergo treatment for and advise you on possible and available treatment options. Each hospital may have its respective formalities & procedure guidelines depending on your physical condition, the medical treatment, etc. The hospitals will guide you fully on the requirements thereon after consulting with the specialist doctor.

Note : You could follow the link to the Hospital website while you browse hospitals on www.medifriend.org and can take down the details.

Once you have intimated , the Hospitals are most likely to advise you further on boarding & lodging depending on your need, budget and preferences. Still you must cross verify beforehand.

2. Would I be able to obtain the cost estimate for my treatment?
Yes, hospitals will arrange for this. Just make sure to have it in hand. The costing depends on your medical condition, choice of treatment, type of room opted for etc.

Your medical history and essential treatment details would be analysed by experts in the hospitals. You shall be informed of the various types of rooms / accommodation packages for you to select.

3. Do the hospitals in India accept health insurance?
Yes. If you have health insurance internationally valid / valid in India, please alert the hospitals .In case of an approved insurance provider, hospitals might request you to get an advance payment guarantee. You will have to co-ordinate that from your country.

4. What are the inclusions / exclusions in the cost?
If you have health insurance that’s internationally valid / valid in India, please alert the hospitals about it. If it’s an approved insurance provider, hospitals might request you to get an advance payment guarantee which you will have to co-ordinate from your home country.

5. What are the inclusions / exclusions in the cost?
Details shall be provided very clearly. Usual Inclusions during admitted stage of treatment :

• Stay and bed
• Diet – for patient and attendant
• Surgeon and Anaesthetist fee
• Nursing / Specialist Consultation & Charges
• Fee for Surgery, Operation Theatre Room
• OT Consumables (sutures, tubes etc.)

Exclusions:
Implants and Special Consumables
Are choice driven. If your medical procedure needs Implants or special consumables, your doctors or hospital staff will intimate you. Implants, consumables are of different sizes, types, materials and cost options. Depending on what suits your body condition, there will be a range of choices demonstrated. You can make the selection on the brands and/or their quality options based on the cost suitability and per advise of the specialist. Stay beyond the usual time in the hospital, depending on your recovery is likely to be an additional charge. Special tests, special medications and high value drugs are billed extra.

5. Will Hospitals assist with my airport transfers?

Yes. Pick and drop will be arranged on request and after receiving clear communication of patient’s travel itinerary. Many hospitals do provide airport transfers as a complimentary service. Their Guest Relationship Executive will be available at the time of your arrival. Others will let you know, if it is a paid service.

1. Will assistance be provided by hospitals in obtaining Medical Visa?

Hospitals would provide assistance in this regard. Once you decide on India as your medical travel destination, an invitation letter from the respective Hospital will be required for visa processing. The hospital will send the same to you after your initial discussions about the treatment. This has to be presented at the ‘Embassy’ or ‘High Commission of India’ in your country.

2. Is it possible for my family members/ attendant travelling with me for my treatment to obtain Medical Visas?

Attendants/family members of patients coming to India for medical treatment will have to apply for Medical Attendant visa (MEDX) co terminus with the Medical visa of the patient. A letter from the hospital will be useful here.

3. Who are the permitted attendants and at a time how many can travel?

Attendants of the patient should be a spouse/children or those having blood relation with the patient. Not more than two of the attendants are allowed.

4. What is required to obtain my medical visa?

Following are the documents required :

1. Passport with 6 month validity
2. Passport size pictures
3. Xerox copy of Passport
4. Copy of online filled in form
5. Proof of Residential Address
6. Recommendation and Referral from native country doctor
7. Copy of Attendant’s Passport
8. Attendant’s relationship proof with the Patient
9. Medical Reports and Records

5. What is the validity period of medical visa?

Initially, the medical visa is valid for one year or covers the period of treatment, whichever is less. Medical Visa allows maximum three entries a year.

6. If a necessity of a repeat visit arises, how many are allowed?

Maximum of 3

7. What would be the approximate fee for a Medical Visa?
Medical Visa ranges from $13 to $153 and may differ according to country.

8. Would there be any formalities with the Medical Visa after I arrive in India?
Mostly the hospitals help you out with such formalities. Both the patient and attendants would have to register at the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO)within 14 days of arrival.

9. If my treatment is being prolonged, would I be provided further visa assistance towards its extension?

Medical and Medical Attendant visas are extendable by FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in India depending upon the medical condition of the patient and on the production of supporting medical documents.

1. How will my appointments with the doctor be scheduled?
The Hospital’s International Patients Division would facilitate scheduling your appointments and consultations with the doctor. Thus ask for the international patients division when you speak to hospital.

2. Would there be pharmacies / medical stores available within the Hospitals?
Most hospitals in India are likely to have a Pharmacy within its premise for easy access and patient convenience.

3. What are the various room categories available in the Hospital?
The standard categories include: Single accommodation units, Suites, Deluxe rooms, Normal single room, Multiple sharing units, Twin sharing, Triple sharing, Ward types.

4. What are the communication services / facilities provided by the Hospital?
International calling services (ISD)/ Local SIM cards , Newspaper – Local/ International Editions, Internet facilities – Wi-Fi , Room Incoming & Outgoing Telephone facility. You may check with Hospital for any other preferences.

5. Would I be assisted with an interpreter during my stay?
English is a widely spoken language across India. But if assistance with any other language is required, interpretation service can be arranged on request. Some hospitals utilise the services of full-time in-house interpreters. You must inform the hospital where you are likely to go to about your language preference.

6. Would there be provision to fulfill my religious obligations?
Hospitals usually have designated quiet rooms / prayer halls to cater to major religions/faiths. India being a secular country is open to all religions. The hospital staff shall be able to guide you to the closest most place of worship.

7. Would international cuisines be available in hospitals?
Yes. International cuisines are available in major hospitals. Some menus are standard while others can be churned out on request. Feel free to be specific with the hospitals on your preference. Please go through the hospital description given on this portal. The hospital website might contain the information you are looking for. Doctors will advise on your diet related needs based on your therapeutic procedures in addition. Meals are provided to your attendant too .

8. How about international cuisine availability for Ayurveda?
For alternative medicine, as part of the medical management and treatment for certain conditions, you would have to stick to the dietary guidelines by your doctors. This is in interest of the treatment and its impact on recovery. And yes, in such units, international cuisines are usually not available.

9. What are the other facilities provided by hospitals?
Some hospitals may help you with laundry services, arranging local sight-seeing, in-house business centre, safety locker facility, gym and spa areas, shopping assistance,etcetra on request.

1. Can I travel immediately after treatment?

It depends on the prescribed period of recuperation for the specific treatment. Your Doctor may advise you further on your return travel.

2. Are treatment procedures covered by major medical insurance companies?

International Medical Insurance can be claimed, but you ought to check with the respective Hospital ,if the facility is accepted and can be availed.

3. What are the acceptable modes of payment?

All major modes of payments are accepted in India like Cash Payment/ International Master or Visa Credit/Debit Cards, Wire Transfer ,Travellers cheques etc.

4. What are the procedures involved in the process of discharge?

You will be guided by the Hospital official in the process. Financial aspects would have to be attended to by you before the discharge summary is handed over to you. Besides, you will be given instructions on medication and advised on scheduling of follow ups, if any required.

5. How will my offshore check-up with my Doctor in India post treatment be scheduled?

You can keep in touch with the respective Doctor via e-mail/phone. Certain Hospitals have the video-conferencing facilities available.

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