The high cost of treatment, long waiting times, and lack of doctors are some of the main reasons why people travel abroad. India is one of the leading destinations for medical travel. You will find that treatment costs in India are much lower than in other countries. Doctors are highly skilled and experienced here. Many of them worked in the USA, UK, and Europe before returning. There is no waiting time for treatment in India. All of these make India an ideal choice for you to get the highest quality medical treatment.
The main treatments for which people come to India are
Organ Transplants: These include all the major transplant surgeries like Kidney, Liver, Bone Marrow, and even Heart and Lung transplants.
Cancer treatment: There are excellent hospitals for cancer care in India. You can get all the latest treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy.
Heart treatment: There are expert doctors for all the major heart surgeries like Heart Bypass and valve replacements. You will also find top doctors for heart procedures in children.
Orthopedic, spine, and brain surgeries: Indian hospitals perform joint replacement surgeries and treatment for sports injuries. They also do operations for brain tumors, spinal deformities, and all kinds of neuro surgeries.
Why is India a destination for medical travel?
More and more people are coming to India for treatment. India has one of the lowest medical treatment costs in the world. It is also because the government places limits on pricing. A look at some of the examples below clearly shows India's cost advantage.
- An allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant would cost around 800,000 USD in the United States compared to 30,000 USD in India.
- A kidney transplant would cost upwards of 250,000 USD in the USA compared to 15,000 USD in India.
- Heart bypass surgery would cost around 38,000 AUD (27,000 USD) in Australia, whereas the same procedure would cost between 6,000 – 7,000 USD in India.
- Knee replacement would cost 25,000 SGD (18,000 USD) in Singapore, whereas the same procedure performed by renowned orthopedic surgeons in India would cost between 6,000 USD in India.
- Dental implants would cost around 1,800 GBP (2,300 USD) in the UK compared to 400 USD in India.
Key Factors that make India a medical travel destination
- Skill level of the doctors: Indian doctors are renowned worldwide for their experience and skill. Many of the top doctors in the US and Europe are of Indian origin. Many of these doctors have returned to India and now work in leading hospitals.
- Hospital facilities: Technology has changed the world, and the medical field is no exception. Indian hospitals have the best-in-class technology and systems, which compares very well with the top hospitals worldwide.
- No waiting time: Most of the leading hospitals in India have more than 200 beds with the full-time support of doctors and nursing staff. It ensures quality and timely attention from doctors. There is almost no waiting time for treatment in India.
- Ayurveda and Yoga: These traditional systems are very popular now. They have a lot to offer for many health conditions. Both these systems help to attain and maintain optimal physical and mental health. Many people travel to India to learn more about these systems.
- Connectivity: All major cities in India have either direct or connecting flights to most of the major world cities.
- Visa: The e-visa program enables nationals of more than 150 countries to get visas within 2-3 days. This feature has made it much easier for people to travel to India now.
- Cost of living: You can find decent places to stay in India for as little as 1200 USD per day. You will have to meet with doctors before and after hospitalization. When traveling for treatment, you will need to spend time outside the hospital before and after your hospital admission.
- Language: India has a large English-speaking population thanks to British rule earlier. It means that all the best hospitals have staff who speak English. You will also find translators for many other languages here.
- History: India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with an 8000-year-old history. All of the major world religions have followers here. Another attraction is Indian cuisine which is famous all over the world. You will always find something for your palate. As you may know, India is also a top tourist destination.
Globalization, the internet, and social media have made the world smaller and more familiar. It has led to more and more people traveling abroad. This effect is also evident in healthcare, with more people seeking treatment outside their home country. India is well poised to continue as one of the major destinations for medical travel. Look no further if you are looking for the highest quality medical treatment for yourself or your loved ones.