Advantages of Medical Tourism in India-How To Apply for VISA

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Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is one of the quickest and largest growing industries in the world.Medical Tourism in India offers low cost, or cost effective, medical treatments with no waiting lists and accessibility of skilled and experienced doctors so medical tourists around the globe are coming like never before. India is considered among the best in international medical tourism destinations. Patients get excellent healthcare services in India. Many foreign nationals worry about the quality of facilities and care they will receive out of the country. There are many well qualified doctors and hospitals in India.

The most well-known medical services that are growing at a faster rate in India.  These treatments are :

• Eye surgery
• Spine surgery
• All types of bone and joints treatments
• Cosmetic surgeries
• Blood vessel treatments
• Stomach related treatments
• Heat related treatments and surgeries
• Ayurveda treatments and therapies
• Dental treatments
• Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
• Laser hair removal treatments
• Hair implants and treatments
• Spa and beauty treatments
• Infertility Treatments

Some Advantages are:

Affordability & Cost Effectiveness

Costs of medical procedures in developed countries such as U.S., U.K., etc. are very high as compared to India & other Medical Tourism spots. A person coming to India for his/her medical treatment can save anywhere between 30 to 70 per cent, including the cost of ticket expenses & accommodation. Some medical insurance policies do not cover full cost of medical treatment & the patient is ask to pay a fraction of the cost. Sometimes even this fraction of the cost becomes unaffordable & Medical Tourism becomes the most feasible option. People with no medical insurance are the ones who are highly involved in medical tourism.

High Quality Healthcare

Patients from countries where healthcare expertise is not as much developed get highly involved in Medical Tourism as they have no other option left. Countries like India, Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia have top doctors & surgeons who are trained and certified in Western countries like U.S, U.K. etc. Medical institutes in these countries have also acquired accreditation from well-known international organizations like JCI (Joint Commission International) & JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare) and hence offer excellent healthcare services just like developed western countries.

Immediate Treatment

Many developed countries do not have immediate access to medical procedures & have long waiting lists. In Canada, more than 50% people say it took longer than 4 weeks to see a specialist. Access to immediate medical procedures is what attracts patients from developed countries travel to top Medical Tourism destinations.

Privacy or Anonymity

Individuals go on a vacation for their medical treatment, and avoid questions from friends and relatives about the required surgeries. People opting for cosmetic surgeries like breast enlargement do not wish to share with others about it.

Travel Opportunities

While the primary motivation for patients might be access to better quality of healthcare and timely medical aid, the opportunity to visit a new destination is an additional draw for some. Especially for patients seeking dental care, cosmetic care, etc., as they can enjoy exploring the destination while recovering.

No or Less Insurance Coverage

People with no or less insurance coverage who cannot afford to pay the healthcare expenses in their own country choose to go to other countries for affordable medical treatment.

Availability of Medical Experts

Underdeveloped or developing countries that do not have highly trained medical experts to perform complex surgeries, people from such countries are obliged to travel for medical treatment.

Availability of Advance Equipments

Just like unavailability of medical experts, some underdeveloped or developing countries may not have the advanced medical equipments needed to perform complex treatments or surgeries.

Medical Tourism Visa to India

The industry is growing at unimaginable rate. some credit goes to the government of India for introducing a medical visa for foreign nationals. A visa on arrival system is introduced for a few selected countries which allow the patients to stay for 60 days and get world-class medical treatments in India.Furthermore, two attendants allowed to travel along with the patient for that they have to apply for separate medical attendant visas. The validity of the attendant's Visa will be the same as for the patient.

What kind of Visa do you need for medical Tourism?

The Indian Government has now issued a specialised Medical Tourist visa for India. The nature of the visa remains the same, regardless of which country you apply for it from. You could be a resident of US, UK, South Africa, Australia, or any of the European countries even. Foreigners seeking medical treatment in India can avail the medical visa and fly over to India to be treated under world-class doctors and cutting edge technology, for less than half the rate.

How long Visa would Valid?

Indian Government gives an affirming nod towards the fact that this is no leisure requirement, and certain procedures may be troublesome too.Considering the recovery and the well-being of the patient that comes in for treatment here, the Indian Government grants an initial period of up to a year on the medical tourist visa for India. However, if there is a requirement for an extension thereon, it would be granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs solely on the recommendations of the State Government or the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO). This recommendation would be supported by medical documents. A medical tourist visa would allow a foreigner a maximum of three entries into the country, over a span of one year. The State government or the FRRO may allow another additional entry if an emergency situation demands it so.

Documents Needed for Medical Tourism VISA

• Passport with 6 months validity.
• Recent Passport size photographs.
• Photocopy of the passport.
• For applicants under the age of 18, a non-objection certificate signed by both parents is needed.
• Copy of the online visa application form.Proof of residential address.
• Proof of required funds.Recommendation from the home country doctor to visit particular specialised medical centre for treatment.
• Medical documents of the treatments that are done.Passport copy of attendant.
• Proof of relation with attendant.

Eligibility for Medical Visa Application to India

The eligibility criteria are well mentioned in the above section for the convenience of applicants. However, the patients who are immigrating to India should keep in mind that their purpose is genuine and is only to receive the best treatment.

The Indian immigration authorities need the applicants to satisfy the below-mentioned criteria:

• Applicants should make sure that they have sought initial medical guidance in their own country and that they are recommended/referred for further treatment in India.
• It should be made clear that the application is seeking a specific medical treatment that too from a recognized institution specializing in the same.
• Special attention is being provided to the visa applicants in India who are fighting their way with several medical conditions.
• Patients with serious ailments such as heart problems, organ transplants, neurosurgery, and ophthalmic disorders are always on high priority.

How to Apply?

The procedure of getting Medical tourism visa is more or less the same as that of getting a normal tourist visa.The only point of difference you would ideally come across is the part where you would have to mention your purpose of entering India (which would be “availing a medical treatment”).Once you do that, you would have to fill respective forms stating the nature of your disease and why you would opt getting treated in India.

If you have any medical related query, you can send us your report on below mention email address or you can call us or whatsApp for any second opinion.

Video/tele consultation also available

E-mail address- query@satyughealthcare.com
Phone number- +91888-242-4372, +91991-065-5125

Frequently asked questions

Q.Which state of India is leading in medical tourism?

The leading destinations of medical tourism in India are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, New Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. And among many Indian states, Andhra Pradesh is slowly getting hold of the top position.

Q.Can I go to India without visa?

Visitors to India must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or a country whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival, or an e-Visa online.

Q.How much is a medical visa to India?

Q.How do I apply for a medical visa?

• Visa application form.
• Two photos.
• Valid travel document/passport.
• A copy of your passport's data page.
• Roundtrip flight reservation.
• Travel Medical Insurance.
• Proof of accommodation.

Q.How long does it take to get a visa?

It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for India visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document. The delivery of the visa can take up to two other workdays.

Q.Why is India well known for medical tourism?

India has become one of the premiere medical tourism destinations in the world for many good reasons. Lower cost does not mean lower a quality of care. The quality of care compares to that received in any Western country. Each hospital has its best medical practices, and these hospitals offer treatment.

Q.What is the growing percentage of medical tourism in India?

A growing number of tourists are coming to India for medical treatments provided by skilled doctors here. This has made India the hub of medical tourism with taking nearly 18% of the global market.

Q.What are the risks of medical tourism?

• Communication may be a challenge.
• Medication may be counterfeit or of poor quality in some countries.
• Antibiotic resistance is a global problem, and resistant bacteria may be more common in other countries than in the United States.
• Flying after surgery can increase the risk for blood clots.