India Medical Visa: Treatment & Medical Companion Guide

Why India Is a Global Medical Tourism Destination

India's medical tourism market reached USD 11.14 billion in 2025, with projections to hit USD 22.11 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.42%. Between January and April 2025 alone, 131,856 international patients arrived in India for treatment — representing 4.1% of all foreign tourist arrivals. Foreign patient arrivals jumped from 182,945 in 2020 to 644,387 in 2024, marking a decisive post-pandemic rebound.

The growth rests on a substantial cost advantage: procedures in India cost 60-80% less than in OECD countries. A coronary bypass that costs USD 100,000 in the United States starts at approximately USD 5,000 in India. India hosts over 4,650 NABH-accredited hospitals and 57-61 JCI-accredited institutions as of 2025, ensuring international quality standards.

But getting into India for medical treatment requires navigating the Medical Visa (M-Visa) framework — a specialised visa category with its own eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and companion provisions. This guide covers the entire process for 2025-2026.

Medical Visa (M-Visa) Overview

The Medical Visa is a specialised visa category issued to foreign nationals travelling to India exclusively for medical treatment at a recognised Indian hospital. It is distinct from a tourist visa or business e-Visa and comes with specific conditions and benefits.

Key Parameters

Two Application Channels

India offers two channels for medical visa applications:

• e-Medical Visa: Applied online through the official Indian e-Visa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Available to citizens of 167+ countries. Faster processing (typically 3-5 working days). Valid for 60 days with triple entry. Best for short-term treatments.
• Sticker Medical Visa: Applied through the Indian embassy or consulate (via VFS Global or directly). Available to all nationalities. Processing takes 5-15 working days. Can be issued for up to 1 year. Best for long-term treatments, multiple procedures, or nationalities not eligible for e-Visa.

Eligibility Requirements

The medical visa has specific eligibility requirements that differ from other visa categories such as the business or employment visa.

Patient Eligibility

• Genuine medical need: The applicant must have a documented medical condition requiring treatment at a specialised Indian hospital
• Confirmed treatment: A letter from a recognised Indian hospital confirming that the patient has been accepted for treatment is mandatory
• NABH or JCI accreditation: As of 2025, the hospital issuing the invitation must be accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) or JCI (Joint Commission International) for the visa to be processed. This requirement was introduced to reduce fraud
• Valid passport: Minimum 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India, with at least 2 blank pages
• Financial capacity: Proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment costs and living expenses in India

Conditions and Restrictions

• The M-Visa is exclusively for medical treatment — tourism, business, or employment activities are not permitted
• Treatment must be at the hospital specified in the visa application — changing hospitals requires FRRO notification
• The visa holder must not overstay beyond the visa validity without obtaining an extension
• Registration with FRRO/FRO is mandatory if the stay exceeds 180 days

Documents Required for Medical Visa Application

The documentation requirements are more specific than for a standard tourist visa. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays and rejections.

For e-Medical Visa (Online Application)

1. Clear PDF scan of passport bio-page — showing name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and expiry date
2. Recent photograph — front-facing, white background, 5 cm x 5 cm dimensions, 70% face zoom
3. Hospital invitation letter — on the hospital's official letterhead, signed by an authorised medical officer, containing:
   • Patient's name and passport details
   • Diagnosis and proposed treatment plan
   • Expected duration of treatment
   • Hospital's NABH/JCI accreditation number
   • Contact details of the treating physician
4. Medical reports — diagnostic reports, scan results, and other medical documents supporting the need for treatment
5. Proof of funds — bank statements or financial guarantee showing ability to cover treatment costs

For Sticker Medical Visa (Embassy Application)

All of the above, plus:

1. Original passport (not a scan)
2. Two additional passport-size photographs
3. Completed visa application form — downloaded from the embassy or VFS Global website
4. Covering letter from the patient explaining the medical situation and reason for seeking treatment in India

Medical Attendant Visa (MX-Visa): The Companion Guide

India allows up to two companions to accompany a medical visa holder through the Medical Attendant Visa, commonly referred to as the MX-Visa. This section covers everything companions need to know.

Who Can Get an MX-Visa?

• Maximum two attendants per patient
• Attendants must be close family members — spouse, parents, children, or siblings (blood relatives)
• In exceptional cases, a non-family caregiver may be considered, but this requires additional documentation
• Both attendants must use the same Medical Reference Number (from the patient's hospital invitation letter) during their application

MX-Visa Key Features

Documents Required for MX-Visa

1. Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages
2. Recent photographs — same specifications as the medical visa
3. Copy of the patient's M-Visa or visa approval
4. Hospital invitation letter — must specifically mention the attendant's name and relationship to the patient
5. Proof of relationship — birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other documentation establishing the family relationship
6. Medical Reference Number — the same reference number used by the patient

Practical Tips for Companions

• Apply simultaneously with the patient — submitting the patient's and companions' applications together speeds up processing
• Carry original relationship proof — immigration officers at Indian airports may verify the relationship between the patient and attendant
• Book accommodation near the hospital — most major medical tourism hospitals have guest houses or tie-ups with nearby hotels offering discounted rates for patient families
• Obtain an Indian SIM card on arrival — communication with the hospital and local coordination is essential. See our guide on Aadhaar for foreign nationals for SIM card activation options

Fees and Processing Time

Medical visa fees vary by nationality and application channel.

e-Medical Visa Fees

Note: An additional bank transaction fee (typically USD 2.50) applies. Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is not granted.

Sticker Medical Visa Fees

Sticker visa fees vary significantly by country based on bilateral agreements. Typical range is USD 80-300. Processing takes 5-15 working days. Expedited processing may be available at some embassies for an additional fee.

MX-Visa Fees

The MX-Visa fee is typically the same as the M-Visa fee. Both companions pay the same amount individually. Budget for a total of 3x the visa fee (1 patient + 2 attendants).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here is the complete application process for both the M-Visa and MX-Visa.

Step 1: Obtain a Hospital Invitation Letter

Contact the Indian hospital where you wish to receive treatment. Most major hospitals — including Apollo, Fortis, Max Healthcare, Manipal, and Medanta — have dedicated International Patient departments that handle visa invitation letters. The hospital will need:

• Your medical reports and diagnostic documents
• Passport copies of the patient and companions
• Your preferred treatment dates

The hospital will issue an official invitation letter with a Medical Reference Number. This typically takes 3-7 working days. Ensure the hospital is NABH or JCI accredited — applications citing non-accredited hospitals may be rejected under the 2025 rules.

Step 2: Apply for the Visa

For e-Medical Visa:

1. Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in
2. Select "e-Medical Visa" as the visa type
3. Fill in personal details, travel details, and medical details
4. Upload the required documents (passport scan, photo, hospital letter)
5. Pay the visa fee online
6. Print the application confirmation

For sticker visa:

1. Book an appointment at the Indian embassy/consulate or VFS Global centre
2. Submit the completed application form with all documents
3. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) if required
4. Pay the visa fee
5. Collect the passport with visa stamp after processing

Step 3: Companions Apply for MX-Visa

Companions should apply using the same Medical Reference Number from the patient's hospital invitation letter. If applying for e-MX Visa, the process mirrors the e-Medical Visa application. If applying through the embassy, both patient and companion applications can be submitted together.

Step 4: Travel to India

On arrival in India, the patient and companions must carry:

• Original passport with visa
• Printed copy of the e-Visa approval (for e-Visa holders)
• Original hospital invitation letter
• Medical reports and diagnostic documents
• Proof of accommodation in India
• Return flight tickets or proof of onward travel

Step 5: Register with FRRO (If Stay Exceeds 180 Days)

If the treatment requires a stay of more than 180 days — similar to requirements for dependent visa holders — the patient and companions must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 14 days of arrival. Registration is done online through the FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in).

Extending Your Medical Visa

If treatment takes longer than expected, the medical visa can be extended through the FRRO.

Extension Process

1. Obtain a letter from the treating hospital — confirming that the patient needs continued treatment, specifying the expected additional duration and medical justification
2. Apply online through the FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in) or visit the FRRO office in the city where treatment is being received
3. Submit required documents:
   • Current passport with existing visa
   • Hospital continuation letter
   • Updated medical reports
   • Proof of funds for the extended stay
   • Accommodation proof
4. FRRO reviews and approves — extensions of up to 1 additional year are typically granted for genuine medical cases

Extension Fees

Extension fees vary but are typically INR 3,000-10,000 per person. Late applications (after visa expiry) attract a penalty of USD 300 per year of overstay plus daily penalties. Always apply for extension at least 2 weeks before the current visa expires.

Companion Visa Extension

The MX-Visa is co-terminus with the M-Visa. When the patient's visa is extended, the companions must also apply for extension through the same FRRO. Both applications should be submitted simultaneously.

Top Hospitals for International Patients in India

These hospitals have dedicated international patient departments, visa assistance services, and a track record of treating overseas patients:

Cost Comparison: India vs Other Countries

Practical Considerations for Patients and Companions

Currency and Banking

Carry a combination of USD/GBP/EUR cash (for initial expenses) and an international debit/credit card. Major hospitals accept international cards. For longer stays, consider opening a bank account — some banks offer special accounts for medical tourists with simplified KYC. For more on Indian banking, see our India bank account guide. Foreign exchange can be obtained at airport counters, banks, or authorised dealers. FEMA regulations govern all foreign exchange transactions in India.

Accommodation

Most major medical tourism hospitals offer or arrange:

• Hospital guest houses — rooms within or adjacent to the hospital campus, typically INR 2,000-5,000 per night
• Partner hotels — discounted rates at nearby hotels, typically INR 3,000-8,000 per night
• Service apartments — for extended stays (1 month+), these offer better value at INR 30,000-80,000 per month

Language Support

Major hospitals in metropolitan cities have multilingual staff. Arabic, Russian, French, and Bangla translators are commonly available at hospitals treating international patients. English is widely spoken in urban India's healthcare sector.

Insurance

Check whether your home country's health insurance covers treatment in India. Many international health insurance providers — particularly those in the UK, UAE, and Singapore — recognise JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals. If your insurance does not cover India, the hospital's international patient department can assist with self-pay arrangements and instalment plans.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

Discuss the post-treatment follow-up plan before travelling. Many hospitals offer telemedicine follow-up consultations for international patients after they return home. Ensure you receive all medical records, discharge summaries, and medication prescriptions in English before departing India.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Applying for treatment at a non-accredited hospital — the 2025 rules require NABH or JCI accreditation. Verify the hospital's accreditation status on the NABH website (nabh.co) before applying
• Not carrying original documents at the airport — immigration officers may request the original hospital letter, medical reports, and relationship proof (for companions). Carry originals, not just digital copies
• Overstaying the visa — penalties for overstay are USD 300 per year plus daily fines. Apply for extension at least 2 weeks before your visa expires
• Changing hospitals without notifying FRRO — if you need to transfer to a different hospital, inform the FRRO in writing before the transfer. Unauthorised hospital changes may be treated as a visa violation
• Companions engaging in work — the MX-Visa does not permit any employment or commercial activity. Companions found working can face visa cancellation and deportation

Key Takeaways

• India's medical visa (M-Visa) is available through the e-Visa portal for citizens of 167+ countries, with processing in 3-5 working days and fees starting at USD 25-84 depending on nationality
• Up to two companions can accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa (MX-Visa), which is co-terminus with the patient's stay and uses the same Medical Reference Number from the hospital
• Hospital invitation letters must come from NABH or JCI-accredited hospitals — this is a 2025 requirement aimed at reducing fraud and ensuring quality standards
• Visa extensions of up to 1 additional year are available through the FRRO, with a hospital continuation letter and updated medical reports
• India offers 60-80% cost savings compared to OECD countries across major procedures, with over 4,650 NABH-accredited hospitals nationwide

For assistance with medical visa applications, hospital selection, or navigating India's healthcare system as an international patient, our tax and advisory services team can connect you with the right resources and guide you through the process.