How to Apply Medical Visa for India from Nigeria - Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know medical tourism has been around since centuries? The earliest recorded travel that humans made for medical ailment dates back to the Mesopotamian civilization. That’s 3026 years (yep, we did the math) ago!

So, its no surprise that people have been in the habit of travelling to get better care. The modern-day civilization gets to do it for advanced medical technology at best prices.

India is one such destination that people from across the world choose for all their medical needs. If you are marking your attendance soon, getting a medical visa is one of the most crucial things - even before finding the appointment!

Follow along as we tell you everything about Indian medical visas. Starting off this series we’re focusing on people from Nigeria, Germany and the UAE.

What is an Indian Medical Visa (MED)?

Indian medical visa is a special category that is meant for foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India. It differs from a standard tourist visa as it allows a you to enter and stay in India for receiving medical care.

This is a crucial distinction as it allows for longer stays that are tailored to treatment durations at a recognized Indian hospital. This visa acknowledges the specific needs of international patients, facilitating access to a wide spectrum of healthcare services.

The medical visa allows you to get critical surgeries from organ transplant to advanced therapies and chronic conditions.

Who Qualifies for a Medical Visa? Eligibility Criteria for Patients

To be eligible for an Indian medical visa, applicants must meet specific criteria showing genuine need for medical treatment in India. Important conditions include:

• Seeking specialized medical treatment: The applicant must be seeking treatment for a major condition such as organ transplant, neurosurgery, spine surgery, cardiac conditions, cancer, joint replacement and other significant diseases that require urgent medical attention.

• Treatment at a recognized hospital: India has state-of-the-art medical institutions that are sought-out for their sophisticated treatment. You must have a recognized medical institution in India.

• Referral from home country: This is something that’s recommended instead of something that’s mandatory. You must have a referral from a medical professional or hospital in their country. With medical tourism, a visa invitation letter from the Indian hospital substitutes this referral.

These were some of the most important criteria for an Indian medical visa. You can apply for this visa even for general check-up or minor procedures. If you just want to get a routine consultation, you may opt for second opinion or an online consultation.

Supporting Your Journey: The Medical Attendant Visa

Patients often require support during their medical journey and India offers a medical attendant visa. This is specifically for individuals accompanying the patient for assistance.

The purpose of this visa is to allow family members or close associates to accompany and provide necessary support to the primary patient. To be eligible for this visa, you must be an immediate family member or a close associate who are dependent or can provide necessary care.

Usually, up to two medical attendants are allowed per patient. The validity of this visa is directly linked to the primary patient’s medical visa. It does not exceed the validity period.

How Can I Get Medical Visa from Nigeria to India?

The core requirements for an Indian medical visa remains the same, but the application process, submission points can differ. There may also be additional nuances that vary from one country to another. 

For Applicants from Nigeria

Nigerian applicants follow a structured process with a focus on:

• Application process: This involves completing the online application form on Indian visa online portal, followed by submitting the documents and biometric data at VFS global a[plication center in Nigeria. You can find them at Lagos or Abuja.

• Biometrics: The mandatory biometric data collection is an important step at the visa center. Expect to update your fingerprints and facial image.

• Common challenges: Applicants from Nigeria may encounter potentially longer processing times due to higher application volumes. You may also have to face strict scrutiny of your financial documents and authenticity of medical necessity. Don’t lose heart, you’ll get the medical visa with the right documentation.

Insider tips:

• Apply well in advance of your intended travel time to allow ample time for processing.

• Ensure all your documents, especially financial documents are current, clear and genuinely reflect sufficient funds.

• Verify if any documents require specific authentication or legalization from the Nigerian authorities before submission.

Check out the step-by-step procedure to know how you can get your Indian MED.

Also Read - Medical Visa in India - Cost and Timeline

How to Apply Medical Visa for India: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Essential Documents & Financial Readiness

This is one of the most important aspects of your medical visa application, so be sure to carefully gather these. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays or rejection.

Checklist for All Applicants

Regardless of your country of origin, the following are fundamental for an Indian medical visa.

1. Valid passport: Get your passport renewed to have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of intended visit. A minimum of two blank pages must be present for visa stamping.

2. Recent passport-sized photos: Usually two or more photos are necessary. Ensure these photos meet the requirements: 2x2 inches, white background and frontal view.

3. Duly filled online visa application form: A Printed copy of the completed online application form signed by the applicant.

4. Original medical invitation letter from an Indian hospital: A letter from the Indian hospital with

• Patient’s name, passport details and medical condition

• Proposed medical treatment, the estimated duration and the approximate cost

• Name and passport details of the accompanying medical attendant(s)

• Confirmation of admission for treatment

5. Medical reports and certificates from home country: Original medical documents including treatment history, diagnosis and a letter from the local doctor or hospital recommending the treatment in India (or treatment plan obtained through online consultation.)

6. Proof of financial means: Documentation demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the cost of medical treatment, accommodation and daily expenses for the patient and attendants throughout their stay.

7. Consent letters: If the patient is a minor, consent letters from both parents along with their passport copies will be required.

8. Flight itinerary: Provisional flight bookings to and from India.

9. Accommodation details: Proof of accommodation arrangements in India such as hospital guest house reservation, hotel bookings, etc.

2. Medical Documentation: Clarity and Specificity

Medical documentation that you provide is the cornerstone of your medical visa application; it serves as the definitive proof of your need for treatment in India. Here is why they are necessary:

• Importance: These reports justify your application as it clearly outline the medical condition, necessity of treatment in India, and expected course of care.

• Details: Make sure you have the detailed, recent and clear medical reports - from test results to referral letters. If they are not in English, they must be accompanied by certified English translations.

• Authenticity: The medical documents must be genuinely issued by licensed medical practitioners and recognized facilities. Some documents may need legalization or official authentication depending on your home country’s regulations and the Indian embassy’s requirements.

3. Demonstrating Financial Capacity

You may wonder, why do I have to provide proof of financial means? Providing your financial capability assures authorities that you can sustain yourself and cover all medical costs.

This proof shows your ability to cover the full estimated cost of the medical treatment, hospitalization, transportation and daily living expenses for the entire duration of your stay in India.

Some examples of financial proof include-

• Bank statement: Recent bank statements (3-6 months) showing sufficient funds.

• Financial guarantee from a sponsor: A family member, friend or an organization sponsoring the treatment can furnish a notarized sponsorship letter along with the sponsor’s bank statement and identification, if required. 

• Employer’s letter: If an employer is sponsoring the treatment, a letter from them confirming the sponsorship and financial commitment is acceptable.

• Proof of funds transfer: In some cases, proof of funds transferred to the Indian hospital for initial treatment costs may be necessary. This is also known as the guarantee of payment, that may come from the medical tourism company if you have paid them directly.

The Application Process

Once you have duly filled the form, check these to avoid mistakes that could delay your visa:

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Ensure a Smooth Application

• The most common reason we see visa delay or rejection is incomplete or missing documents from your form. Double-check every item on the checklist.

• Outdated or incorrect photograph: Ensure your photo meets all the requirements (passport-sized, 22x22 inches, background, etc.)

• Mismatched passport details: Verify all the information on your application form meets the passport details.

• Insufficient financial proof: This is another one of the most common mistakes. Demonstrate enough funds to cover all expenses.

• Vague or unauthenticated medical letter: The invitation letter from the Indian hospital must be detailed, clear and from a recognized institution. Similarly, your home country’s medical reports should have explicit information about your condition and the necessity of treatment in India.

• Missing country-specific updates: Visa policies can change - refer to the official websites relevant to your application country for latest requirements.

Psst! Our team can help you learn how to apply online medical visa for India.

After Submission: What to Expect Next

Knowing what to expect can help manage anxiety and allow you to track your application effectively.

Processing Time: How Long Will It Take?

The processing time for an Indian medical visa can vary depending on your country of application, volume of applications and complexity of your care.

• Nigeria: 2 to 4 weeks, longer if additional verification needed.

Apply well in advance to account for any unforeseen delays. Incomplete applications or those requiring further investigation may take longer.

Tracking Your Application Status

Most visa application centers provide online portals to track the application status, this gives your real-time updated.

• Online portals: Use the application reference number to track your application.

• Email/SMS Updates: Some services may offer email or SMS notifications once your application status changes. Only trust official sources for such updates (your medical tourism partner) and do not share sensitive information over email or message.

Also Read - How to get a Medical Visa for India

Visa Approval and What to Do If Rejected

• Approved visa with your passport can be collected from the application center. Carefully check all the details on the visa sticker including the dates, number of entries and type of visa.

• If your visa is unfortunately rejected, the issuing authority will provide a reason for the refusal. Understand the reason and address deficiencies. For example, if the rejection is due to an improper application form, re-fill the form correctly and apply again.

A rejection does not mean you cannot reapply permanently. Follow the checklist properly the next time and get your visa!

Traveling to India for Medical Treatment: Essential Preparations

Now that you have secured your medical visa, focus on the logistics of your journey to India for a comfortable and effective experience.

Preparing for Your Trip: Logistics and Essentials

• Flights and accommodation: Confirm your flight bookings and hotel/hospital guest house reservations well in advance before the date. Or book your treatment through us and we’ll take care of such details - providing you the best!

• Carry all your important and relevant documents - originals of passport, visa, medical invitation letter, all medical reports from home country and India. Keep digital copies on your phone/cloud storage.

• Ensure you have sufficient funds for unexpected expenses. You can also consider carrying platforms such as Wise that help you stay worry-free about these expenses.

• Bring along your regular personal medications along with the doctor’s prescriptions.

• We highly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage for any unforeseen emergencies.

• Pack comfortable clothing suitable for Indian climate (as per the season during your visit) and any personal comfort item.

Arriving in India: Initial Steps

• The immigration process starts right after you make it to the Indian airport. Present your passport, medical visa, medical invitation letter. Rehearse answers to questions about your treatment purpose and duration of stay.

• Airport transfer: You can get pre-paid taxi services at the airport. If you have a partner like Yapita health taking care of your airport, then simply complete the immigration and a comfortable ride will be waiting to pick you up.

• Currency exchange: If you want to have some cash in hand, exchange some of your home currency into Indian Rupees (INR) at the airport or a reliable money changer.

Navigating Healthcare Facilities in India

Indian hospitals are well-equipped with dedicated teams to handle international patients.

• Upon reaching the hospital, report to the international patient desk where they can help you with admission and general guidance.

• Here’s where you will get the appointment details, initial consultation with the doctor/s overseeing your treatment.

• Bring all your medical reports for this review.

• If you are worried about communication, you can request for a language interpreter.

• Clarify all payment procedures with the hospital’s billing department.

Embarking on a medical journey, specifically one that’s away from your country can seem scary. India offers access to high-quality, affordable healthcare at 70% lower costs than any Western country.

With Yapita health by your side, you are in expert hands - providing you 24x7 support. Get in touch today to start your journey towards recovery!

Reference - 

- Indian medical visa