Modern Indian hospital
Healthcare in India

Why UK patients choose India

India’s tertiary hospitals — Apollo, Fortis, Max, Manipal and the public AIIMS network — serve a steady stream of British medical travellers each year. Procedures from cardiac bypass to hip replacement and IVF are typically available within days at a cost meaningfully below UK private rates, with surgeons trained in London, Edinburgh and the United States.

JCI-accredited hospitals

Most leading Indian hospitals hold Joint Commission International accreditation recognised globally.

Ayurveda wellness

Kerala’s residential Ayurveda retreats remain a major draw for British wellness travellers.

Attendant visa available

Up to two UK family members may accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant eVisa.

Key features

Medical eVisa at a glance

Six essentials for UK patients planning treatment in India.

60-day validity

Valid for 60 days from the date of first arrival in India — long enough for surgery plus recovery.

Triple entry

Three entries are permitted during the 60-day window for follow-up consultations.

Up to 60 days per visit

British patients may remain in India for the full 60-day validity in a single uninterrupted stay.

Express processing

Medical applications are typically prioritised over standard tourist requests.

Invitation letter required

You must submit a letter from the recognised Indian hospital confirming treatment details.

Attendant eVisa option

Spouse and one other relative travelling from the UK can apply for the dependent Medical Attendant eVisa.

Process

Applying from the UK

Four steps from your initial consultation to landing in India.

1

Secure hospital letter

Obtain a treatment invitation letter on letterhead from your chosen Indian hospital’s international patient desk.

2

Complete the form

Provide passport details, treatment dates and the hospital’s name on the secure online application.

3

Upload & pay

Attach passport bio page, photograph and the hospital’s letter, then pay the service fee in GBP.

4

Travel for treatment

Print the approval email and present it on arrival in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bengaluru.

Popular treatments

What UK patients travel for

The most common procedures sought by British medical tourists in India.

Cardiac care

Bypass surgery, valve replacement and angioplasty at Apollo Chennai, Narayana Health Bengaluru and Fortis Escorts Delhi.

Orthopaedic surgery

Hip and knee replacements widely sought by UK patients facing long NHS waits.

Oncology

Cancer treatment at Tata Memorial Mumbai and HCG Bengaluru with proton therapy options.

Fertility & IVF

Affordable IVF and reproductive medicine for British couples at specialist clinics in Delhi and Mumbai.

Dental & cosmetic

Full-mouth implants, veneers and aesthetic surgery in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa.

Ayurveda retreats

Residential Panchakarma at Kerala’s certified wellness centres — a longstanding favourite of British travellers.

FAQ

Medical eVisa questions from UK patients

Yes. You must have a written invitation or appointment confirmation from a recognised Indian hospital to support the application.

Up to two attendants may accompany you on the dependent Medical Attendant eVisa, each holding their own British passport.

Yes, provided the retreat is recognised and issues an invitation letter. Many Kerala AYUSH centres serve UK clients routinely.

The Medical eVisa is non-extendable. For longer treatment, apply for a regular Medical Visa at the High Commission of India in London.

All designated Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Kochi accept Medical eVisas.

Up-to-date Medical eVisa service fees in GBP are listed on our partner’s page. View fees →

Begin your medical journey to India

Start your Medical eVisa application once your Indian hospital has issued an invitation letter.