India has many hospitals that offer specialized medical services, including heart and brain surgery. These hospitals use advanced technology and techniques to perform surgeries with greater precision and less invasiveness. Some of the medical facilities in India include: Aster Hospitals India, Artemis Hospital, KD Hospital, Apollo Indraprastha Hospital, BLK Hospital W Pratiksha Hospital, and Fortis Healthcare. AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) and Apollo Hospitals are highly regarded for neurosurgery in India, but they have different strengths. Neurosurgery is a matter of high precision. Utmost care and accuracy are required while operating because each neuron is important. While other specializations also equally require precision, as Neurosurgery is connected with the brain and spine, one must take good care. Some of the main surgeries at our Neurosurgery Centres are the Excision of Tumours of the Brain, popularly known as Craniotomy, Surgery for Hydrocephalous, or V-P Shunt. A Medical Visa (M-visa) is a specific type of visa issued by the Indian government for foreigners intending to travel to India for medical treatment. It permits foreign nationals to seek medical care in India at recognized hospitals and healthcare institutions. This visa is for those who require medical treatment for severe health conditions that are not available or very expensive in their home countries. In this write up we will enumerate the procedure for prospective patients to get an Indian medical visa.
Eligibility condition for medical visa in India
Individuals who need medical treatment for various conditions, including major surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants, and fertility treatments, are eligible to apply for a Medical Visa to India. It is important to note that the medical treatment should be for a serious condition, and not for general wellness or cosmetic procedures.
Types of Medical Visas in India
India offers different categories of Medical Visas, which include:
- M-Visa (Medical Visa): This is the primary visa type granted to patients travelling to India for medical treatment. As mentioned, it is issued for individuals seeking treatment for serious health conditions that require specialized care.
- M-1 Visa (Medical Attendant Visa): This visa is provided to individuals accompanying the patient to assist with travel and care during the treatment period. The accompanying attendant must prove their relationship to the patient (spouse, parent, sibling, or children), and the number of attendants is generally limited to two.
- e-Medical Visa: The Indian government has introduced the option of applying for an e-Medical Visa for citizens of certain countries. The e-visa system allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa online, making it more convenient and faster for patients to travel for medical care. However, the e-Medical Visa is available for short-term treatment and may have certain restrictions compared to the regular Medical Visa.
Requirement
When applying for a Medical Visa to India, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in India.
- A completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Invitation letter from a recognized hospital in India, including treatment details.
- Medical records or diagnostic reports outlining the need for treatment in India.
- Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses and stay.
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in India.
- Any other documents as requested by the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
How to Apply for a Medical Visa to India?
The process of applying for a Medical Visa to India involves several steps. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the process:
- Obtain a Letter from the Hospital: Before applying for a Medical Visa, the patient must secure an invitation letter from a hospital or medical institution in India that is willing to provide the required treatment. This letter should contain the details of the treatment plan, the duration of the medical stay, and the hospital’s credentials.
- Visit the Indian Embassy or Consulate: The next step is to apply for a Medical Visa through the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to complete the visa application form and provide the necessary documents, including the invitation letter from the Indian hospital, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means to support your treatment and stay, and any additional medical documents, such as medical records or diagnostic reports.
- Visa Processing and Approval: Once your application is submitted, the Indian authorities will review your documents. The processing time for a Medical Visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Generally, the visa processing time ranges from 7 to 15 working days. After approval, the visa will be stamped in your passport, and you can travel to India.
- Arrival in India: Upon arrival in India, the patient will need to present the Medical Visa along with the medical documents at the airport. The Immigration authorities may ask for further details regarding the treatment plan, so it’s advisable to carry a copy of the hospital’s invitation letter and other relevant documents.
Cost of Acquiring A Medical Visa To India
The cost of getting an Indian medical visa depends on the country of the applicant. The fee depends upon the type applied for and its duration. Visa fee is divided into various types depending upon the case viz; basic fee, special fee & processing fee charged by VFS Global. During the online registration, at the end of the process, the basic fee shall be displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while applying to the Visa application centre. Generally, applicants should budget between $150-$200 before proceeding to do the application
Now here is the average cost of getting some treatment from some medical centers in India.
- Cost of Craniotomy – The Cost of Chemotherapy starts from $250 per cycle and may go up depending on the type of cancer one has.
- Cost of Brain Stem Glioma Surgery – The cost of Brain Stem Glioma Surgery Ranges from $6000 and $7800 depending upon the hospital chosen and room category chosen.
- Cost of V.P. Shunt Surgery for Hydrocephalous – The cost of Cyberknife Treatment starts from $6000.
- Cost of Craniotomy Surgery for Epilepsy – The Cost of cancer surgery depends upon what cancer it is. It may range between $2800 and may go up to $8000.
- Cost of Vagal Nerve stimulation Surgery for Epilepsy –The cost of Epilepsy Surgery with Vagal Nerve Stimulation ranges from $22000 and $26000 depending upon the hospital chosen and the room category chosen.
RESTRICTION ON THOSE WITH MEDICAL VISA TO INDIA.
- No Employment: Holders of the Medical Visa are not permitted to work or engage in any form of employment while in India. Violation of this condition can lead to the cancellation of the visa.
- Re-entry on Expired Visa: If the patient’s Medical Visa expires and further treatment is required, they may need to apply for a new visa to continue receiving medical care in India.
- Extension of Visa: In case the medical treatment requires an extension beyond the initial duration of the visa, patients can apply for a visa extension. The request for an extension must be supported by medical documents and a recommendation from the treating doctor.
- No Tourism Activities: The Medical Visa is strictly for medical treatment. Touristic activities while on a Medical Visa are prohibited. If a patient wishes to travel for leisure, a different visa must be obtained.