Medical Tourism in India

India in the recent years has emerged as a major hub for medical tourism. India was included among top 10 best medical services providers in the world by Medical Treatment Index (MTI), 2020-21. It has one of the largest healthcare industries in the world IMAGE Healthcare with one of the largest networks of hospitals. There are 69,364 hospitals (43,486 private hospitals, and 25,778 public hospitals) with 1.2 million registered doctors, achieving WHO recommended doctor population ratio.

Foreign tourism arrivals for medical purposes have increased significantly. Some of the factors which make India a compelling destination for medical travel are reputed health care professionals and hospitals, English speaking health care workers, cutting edge global technology, personalized service, lower cost, lesser waiting time and rich cultural and leisure destinations.

The India medical tourism market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates indicating an increase from USD 18.2 billion in 2025 to USD 58.2 billion by 2035.

The number of Medical Visas issued by this Consulate in 2023 was 364, In 2024 was 404 and in 2025 (till 11.08.2025) were 299.

Some of the initiatives successfully implemented by our Ministry of Tourism are:

• E Visa for Medical tourists in addition to the existing medical and medical attendant visa

• Patients not required to personally register with the FRRO

• Facilitation counters at 3 international airports and 5 more are on the anvil.

• Accreditation by NABH introduced for a new category called Medical Value Travel Facilitators who would play the coordinating role similar to tour operators.

• Health care portal www.indiahealthcaretourism.com has been augmented with comprehensive information on the accredited healthcare institutions in English, Arabic, Russian and French.

The Concerned Hospital is required to register in the Medical and Ayush Visa Portal for generating a medical invitation letter for Patients/Attendants. Accordingly, the generated medical invitation letter is required to be shared by the concerned hospital in the format of pdf with the applicants and to the Consulate.

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