Medical Visa in India - Cost and Timeline

Medical tourism is thriving in India, ever since the adoption of high-tech medical equipment. And that’s around more than 10-15 years - so India is now more of a pro at it than just a name to consider.

Patients from around the world are choosing India as part of their medical journey due to the world-class healthcare, reasonable pricing and streamlined services.

But a major concern among international patients is acquiring a medical visa - will they get it or won’t - is a question that often becomes the reason they do not seek care in this country.

In this easy guide, we will help you understand the cost and timeline for obtaining a medical visa for India.

Understanding the Medical Visa

Medical visas are specifically for people who choose India as their treatment destination. This allows patients to seek high-quality medical care in India through access to top hospitals, qualified doctors and facilities.

Medical visas are typically granted for a duration that corresponds to the treatment plan, with options for extension if necessary.

Cost of Medical Visa

The cost of a medical visa in India depends on various factors, such as

• The nationality of the applicant

• The duration of the visa, and

• Additional processing fees

The average cost of a medical visa ranges from $80 to $100. To understand this range better, consider this example,

An applicant travelling from the US can expect to pay around $100 to the embassy in their country if they want a multiple-entry MED visa. This visa would be valid for an year.

They can expect to may additional costs if they opt for urgent or visa processing. If you want your visa within 24-72 hours, you may have to pay and additional $50-100 USD.

If you want to extend your stay in India due to longer treatment timelines, the standard fees for a 5-year multiple entry MED visa would cost around $150.

It is also a good practice for applicants to check with their nearest Indian consulate or embassy for the updated fee structure.

Timeline for Medical Visa Processing

The timeline for processing a medical visa for India can vary based on several factors, including

• The efficiency of the application process and

• Any additional documentation required.

Necessary documents that you must keep handy include:

• Hospital invitation letter.

• Proof of funds (bank statement showing ~$3,000-$10,000.)

• Medical reports that confirm the need for treatment.

Processing time for a medical visa ranges from 5 to 7 working days. But urgent processing time is shorter and you’ll be able to get your medical visa within 2-3 working days. Expect even shorter processing times (1-2 days) in case you need a critical surgery.

It is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel dates to account for any potential delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Medical Visa

Here’s a detailed look at the process to obtain your medical visa for India:

1. Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Consult with your healthcare provider in India to determine the appropriate treatment plan. This is also important so that you can obtain necessary documents such as medical reports and treatment estimates.

2. Complete Visa Application Form: The next step is to complete the visa application form. You can get this from the official site of the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC).This form requires your personal details, passport details and purpose of travel. This will require minimum 30 minutes.

3. Gather Required Documents: You must also submit a passport-sized photo, a copy of the passport bio-page and medical reports confirming the treatment. Also required would be a letter from the healthcare provider in India detailing the treatment plan.

4. Schedule Visa Appointment: Next is completing scheduling an appointment at the nearest Indian consulate or embassy. You may have to travel to another destination for biometric data submission and visa interview. Or, complete the biometrics at:

• VFS Global if you’re in the US, UK, Nigeria or UAE

• BLS international if you’re in Spain, Canada, South Africa

5. Attend Visa Appointment: Next, once you get the appointment date visit the Indian consulate or embassy. During the interview, you may be asked questions about your medical condition, financial arrangements and treatment plan.

6. Track Visa Application Status: After the visa interview, track the status of your application using the reference number. Once your visa is processed, keep an eye out for an email notification, with instructions for collecting your passport. The processing can take 3-7 days while the embassy reviews your application.

7. Travel to India: Now that you have your visa and travel arrangements in place, you’re ready to visit your treatment destination! It is important that you carry a printed copy of the visa approval letter and other relevant documents such as the hospital letter.

Safe Travels!

Dealing with visa paperwork is not exactly fun. But when it comes to accessing world-class healthcare at reasonable prices, it’s worthy of every second! The procedure can become simpler when you have the right guidance and Yapita Health is ready to help you!

Helping you take the visa application process step by step is how you can easily go through it. Our coordinators can help ease the process by addressing your questions and guide you through the paperwork.

From getting the hospital letter to the treatment plan, you will get everything within the comforts of your home. Get in touch today to access best-in-class treatment at better prices than back home!