medical tourism india rank

DESTINATION

Brief Introduction to the Country and its Reputation in Medical Tourism

India has long been a captivating destination, not just for its cultural richness and historical grandeur, but increasingly for its advancements in healthcare. Recognized as one of the premier medical tourism destinations, India welcomes hundreds of thousands of medical tourists each year. The combination of cutting-edge technology, highly qualified healthcare professionals, and affordable treatments has solidified India's reputation as a medical tourism powerhouse. From elective procedures to critical surgeries, the country provides an expansive range of high-quality medical services to international patients.

Historical and Cultural Significance in Medicine

The roots of Indian medical practices can be traced back to its ancient systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Siddha, which are still prevalent and integrated into modern medicine. The country's historical commitment to medical research and surgery is exemplified by figures like Susruta, an ancient Indian physician often dubbed the "Father of Surgery." Modern Indian healthcare draws from this rich history, amalgamating traditional practices with contemporary medical science.

An International Hub for Medical Excellence

Indian hospitals and healthcare providers are increasingly being accredited by international organizations, underscoring their commitment to quality and excellence. The growth of private hospitals catering specifically to international patients is another feather in India’s medical cap.

Cutting-Edge Innovation and Technology

From robotic surgeries to pioneering techniques in cardiology and oncology, Indian healthcare providers are at the forefront of medical innovation. State-of-the-art facilities and medical equipment are now standard in many Indian hospitals, making the country an attractive option for those seeking advanced medical treatments not available or affordable in their home countries.

Popular Medical Procedures

List and brief descriptions of procedures.

India is especially known for offering quality treatments in the following areas:

• Cardiology (including heart transplants)
• Orthopedic surgeries (like knee and hip replacements)
• Cosmetic surgery
• Dental care
• Oncology (cancer treatments)
• Ophthalmology

Specializations or Pioneering Treatments

India has gained recognition for specialized treatments like Ayurvedic Therapies, stem cell therapy, and minimally invasive surgeries. Hospitals are also engaging in groundbreaking research and offering cutting-edge treatments in neurosurgery and cardiovascular care.

Top Hospitals & Clinics

Renowned hospitals.

• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare
• Max Healthcare
• Medanta - The Medicity

Accreditation and Affiliation Details

Most top-tier hospitals are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and many have Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.

Special Features, Awards, or Recognitions

Many Indian hospitals have won national and international awards for excellence in healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Cost Comparison

Comparative data.

On average, the cost of medical procedures in India is about 60-90% lower than in the United States, without compromising on quality. For example, a heart bypass surgery that costs upwards of $100,000 in the U.S. could cost as low as $5,000 in India.

Price Ranges

The following are approximate price ranges for some popular treatments:

• Knee Replacement: $4,000 - $9,000
• Hip Replacement: $5,000 - $10,000
• Heart Bypass: $5,000 - $8,000

Quality & Safety

Medical standards and practices.

India upholds high standards in medical practices, often on par with Western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. The country has a rigorous medical education system that produces a large number of highly qualified doctors and nurses each year.

Accreditation Systems and Regulatory Bodies

Apart from international accreditations like JCI, Indian hospitals often seek accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), a constituent board of Quality Council of India. This ensures that the hospitals meet stringent guidelines in terms of quality and patient safety.

Quality Checks and Patient Safety Protocols

Hospitals and clinics in India are equipped with the latest technology to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Patient safety protocols are strictly followed, and quality checks are performed regularly to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

Patient Rights

Patients in India have the right to confidentiality, informed consent, and access to their medical records. Hospitals have dedicated International Patient Services departments that assist foreign patients in navigating healthcare in India.

Medical Visa Information

Guidelines and requirements.

International patients can apply for a Medical Visa, usually designated as ‘Med Visa’, which is specifically intended for medical treatments in India.

Duration, Documentation, and Application Process

A Medical Visa usually has a duration of up to one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less. Required documents often include a letter from a local doctor, a letter from the Indian hospital agreeing to treat you, and proof of financial stability. Online applications are generally processed within a week.

Travel-related Advisories or Restrictions

It is advisable to consult your home country’s embassy or consulate for any travel advisories or restrictions related to India, especially due to the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cultural Considerations

Local customs and etiquette.

While the hospital staff is usually well-versed in international etiquette, understanding local customs like greetings and modest dress codes can enhance your stay.

Language Barriers

English is widely spoken in Indian medical facilities. However, translators for other languages can usually be arranged by the hospital.

Dietary Considerations

Indian cuisine is diverse and can be spicy. Most hospitals offer international cuisine to cater to the dietary needs of foreign patients.

Travel & Accommodation

Popular and recommended areas to stay.

Areas near major hospitals in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai offer a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury suites.

Proximity to Medical Facilities

Staying close to the hospital is advisable for convenience, and many hospitals offer in-house accommodation options for international patients.

Transportation Facilities

Public transport in major Indian cities is generally good, with options ranging from taxis to metro services. Private car hire services are also readily available.

Post-procedure Relaxation and Recuperation Spots

India offers a plethora of tourist attractions, from serene beaches in Goa to the peaceful Himalayan regions, ideal for post-procedure relaxation.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Legal rights of patients.

Patients have the right to legal recourse in case of medical negligence or malpractice, although the legal process can be lengthy.

Medical Malpractice Laws

India has a set of laws dealing with medical malpractice and negligence, aimed at protecting the patient's rights.

Ethical Considerations

Issues like organ transplants are strictly regulated, and only relatives can donate organs, with some exceptions.

Benefits & Risks

The major benefits of choosing India for medical treatment include cost-effectiveness, high quality of healthcare, and the availability of specialized treatments.

Risks or Concerns

Potential risks include varying standards among healthcare providers and long waiting times for certain treatments, though these are not common at leading hospitals.

Post-procedure Care

Post-operative care.

Indian medical institutions offer comprehensive post-operative care, including physical rehabilitation services.

Availability and Quality of Rehabilitation Centers

Several top-notch rehabilitation centers are available for procedures requiring long-term care, such as joint replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is it safe to have surgery in India? Yes, if you choose accredited hospitals, patient safety and quality are generally excellent.
• Do doctors in India speak English? In most top-tier hospitals, doctors are fluent in English.
• What is the cost comparison? Medical treatments in India can cost 60-90% less than in Western countries.
• What about aftercare? Comprehensive aftercare and rehabilitation services are available.

Global Provider Members

Hindi and English

Indian Rupee

1,370,825,550

India is typically very hot, with the hottest and driest months lying between March and June. The average temperature during this time is usually 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the western part of India, the average temperature can be much higher. The coolest months are between December and February, with the average daily temperature fluctuating between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius). The rainy (monsoon) season lasts from March until June. Because the boundaries of India span a large land area, it does not fit into only one climate zone.

Facilitators

New Delhi, India

Haryana, India

Karnataka, India

Mumbai, India

Maharashtra, India

Delhi, India

Uttar Pradesh, India

Telengana, India

Tamilnadu, India

Punjab, India

Maharastra, India

Kerala, India

Gujarat, India

Tamil Nadu, India

Dehli, India

Featured Treatments

MedicalTourism.com

MedicalTourism.com is a free, confidential, independent resource for patients and industry providers. Our mission is to provide a central portal where patients, medical tourism providers, hospitals, clinics, employers, and insurance companies can all find the information they need. Our site focuses on patients looking for specific knowledge in the fields of medical tourism, dental tourism, and health tourism.

Get doctor listing on ClinicSpots.

Gynecologist

Cardiologist

Get answers for your health queries from top Doctors for FREE!

100% Privacy Protection

We maintain your privacy and data confidentiality.

Verified Doctors

All Doctors go through a stringent verification process.

Quick Response

Reduce Clinic Visits

Save your time and money from the hassle of visits.

Medical Tourism in India Statistics 2024

Discover the allure of healthcare journeys with our engaging insights – Medical Tourism in India Statistics unpacked for your informed decisions and transformative experiences.

• Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery
• Hair Transplant Procedure

India is a popular destination for medical tourism, attracting around 2 million patients annually from 78 countries. These patients come for various treatments, including medical and wellness, fertility treatment , aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries , etc. This industry was valued at USD 7.69 billion in 2024 and is set to reach USD 14.31 billion by 2029, with a robust CAGR of 13.23% . 

Despite pandemic setbacks, the industry is rebounding, anticipating a 20% growth rate from 2023 to 2027.

The diverse range of sought-after procedures includes cardiac surgery , orthopedics, cosmetic surgery, and dental care. India is preferred for cost-effective, high-quality medical treatments, reinforcing its global prominence in medical tourism.

Did You Know? India ranks 10th out of 46 countries in the prestigious Medical Tourism Index 2020-21.

Is medical tourism legal in India?

Yes, Medical Tourism is completely legal in India. The governance of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board, the Quality Council of India, and the Ministry of AYUSH ensure that NABH and healthcare providers function efficiently in the patient's interest to increase the nation's credibility in the healthcare sector.

Why is India famous for medical tourism?

India's medical tourism industry has seen a major boom in recent years, and for good reason! Here are some of the key factors that make India a global leader in medical tourism:

1. Budget-Friendly Care: India's Medical treatment is significantly more affordable than developed nations. This affordability stems from lower labor costs and government subsidies. Imagine, a heart bypass costing $100,000 in the US would only set you back about $15,000 in India!

2. Top-Tier Expertise: India boasts a vast pool of skilled and experienced doctors and surgeons, many of whom were trained in the West. Their expertise and well-equipped JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals ensure world-class treatment and technology.

3. Language Ease: English is widely spoken in India, eliminating communication barriers and ensuring smooth interaction with medical professionals. There is no need for translators!

4. Traditional Touch: India's rich heritage of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda and yoga, attracts tourists seeking a holistic approach to healthcare. These ancient practices complement modern treatments for a comprehensive wellness experience.

5. Tourist Delights: Beyond healthcare, India's vibrant culture, historical marvels like the Taj Mahal, and picturesque Goan beaches entice medical tourists to combine treatment with leisure.

6. Government Backing: Recognizing the industry's potential, the Indian government actively promotes medical tourism. They've facilitated entry by introducing medical visas and streamlining visa applications.

7. Evolving Trends: India's dynamic medical tourism scene constantly evolves. Wellness tourism, which focuses on preventive care and holistic well-being, and the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery are some exciting trends.

Wondering how cost-effective medical tourism in India truly is? Let's break it down.

How cost-effective is medical tourism in India?

India's medical tourism scene boasts an undeniable advantage: remarkable cost-effectiveness . Compared to developed nations like the US and Europe, you can often save a staggering 60-80% on procedures. This affordability, driven by various factors, lures medical tourists seeking high-quality care without breaking the bank.

• Heart bypass surgery: In the US, you'll pay upwards of $100,000, while in India, it could be just $15,000 ( a 75% savings )!
• Orthopedic surgery: A knee replacement , which exceeds $30,000 in the US, can be found for around $7,000 in India (a 76% cost reduction ).
• Cosmetic surgery: Rhinoplasty costs $3,000 in India, whereas in the US, it can be obtained for roughly $10,000 ( a 70% savings ).
• Dental care: Even routine procedures like dental implants , which cost $4,000 in the US, can be done for $1,000 in India (a 75% saving ).

Why such low prices? Because,

• Lower labor costs: Indian medical professionals generally have lower salaries, translating to reduced treatment costs.
• Government subsidies: The Indian government actively supports medical tourism by providing subsidies to hospitals and clinics, further lowering treatment costs.
• Competition: A thriving medical tourism industry fosters healthy competition among healthcare providers, driving down patient prices.

But wait, does affordability compromise quality? Absolutely Not!

• Skilled professionals: India boasts a large pool of highly qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons, many of whom were trained in Western institutions.
• Advanced technology: JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals in India employ cutting-edge medical technology and equipment, ensuring world-class treatment.
• Strict regulations: Stringent regulations and accreditations ensure adherence to international quality and safety standards. 

Treatments preferred for medical tourism in India

The government of India has set up facilitation centers for international tourists. All the metro cities have been selected due to their:

• International connectivity
• ease of intercity commutation
• state-of-the-art infrastructure hospitals
• renowned and established doctors
• compassionate caregivers
• food for all ethnicities
• and affordable accommodation for pre and post-operative stay till you heal.

COVID-19 was a wake-up call for the country's failing infrastructure in tier II and tier III cities and rural development.

The government of India was quick to act on this shortfall and made special provisions for loans to build healthcare infrastructure in these cities.

Loans to the Hospitals and Hospitality Sector 

India recognizes the immense potential of medical tourism and actively champions its expansion through various initiatives. A key part of this plan involves providing loans to hospitals and the hospitality sector. This financial support helps boost infrastructure, expand services, and meet the needs of more medical tourists.

Key Loan Schemes:

• TFCIL Term Loans: Offered by the Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd., these loans support the establishment, expansion, or modernization of hospitals, resorts, and various hospitality establishments.
• Developing Medical Tourism Hubs: The government is investing a huge $14.8 billion to improve hospitals and support the tourism industry. The goal is to create outstanding medical tourism hubs in India with the latest technology and skilled professionals.
• Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme: The Ministry of Tourism's updated MDA scheme provides financial help to medical tourism service providers. This support helps with marketing and promotions, making it easier to attract international patients to India.

Benefits of these Loan Schemes:

• Enhanced Facilities: Upgraded hospitals and hospitality establishments elevate the medical tourism experience, attracting more patients.
• Increased Capacity: Loans enable expanding healthcare services and accommodation options, catering to the rising demand from medical tourists.
• Job Creation: The medical tourism sector's growth leads to job creation in healthcare and hospitality, boosting the economy.
• Global Competitiveness: The government provides financial support to help Indian hospitals and hospitality providers compete with international destinations.

Looking for the best medical tourism company in India? Well, look no further. Let me introduce you to a standout option that consistently delivers exceptional services.

Which is the Best Medical Tourism Company in India?

India has many medical tourism companies operating 24*7 to provide services to medical tourists. Some of the best medical tourism companies are listed below for your reference.

• Vaidam, Gurgaon, India
• Clinicspots, Mumbai, India
• We Care Health Services, Mumbai, India
• ARINAA Medical Tourism, Chennai, India
• Mediniq, Bangalore, India.
• Alphine Life Solutions, Mumbai, India
• MediConnect India, New Delhi, India
• TransEarth Medical Tourism, Mumbai, India
• Health Opinion, Tamilnadu, India
• ANAVARA, Chennai, India

Technological Advancement in Medical Tourism in India

• AI analyzes medical data for accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
• Robotic surgery with AI ensures precision, minimal scarring, and faster recovery.
• Administrative tasks like scheduling and billing are streamlined with AI automation.
• Virtual consultations offer remote access to doctors, making healthcare more accessible.
• Wearable devices enable remote monitoring, ensuring proactive interventions.
• Post-operative telemedicine ensures continuous care and support for patients.
• AR/VR revolutionizes medical education with realistic simulations for professionals.
• AR/VR educates patients about medical conditions and treatment options interactively.
• VR experiences assist in pain management and anxiety reduction during procedures.
• Blockchain ensures secure storage and sharing of patient medical data.
• Smart contracts automate insurance claims, enhancing efficiency and security.
• Patients have secure access to complete medical records, empowering effective health management.
• Digital tools enable targeted advertising and content marketing for healthcare providers.
• Patient portals and apps facilitate appointment booking and direct communication with doctors.
• Virtual tours and online reviews build trust and attract international patients.

Future of Medical Tourism in India

The future of medical tourism in India shines bright, brimming with exciting possibilities and fueled by continuous growth and adaptation. Here's a glimpse into what lies ahead for this thriving industry:

Exponential Growth:

• The Medical Tourism Index 2023-24 highlights India's prominent position, projecting a remarkable revenue surge in the healthcare sector, expected to reach Rs 2,670.37 Billion by 2027 , with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 34.92 percent from 2023 to 2027.
• The market is expected to reach a staggering USD 26.7 billion by 2032 , a testament to its sustained momentum. 
• Growth is projected to be driven by factors like rising healthcare costs in developed nations, increased awareness of medical tourism opportunities, and continuous improvement in India's healthcare infrastructure.

Specialization Takes Center Stage:

• Hospitals and clinics will increasingly specialize in niche treatment areas for specific patient segments. This specialization will attract patients seeking cutting-edge expertise and superior care for complex conditions.
• Areas like oncology, organ transplants, and personalized medicine will likely grow significantly within the specialized medical tourism landscape.

Overall, the future of medical tourism in India is marked by growth, driven by specialization, technology, holistic health, and government backing. Embracing innovation and sustainability and prioritizing patient well-being positions India as a global leader, offering accessible, high-quality healthcare experiences worldwide.

Related Blogs

10 Best Hospitals in Istanbul - Updated 2023

Looking for the best hospital in Istanbul? Here is a compact list for you of the 10 Best Hospitals in Istanbul.

Plastic Surgery in Turkey: Enhancing Beauty with Expertise

Enhance your beauty with plastic surgery in Turkey. Explore skilled surgeons, cutting-edge facilities, and affordable options for achieving your desired aesthetic goals.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty Cost in India

Affordable non-surgical rhinoplasty costs in India. Explore budget-friendly options for your desired transformation. Learn more today!

Tummy Tuck Turkey (Know price, clinic & packages 2023)

This article will tender insights pertaining to tummy tuck in turkey, as to what are the associated costs, packages, and clinics. Keep reading to be aware of the latest trends!

Liposuction Turkey (Compare costs & clinics 2023)

This article offers deep insights on liposuction turkey and associated options.

Gynecomastia Surgery in Turkey: Expert Solutions

Experience transformative gynecomastia surgery in Turkey. Discover skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities for natural-looking results and renewed confidence. Turkey, on this page.

BBL Surgery Turkey (Gist of cost & clinics )

Experience the allure of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Turkey. Discover skilled surgeons, modern facilities, and personalized care for achieving your desired curves and confidence.

Breast Reduction Turkey: Compare Costs, Packages, Clinics

Transform your silhouette with breast reduction in Turkey. Skilled surgeons, and advanced facilities ensure natural, proportional results. Reclaim comfort and confidence.

Question and Answers

Hello how much would a labiaplasty cost if I only want one labia cut, only one side and how long would it take

Female | 20

Answered on 9th June '24

Dr. Jagadish Appaka

Cost of implants old ones removed need new ones 300cc

Female | 52

My question is how many cost of plastic surgery

Female | 18

I am 20 year old female I want to reduce my breast size. How can I reduce my breast size please help me and suggest some pills

To reduce breast size, you can consider natural methods like regular exercise and a healthy diet. There are no safe pills for breast reduction. It's best to consult a plastic surgeon who can guide you on options like breast reduction surgery. Please visit a specialist to discuss the best solution for you.

Answered on 3rd June '24

Dr. Vinod Vij

I just started taking prevention pills (mordette pills) and I want to start taking slimz cut (weight loss pills) would it be okay

Whenever you are mixing two different types of pills, you should be cautious. Mordette should be taken for protection and Slimz Cut for shedding off some extra pounds. It can be dangerous to use them together. There might be side effects due to the unknown interactions when pills are mixed without knowledge. It is recommended that you talk to a healthcare provider before taking any new drug.

Answered on 31st May '24

Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery Hospitals In Other Cities

Top related speciality doctors in other cities, cost of related treatments in country.

Subscribe Now! Get features like

• Latest News

• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Narendra Modi LIVE
• Crickit Predictor
• World Cup Schedule 2024
• World Cup Most Wickets
• The Interview
• World Cup Points Table
• Web Stories
• Virat Kohli
• Mumbai News
• Bengaluru News
• Daily Digest
• Election Schedule 2024

Medical Tourism in India: Top destinations, scenarios and all you need to know

India in recent years has emerged as a major hub for medical tourism and is now considered among the top 6 medical value travel destinations in the world. here is all you need to know about it..

Medical Tourism , or Medical Value Travel, refers to the industry where international patients travel across the border for medical, cosmetic, or wellness treatments. India in recent years has emerged as a major hub for medical tourism and is now considered among the top 6 medical value travel destinations in the world. Its rapidly growing medical tourism industry has put Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kochi on the globe for millions of people across Asia and Africa, who turn to these cities for all their surgical needs. Our unrivalled knowledge , top-notch doctors, extensive experience, and premier hospitals enable us to dominate the Indian medical tourism market. The patient can receive affordable treatment packages in India. (Also read: Kerala Tourism focuses on ‘responsible tourism’ to increase the livelihood of locals )

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Danish Ahmed, Founder, Healthtrip.com, shared important insights regarding medical tourism in India.

Medical tourism scenario in India:

Medical Tourism in India, in mid-2020, was estimated to be worth around USD 9 billion which makes India stand at Number 10 in the Global Medical Tourism Index. Approximately 2 million patients visit India each year from 78 countries for medical, wellness and IVF treatments, generating $6 billion for the industry which is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026 backed by the government’s Heal in India initiative. This not only generates jobs, profits and forex for hospitals but also creates very valuable soft power for India, positioning it as the Healing Center of the world. It also creates demand for high-end equipment, which results in continuous upgradation of Indian healthcare, resulting in a spiral of demand generating quality, generating more demand.

Why do they choose India:

India’s key advantage is the price at which it can deliver the world-class quality of healthcare, along with complementing treatments in Ayurveda, which gives it the unique positioning of Holistic Healthcare. Aptly called, Heal in India, the expected initiatives from the government will ease visa and forex norms for these patients, unlocking the tremendous potential of medical tourism in the country. India is known to be the land of natural medicines to the world. India and Ayurveda have a history that longs back in time.

Where are most medical tourists from:

Most of the tourists are from Asian or African countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Indonesia and Kenya, among others.

Top 5 medical tourism destinations in India:

Chennai: One of the most well-liked locations in India for receiving medical care. According to research by the Confederation of Indian Industries, almost 40% of patients choose Chennai because of the city's high standard of care. Chennai, the "health capital of India," sees foreign patients annually for hip replacements, eye surgeries, cardiac bypasses, bone marrow transplants, and alternative medical procedures.

Mumbai: It is the city with India's fastest expanding medical tourism industry, and is home to a number of super speciality hospitals as well as a Research and Diagnostic Center for orthopaedic and weight reduction procedures. Mumbai is also well-known for its Ayurvedic therapies and cosmetic surgery.

New Delhi: Numerous outstanding private hospitals, including ones that offer packages for general surgery, eye surgery, heart care, and neurosurgery to foreign patients, can be found in the nation's capital.

Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad is another Indian city that is gradually rising to prominence as a centre for medical tourism. Many non-residents prefer seeking treatment in Ahmedabad because of its hospitals with top-notch amenities.

Bangalore: Due to the vast quantity of top-notch medical facilities and specialists among its medical professionals. These are Bangalore medical tourism's main attractions. There are also doctors in Bangalore who have had advanced training in the west with almost little wait time and quick access to medical care for visitors seeking treatment.

Follow more stories on Facebook & Twitter

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like.

• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Weather Today
• HT Newsletters
• Subscription
• Print Ad Rates
• Code of Ethics

• Live Cricket Score
• India Squad
• T20 World Cup Schedule
• Cricket Teams
• Cricket Players
• ICC Rankings
• Cricket Schedule
• Points Table
• T20 World Cup Australia Squad
• Pakistan Squad
• T20 World Cup England Squad
• India T20 World Cup Squad Live
• T20 World Cup Most Wickets
• T20 World Cup New Zealand Squad
• Other Cities
• Income Tax Calculator
• Budget 2024
• Petrol Prices
• Diesel Prices
• Silver Rate
• Relationships
• Art and Culture
• Taylor Swift: A Primer
• Telugu Cinema
• Tamil Cinema
• Board Exams
• Exam Results
• Competitive Exams
• BBA Colleges
• Engineering Colleges
• Medical Colleges
• BCA Colleges
• Medical Exams
• Engineering Exams
• Horoscope 2024
• Festive Calendar 2024
• Compatibility Calculator
• The Economist Articles
• Lok Sabha States
• Lok Sabha Parties
• Lok Sabha Candidates
• Explainer Video
• On The Record
• Vikram Chandra Daily Wrap
• EPL 2023-24
• ISL 2023-24
• Asian Games 2023
• Public Health
• Economic Policy
• International Affairs
• Climate Change
• Gender Equality
• future tech
• Daily Sudoku
• Daily Crossword
• Daily Word Jumble
• HT Friday Finance
• Explore Hindustan Times
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Subscription - Terms of Use

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use the Site in standard view. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To use standard view, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options.

• Screen Reader Access
• PIB Delhi PIB Mumbai PIB Hyderabad PIB Chennai PIB Chandigarh PIB Kolkata PIB Bengaluru PIB Bhubaneswar PIB Ahmedabad PIB Guwahati PIB Thiruvananthpuram PIB Imphal PIB Aizawl PIB Agartala PIB Gangtok PIB Kohima PIB Shillong PIB Itanagar PIB Lucknow PIB Bhopal PIB Jaipur PIB Patna PIB Ranchi PIB Shimla PIB Raipur
• English Hindi Urdu

Press Information Bureau

Government of india.

Update on improving Medical Tourism in the country

India ranks 10th in medical tourism index (mti) for 2020-2021 out of 46 destinations of the world foreign tourists arrival on medical purpose increases from 1.83 lakh in 2020 to 3.04 lakh in 2021.

India has been ranked 10 th in Medical Tourism Index (MTI) for 2020-2021 out of 46 destinations of the world by Medical Tourism Association. As per information provided by Ministry of Tourism, foreign tourist arriving in India for medical purpose are as below:

With an aim to improve medical tourism in country, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism in 2022. The strategy has identified following key pillars for the development of medical value travel in the country:

• Develop a brand for India as a wellness destination
• Strengthen the ecosystem for medical and wellness tourism
• Enable digitalization by setting up Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal
• Enhancement of accessibility for Medical Value Travel
• Promoting Wellness Tourism
• Governance and Institutional Framework

Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is coordinating with other Ministries viz Ministry of Home Affairs, Tourism, AYUSH, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, State Governments and other stakeholders to promote Medical Value Travel (MVT) in the country. An institutional approach in coordination with other Ministries like Ministry of Tourism, AYUSH, Home Affairs, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, State Governments and other relevant stakeholders is adopted for promotion of medical value travel. Several rounds of stakeholder consultations have been conducted with line Ministries, Hospitals, MVT facilitators, Insurance Companies and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) to identify the challenges and opportunities in the sector.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

HFW/ Update on improving medical tourism in the country /2h1 March 2023/4

Prakhar Tyagi

Exploring the Medical Tourism Index 2023-24: India’s Prominence and Global Insights

In an era of globalization, the healthcare industry is no exception to the phenomenon of cross-border exchange. Medical tourism has gained immense popularity, and the Medical Tourism Index 2023-24 sheds light on the leading players in this industry. This article delves into the reasons behind India’s popularity and its ranking within the top 10 Medical Tourism Index. Additionally, we’ll explore the global medical tourism market, the benefits, challenges, and factors affecting this sector, and India’s role within it.

Why India is Popular and Its Ranking in the Top 10 Medical Tourism Index

India , often referred to as the “Land of Ayurveda,” has emerged as a prominent destination for medical tourism. Its high-quality healthcare services, state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, and cost-effective treatments are attracting patients from across the globe. As of the Medical Tourism Index 2023-24 , India consistently secures a spot in the top 10, a testament to the nation’s dedication to the medical tourism industry.

Medical Tourism Global Market Report 2023

The global medical tourism market is on an upward trajectory, with a projected revenue of multibillion USD by 2030 . Factors such as increasing healthcare costs in developed countries, improved transportation, and ease of communication have fueled this industry’s growth.

Which Country Has the Highest Medical Tourism?

Among the countries leading the medical tourism industry, Thailand , Mexico , and Turkey often stand out, offering a wide array of treatments and specialized care.

Which Countries Are Gaining from Medical Tourism?

Several countries are gaining significantly from medical tourism, including Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore . They have created a niche for themselves by offering world-class healthcare services.

Benefits of Medical Tourism to a Country

Medical tourism is not only beneficial to patients but also to the host country. It promotes economic growth by boosting the healthcare sector and related industries, such as hospitality and tourism. It also enhances the exchange of knowledge and technology , ultimately improving the healthcare system within the country.

Economic Impact of Medical Tourism

The economic impact of medical tourism is substantial. It contributes to foreign exchange earnings , generates employment opportunities, and encourages investments in healthcare infrastructure.

Side Effects of Medical Tourism

While medical tourism has its advantages, it’s not without its downsides. Quality control and legal issues , as well as the potential strain on local resources, are areas of concern. Patients must also consider post-operative care and potential complications related to long-distance travel.

Factors Affecting Medical Tourism

Several factors influence a patient’s decision to seek medical treatment abroad, including cost, quality of care, language barriers, and legal aspects . Understanding these factors is crucial for countries looking to attract medical tourists.

Challenges of Medical Tourism in India

India, despite its success in the medical tourism industry, faces several challenges, including regulatory issues, infrastructure limitations, and the need for standardization in healthcare services.

Efforts to Promote Medical Tourism in India

To further promote medical tourism in India, the government and private sector need to invest in marketing, infrastructure, and regulatory reforms . Streamlined visa processes, quality assurance, and international collaborations can enhance India’s position in the global market.

Major Markets of Medical Tourism in India

Major medical tourism markets in India include cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore . These cities offer a concentration of top-tier healthcare facilities and tourism opportunities.

Medical Tourism Market Expected to Reach by 2026 in India

As per current trends, the medical tourism market in India is expected to reach a valuation of billions of USD by 2026 . Continued investments and improvements in healthcare services will be pivotal in achieving this goal.

Medical tourism is a burgeoning industry with significant global potential. India’s prominent role in this sector is a testament to its exceptional healthcare services and cost-effective treatments. The Medical Tourism Index 2023-24 provides valuable insights into the industry’s growth, and it is essential for countries to address challenges, improve infrastructure, and prioritize regulatory reforms to capitalize on the immense opportunities offered by medical tourism. As the industry continues to expand, its impact on the global healthcare landscape is sure to be profound.

Popular Posts

A Guide – How To Start Medical Tourism Business in India

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry, with India emerging as a preferred destination for individuals seeking high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. If you are considering venturing into the dynamic world of medical tourism in India, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to establish…

The Power of Free Cash Flow : A Key Metric for Financial Health

In the intricate world of finance, businesses rely on various metrics to gauge their financial health and make informed decisions. One such crucial metric that plays a pivotal role in assessing a company’s financial strength is Free Cash Flow (FCF). Free Cash Flow is more than just a number on a financial statement; it serves…

Head Down Execute: A Deep Dive into the Concept

In the fast-paced world of technology and business, staying ahead often requires adopting new methodologies and approaches. One such concept that has gained traction in recent times is “Head Down Execute.” This phrase encapsulates a mindset and a set of practices that are becoming increasingly relevant in various fields. In this blog post, we will…

• Digital Marketing (5)
• Healthcare Marketing (19)
• Startup (4)
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• January 2023

Active Listening (2) AI-generated text (1) AI detection (1) Artificial intelligence (3) Brand Awareness (2) Communication Skills (2) Communication Strategies (2) Competition (2) content marketing (5) Data-driven marketing (2) Data Analysis (2) Digital Marketing (8) Effective Communication (2) email marketing (2) Healthcare advertising (3) healthcare branding (4) healthcare business strategies (2) Healthcare Industry (6) Healthcare innovation (3) healthcare marketing (8) Healthcare Marketing Strategies (3) Healthcare Professional Marketing (1) Healthcare technology (2) identifying AI text (1) India Healthcare (2) international healthcare (2) International Patient Care (2) Marketing Strategies (3) Marketing Strategy (2) medical tourism (3) medical travel (2) Online Presence (2) Online Presence in Healthcare (1) patient acquisition (2) Patient Engagement (6) Patient experience (4) Presentation Skills (2) Return on Investment (ROI) (3) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) (3) social media marketing (4) Target Audience (3) Targeted Healthcare Audience (1) Time Management (2) Trust Building. (2) Video marketing (2)

Tuesday | Jun 11 2024 |

Charting The Future: India's Medical Tourism Sector Set For Explosive Growth

In an era defined by globalisation, India has emerged as a frontrunner in the booming medical tourism industry. The Medical Tourism Index 2023-24 highlights India's prominent position, projecting a remarkable revenue surge in the healthcare sector, expected to reach Rs 2,670.37 Bn by 2027, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 34.92 per cent from 2023 to 2027. Indian medical tourism accounts for about 6.5 per cent of the global tourism market. According to Global Data, the current market size of the Medical Tourism Industry is around USD 31.91 Billion.

NITI Ayog estimates Indian Economy could earn an additional USD 9 Billion by 2026 from Medical Value Travel (MVT) and Wellness tourism.

India's Unique Healthcare Landscape:

According to FICCI, the MVT Industry in 2021 was estimated to have a market size of Rs.3.9L crores of around USD 49.6 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 29.3 per cent to reach a market size of 15L crores of around  USD 192.9 billion by 2026.

India offers over 200 types of medical services and has over 40 Healthcare facilities accredited by Joint Commission International(JCI) and 1400 National Accreditation Board For Hospitals and Healthcare Providers(NABH) accredited Hospitals.

Ranked 10th globally, 12th in wellness tourism markets, and 5th in Asia-Pacific, India's healthcare industry seamlessly integrates modern medical practices with traditional systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga. The availability of top-notch healthcare infrastructure, a pool of well-trained medical experts, and cost-effective treatment alternatives make India an appealing destination for those seeking high-quality healthcare services, say industry experts.

Anas Abdul Wajid, Senior Director and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Max Healthcare, emphasises, "India has become a popular choice for medical value travel in recent times, In the first year after Covid the business recovered completely and grew by 10 per cent compared to the pre-Covid levels " 

Medical Treatments That Garner Maximum Footfall

Medical procedures like heart surgery, knee transplant, cosmetic surgery and dental care attract maximum footfall in the case of medical tourism as the cost of treatment in India is considered to be the lowest in Asia, much lower than Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong, FICCI’s official data claims. 

As per the 2023 findings from HFS Research and MediConnect India, the cost of dental implants in India stands at USD 1000, a notable contrast to the United States where it is USD 2800 and Thailand where it is USD 3636. Additionally, the expense for knee transplants in India is USD 6200, significantly lower than the US at USD 50000 and Thailand at USD 12297. Similarly, for angioplasty, the cost in India is USD 3300, substantially less than the US (USD 57000) and Thailand (USD 3788).

Leading Players and Specialised Services:

Catering to diverse medical needs major players in the Indian healthcare landscape, including Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare and Manipal, attract medical tourists for specialised treatments like transplants, cardiac surgeries, oncology, orthopaedics, and neurosciences. 

Dr Harinder Singh Sidhu, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Head of international Business at Apollo Hospitals, emphasises the cornerstone of their services, stating, "Orthopaedic procedures are another cornerstone of our services, drawing medical tourists with the promise of top-tier care and cost-effectiveness." Apollo Hospitals alone conducts around 30 per cent of its 23,000 transplants for international patients from over 50 countries, he added.

" Global patients choose Manipal Hospitals for cutting-edge medical procedures, including oncology services such as bone marrow transplants, advanced radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and state-of-the-art robotic surgery. Additionally, the hospital is renowned for its expertise in cardiology and spine surgery.,” remarked Vikas Tayer, Head, of International Healthcare Services at Manipal Health Enterprises.

Another industry expert Wajid opines,”The top specialities at our hospital that attract the most medical tourists are Transplants (Liver, Bone Marrow, and Kidney), Cardiac Surgeries (including Paediatric Cardiac Surgeries), Oncology and Orthopaedics and Neuro-Sciences.”

Challenges and Opportunities on the Horizon: 

While navigating the future of medical tourism challenges such as visa issues persist, India anticipates tremendous opportunities in the medical tourism industry. The nation's reputation as the "Hospital capital of the world" is growing due to cost-effective healthcare and minimal waiting times for treatment. The government’s forthcoming initiatives, including Heal in India,  will further propel the growth of medical tourism, industry elites say.

Anil Vinayak, GCOO at Fortis Healthcare, highlights the challenges, stating, "Visas from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc., are not issued. Political unrest in many countries (Sudan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Yemen, etc.) is a major concern and impacts Medical Value Travel (MVT) adversely." However, amidst challenges, there are significant growth opportunities as well, Vinayak added.

Projections and Revenue Growth:

A lucrative future awaits the medical tourism industry. The revenue from medical tourism in India has steadily increased, reaching USD 7.4 billion in 2022, with projections indicating a staggering USD 43.5 billion by 2032, industry experts claim.

Industry experts, including Tayer, highlight robust growth in international business, reflecting a demand for high-quality medical services in India. Another Industry expert Wajid, opines, "In the first year after Covid, the business recovered completely and grew by 10 per cent compared to the pre-Covid levels. This year, International business is growing more than 27 per cent over last year." 

“As per Apollo Group, international medical travel revenue has increased by 18 per cent in FY FY23-24 compared to last financial year,” says Sidhu.

While Vinayak said,” Fortis has a consistent increase in revenues from medical travel. International patient revenues stood at INR 126.7 Crores, a growth of 15.6 per cent over Q2FY23 and 10.6 per cent over Q1FY24. International patient revenue contribution increased to 8.3 per cent of hospital revenues versus 8.0 in Q2FY23 and Q1FY24. Post-covid revenues have witnessed an average increase of 15 per cent from pre-covid days.”

Industry experts highlight that The Indian government has prioritised three key areas to boost medical tourism, targeting a threefold increase in revenue to USD13 billion within four years. These priorities involve creating a distinctive brand for India as a wellness destination, enhancing medical and wellness tourism infrastructure, and establishing an Online Medical Tourism Portal. 

To overcome challenges like awareness and infrastructure, the government collaborates with ministries, private sectors, and healthcare stakeholders. Initiatives such as the Heal in India campaign and Marketing Development Assistance Scheme contribute to this. By easing medical visa norms and investing in infrastructure in key cities, the government fosters collaboration with the private sector. 

Rajeev Taneja, Founder and CEO of Global Care remarked, “The One Earth - One Health initiative and the 6th International Summit on Medical Value Travel underscored the commitment to sustainable medical tourism. The goal is to position India globally, with the government aiming for USD 53.51 billion in the sector by 2028.” This growth is fostered through collaborations between the public and private sectors, allowing for 100 per cent foreign direct investment in medical infrastructure and offering fiscal incentives, he added.

Efforts include creating a comprehensive digital portal for streamlined patient journeys and promoting India as a destination for medical value travel and wellness tourism. The government envisions India as a sustainable and responsible medical and wellness tourism destination and aims to create a robust framework through dedicated agencies, governance structures, and institutional frameworks. Partnerships with source markets are also considered for effective medical care arrangements, suggests experts.

Looking Ahead, navigating challenges and embracing opportunities as India's medical tourism industry charts its course for the next five years, challenges like visa issues, global competition, and geopolitical disturbances loom. However, opportunities abound, and India can leverage its dynamic market by identifying emerging regions with healthcare needs, embracing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and enhancing accessibility through improved connectivity. 

Stay in the know with our newsletter

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe our newsletter to get upto date with our news

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Medical Tourism in India

Last updated on January 14, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Medical tourism is described as any activity that involves a foreign visitor traveling and spending at least one night at the destination to rejuvenate, restore, or maintain health through medical intervention. Since the last decade of the 20th century, India has emerged as a global leader in the medical tourism sector. Read here to learn about the growth of medical tourism in India.

Over the past decade, India has gained a reputation for providing high-quality medical service at low costs to medical tourists traveling from across the globe.

However, with the travel bans during the covid-19 pandemic , the influx of medical tourists had dipped. According to the Tourism Ministry, India registered a negative growth of 79.4% in 2020.

Although, the situation looks positive once more owing to the efforts made to handle the pandemic situation. Market insights suggest the demand forecast to increase at a robust 19 % CAGR in 2022.

Table of Contents

Medical tourism in India

India’s healthcare industry offers a combination of both modern and traditional forms of medicine which sets the country apart from others.

• First, it has a set of world-class doctors and hospitals that provide treatment at fractional rates when compared to other countries.
• Secondly, India’s systems of medicine: AYUSH i.e., Ayurveda, Yoga, Panchakarma, Rejuvenation Therapy, etc, which are the most ancient forms of medicine, are now gaining immense popularity globally.

The government also recently announced plans to launch an AYUSH Mark which is a mark to provide credibility to AYUSH products in India and promote India’s medical tourism sector.

Additionally, the other medical services and facilities are also backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).

India’s healthcare industry has advanced significantly over the past 30 years, as seen by the notable accomplishments it has made.

• One of the industries that have contributed the most to revenue and are expanding quickly is healthcare.
• Both public and private providers support the healthcare industry. Over the past few years, national health policies have been crucial in establishing a more inclusive healthcare system to achieve structured Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• In addition, India provides less expensive treatment alternatives than the US and the UK without sacrificing the standard of healthcare. About one-fourth, less is spent on therapy in India than it is in the United States.

In terms of alternate medical treatment, the Indian medical treatment systems of yoga, ayurveda, rejuvenation therapy, and panchakarma are among the most ancient methods of medical treatment in the world.

The southern state of Kerala has developed medical tourism services as one of its core products for promoting tourism in the region.

Based on the Medical Tourism Index 2020-21, India is ranked 10th out of the top 46 countries, 12th out of the world’s top 20 wellness tourism markets, and 5th out of 10 wellness tourism destinations in Asia-Pacific.

• India boasts 39 Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited and 657 National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited hospitals.

India holds an advantage as a medical tourism destination due to the following factors:

• Most of the doctors and surgeons at Indian hospitals are trained or have worked at some of the medical institutions in the US, Europe, or other developed nations.
• Most doctors and nurses are fluent in English.
• Top-of-the-line medical and diagnostic equipment from global international conglomerates is available at many Indian hospitals.
• Indian nurses are among the best in the world. Nearly 1000 recognized nurses-training centers in India, mostly attached to teaching hospitals, graduate nearly 10,000 nurses annually.
• Even the most budget-conscious traveler can afford first-rate service and luxury amenities

Most of the tourists are from Asian or African countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Indonesia, and Kenya, among others.

Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru are the top 5 medical tourism destinations in India.

Wellness tourism

Wellness Tourism includes travel for a less stressful lifestyle, promoting a healthier, and finding balance in one’s life.

Ayurveda, Yoga, meditation, Panchakarma, and Rejuvenation Therapy are among the most ancient systems of medical treatment in India and the best way to promote Wellness Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism has drafted guidelines for wellness tourism. These guidelines address issues regarding making available quality publicity material, training and capacity building for the service providers, participation in international & domestic Wellness related events, etc.

Mushrooming of wellness centers in the country has given rise to the concern for quality service.

• The Guideline for the Accreditation of wellness centers has been developed by National Board for Accreditation of Hospitals & Healthcare Services (NABH) in consultation with AYUSH and released during the workshop on wellness tourism organized by the Ministry of Tourism in 2011.
• The Ministry of Tourism has also extended its Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme to wellness tourism service providers including accredited wellness centers.

Impact of Covid-19 on medical tourism

Planned hospital operations decreased by as much as 80% during the state-wide lockdown in India caused by the new coronavirus outbreak, while unplanned systems decreased by 66%.

With the government of India’s assistance, the healthcare sector launched a comprehensive response strategy to combat the epidemic.

• Specialized COVID-19 hospitals and isolation facilities were established, and resource mapping using technology was started.
• The Indian government created several programs and used technology to combat the pandemic.
• The Aarogya Setu app was utilized across the nation to improve contact tracing, syndromic mapping, and infection self-evaluation.
• India not only met its own needs but also stepped up to help other nations during these difficult times.

Despite having several initiatives in place, the Medical Tourism industry of the country still faces some serious challenges.

• One of the major challenges that India is facing is promoting and creating awareness about state-of-the-art facilities in India.
• India is witnessing strong competition from destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, and South Korea with low-cost options.
• In India, there is a lack of cohesiveness amongst the major players in the industry to come together and represent India on a world platform to acquire newer customers.
• Apart from these, inconsistent fee structure and lack of transparency in billing to foreign patients, and absurdly high margins to trade to refer patients are some of the challenges.
• Most Indian hospitals are also facing a lack of trust from foreign patients. The hospitals have observed poor hygiene awareness in medical attendants, unhygienic food handling, and lack of good hospitality services, heterogeneous pricing of services, and industry standards.

The government can play a vital part to upgrade the medical tourism sector. But the industry is facing the following problems which are caused by the governments. They are:

• no regulations
• taxation anomalies
• bureaucratic roadblocks
• no work on land reforms
• lack of long-term investor-friendly policies
• instability concerning terrorism and communal tensions.

On the part of insurance and allied services, the medical tourism industry in India is also facing some key bottlenecks. They are:

• inadequate insurance cover
• the underdeveloped insurance market in India
• insurance frauds
• overseas companies refusing reimbursement.

The following challenges, due to the infrastructural parts of the medical tourism sector in India, are:

• lack of access
• dearth of capital
• Lack of community participation and awareness
• Non-participation in the rural sector
• lack of concern for sustainability
• complex visa procedures
• lack of good language translators
• airport facilities still being inadequate

Government initiatives for medical tourism

The government has implemented various initiatives to overcome the challenges and push India’s rise as a hub of medical tourism through the promotion of ayurveda, yoga, and other Indian systems of medicine in the international market.

Heal India Initiative:

• Heal in India is a new initiative developed under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in which there will be healthcare professionals, and hospital services to help patients seeking medical help in India.
• With this type of initiative, Government aims at promoting Medical Tourism in India via Heal in India Portal.
• It’s another Programme called Heal by India Government that aims to encourage Indian Health care Workers to go abroad and serve patients globally.

Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme

• MDA scheme offers financial assistance to approved tourism service providers.

Medical Visa provisions

• Special provision has been made for tourists traveling to India for healthcare purposes.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new category of visa, Medical Visa, that can be issued to foreigners traveling to India for healthcare reasons.

Setting up a feedback mechanism to obtain testimonials from tourists traveling to the country for medical purposes.

• This ‘one-step’ portal would add convenience and provide credible information for medical tourists coming to India.

Way forward

To become the top-most medical travel destination, there is a need for significant investments into making the healthcare industry and equipment attractive for international patients.

• Patients spend most of their time in guest houses and are prone to further infections from such places.
• Thus, proper infrastructure and standardization need to be brought into the tourism industry and the nexus of guest house service providers urgently.
• Another aspect that needs to be tapped into is the opportunity for selling Indian health insurance to foreigners. This can generate an additional $9 billion in patient inflow to India.

The government is pulling out all its aces to maximize the industry’s potential. The aim is to make India the No.1 Destination for Medical Tourism in the world, tripling its revenue to $13 billion within 4 years.

The government has also proposed an outlay of US$ 28.7 billion for health and well-being, which is 137% higher than the previous year’s budget outlay.

In the post-Covid world, the demand for the healthcare industry is bound to surge and there is a huge potential for India to realize and aggressively advance towards attracting medical tourists from other parts of the world including Europe and the Americas.

With the government making it their priority to make India the hub of medical tourism, the initiatives combined with the surging demand are sure to make India the center for all medical tourists in the future.

-Article written by Swathi Satish

Aim IAS, IPS, or IFS?

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• IAS Exam Eligibility
• UPSC Free Study Materials
• UPSC Exam Guidance
• UPSC Prelims Test Series
• UPSC Syllabus
• UPSC Online
• UPSC Prelims
• UPSC Interview
• UPSC Toppers
• UPSC Previous Year Qns
• UPSC Age Calculator
• UPSC Calendar 2024
• About ClearIAS
• ClearIAS Programs
• ClearIAS Fee Structure
• IAS Coaching
• UPSC Coaching
• UPSC Online Coaching
• ClearIAS Blog
• Important Updates
• Announcements
• Book Review
• ClearIAS App
• Work with us
• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

and many more...

Take ClearIAS Mock Exams: Analyse Your Progress

Analyse Your Performance and Track Your All-India Ranking

Ias/ips/ifs online coaching: target cse 2025.

Are you struggling to finish the UPSC CSE syllabus without proper guidance?

• Health, Pharma & Medtech ›
• State of Health

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Share of medical tourists India 2019, by country of origin

Distribution of medical tourists in india in 2019, by country of origin.

To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account

• Immediate access to all statistics
• Incl. source references
• Download as PDF, XLS, PNG and PPT

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

Other statistics on the topic

Medical Technology

• Cost of a hip replacement in various countries 2019
• Cost of an angioplasty in various countries 2019
• Cost of a heart bypass in various countries 2019
• Cost of a dental implant in various countries 2019

To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account

As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic.

As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic.

As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail.

… to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time.

You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature.

• Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
• Usage and publication rights
• Download in various formats

You only have access to basic statistics. This statistic is not included in your account.

• Instant access  to 1m statistics
• Download  in XLS, PDF & PNG format
• Detailed  references

Business Solutions including all features.

Statistics on " Medical tourism "

• Share of U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment as of 2019
• U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by race
• U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by generation
• Share of U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by gender
• Cost of a knee replacement in various countries 2019
• Reasons U.S. adults had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019
• Reasons U.S. adults had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by gender
• U.S. adults who would travel abroad for select medical treatments 2019
• Medical treatments U.S. adults had traveled abroad for as of 2019
• Medical treatments U.S. adults had traveled abroad for as of 2019, by gender
• Satisfaction among U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019
• Satisfaction among U.S. adults who traveled abroad for medical care 2019, by gender
• Top medical tourism countries by total index rating worldwide 2020
• Top medical tourism countries by destination environment rating 2016
• Top medical tourism countries by industry rating 2016
• Top medical tourism countries by facilities and services quality rating 2016
• Countries U.S. adults would consider traveling to for medical treatment 2019
• Countries U.S. adults had traveled to for medical treatment 2019
• Countries U.S. adults had traveled to for medical treatment 2019, by gender
• Percentage of patients receiving treatment outside Canada 2023, by specialty
• Share of Canadians leaving the country for medical treatments in 2016, by province
• Share of Canadians leaving the country for internal medicine in 2016, by province
• Share of Canadians leaving the country for medical oncology in 2016, by province
• Share of Canadians leaving the country for plastic surgery in 2016, by province

Other statistics that may interest you Medical tourism

• Basic Statistic Share of U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment as of 2019
• Premium Statistic U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by race
• Premium Statistic U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by generation
• Basic Statistic Share of U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by gender

Surgery price comparisons

• Premium Statistic Cost of a heart bypass in various countries 2019
• Basic Statistic Cost of an angioplasty in various countries 2019
• Premium Statistic Cost of a knee replacement in various countries 2019
• Premium Statistic Cost of a dental implant in various countries 2019
• Premium Statistic Cost of a hip replacement in various countries 2019

Reasons and satisfaction

• Basic Statistic Reasons U.S. adults had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019
• Basic Statistic Reasons U.S. adults had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019, by gender
• Basic Statistic U.S. adults who would travel abroad for select medical treatments 2019
• Basic Statistic Medical treatments U.S. adults had traveled abroad for as of 2019
• Basic Statistic Medical treatments U.S. adults had traveled abroad for as of 2019, by gender
• Basic Statistic Satisfaction among U.S. adults who had traveled abroad for medical treatment 2019
• Basic Statistic Satisfaction among U.S. adults who traveled abroad for medical care 2019, by gender

Leading destinations

• Premium Statistic Top medical tourism countries by total index rating worldwide 2020
• Premium Statistic Top medical tourism countries by destination environment rating 2016
• Premium Statistic Top medical tourism countries by industry rating 2016
• Premium Statistic Top medical tourism countries by facilities and services quality rating 2016
• Premium Statistic Countries U.S. adults would consider traveling to for medical treatment 2019
• Basic Statistic Countries U.S. adults had traveled to for medical treatment 2019
• Basic Statistic Countries U.S. adults had traveled to for medical treatment 2019, by gender

Example: Canadians as medical tourists

• Premium Statistic Percentage of patients receiving treatment outside Canada 2023, by specialty
• Premium Statistic Share of Canadians leaving the country for medical treatments in 2016, by province
• Premium Statistic Share of Canadians leaving the country for internal medicine in 2016, by province
• Premium Statistic Share of Canadians leaving the country for medical oncology in 2016, by province
• Premium Statistic Share of Canadians leaving the country for plastic surgery in 2016, by province

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• India: A global medical and wellness tourism destination

• Team India Blogs

In the past few decades, India has become a world-class destination for medical value travel. The Medical Tourism Index for 2020-21 ranks India as the 10th global destination in this regard. This has been possible because India performs well across various criteria- infrastructure, medical equipment and facilities, and well-trained healthcare professionals. India’s distinguishing factor- AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) also helps to drive its reputation as a preferred destination for Yoga and wellness through traditional practices.  

In an effort to boost the Medical Value Travel and Wellness Tourism in India further, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India recently launched the National Strategy and Roadmap for the same. This strategy outlines in detail the government’s six-pillar action plan to ramp up this sector. 

The six-pillar action plan 

The National Strategy provided by the Ministry of Tourism lists 6 key focus areas with the mission to create a well-defined framework for MVT and enhance cooperation between the key stakeholders, namely the central and state governments, as well as the private players of this sector. To this effect, the following action areas have been identified: 

“Heal in India” 

In its strategy, the government has recognized the need to brand India as a destination for medical and wellness tourism, acknowledging the lack of a current campaign focusing solely on highlighting India’s capability in this sector. Through this campaign, the government will not only highlight India’s expertise as a hub for modern medical science with advanced technologies but also as a center for alternative medicine. India, through its range of ancient healing practices such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani has a comparative advantage in holistic curing with no side effects, treatments that should be highlighted while branding India as a wellness destination. To this effect, schemes for market development assistance will also be made more lucrative for wellness and medical tourism service providers. 

Bolstering the current ecosystem 

When a medical tourist visits the host country, he makes use of a variety of services for the duration of his stay, that may or may not be directly related to his desired treatment. For example, some commonly used services include commercial agents like hotels for stay, airlines for travel, etc. In order to ensure that all visitors can enjoy comfortable treatment, the government will focus on bolstering the current ecosystem related to medical and wellness tourism. This will be done by focusing on synergizing and creating linkages between these various service providers. This will also help boost secondary wellness tourism by easing access to India’s alternative treatments. The three key components under this pillar would be Medical Value Travel Facilitators (MVTF), Medical Service Providers (MSP), and wellness tourism operators. The government will invest in capacity-building and promotion for the same. 

Revamping of the MVT Portal 

The vision is to bring healthcare at the tap of a fingertip- across services and nations. The present portal will be updated to bring together the various service providers mentioned in the previous point under one umbrella and provide a one-stop solution for all the needs of an MVT. This will ensure easy browsing, effortless booking, and quick payments- making it a convenient & safe experience for a medical tourist in India. 

Accessibility focused reforms 

In order to make medical and wellness tourism in India more accessible globally, the government aims to adopt several reforms for the same. A liberalized VISA policy with features such as e-VISA issuance can ensure transparency and convenience to the MVTs. Lack of direct air connectivity can cause unnecessary journey breaks which may be uncomfortable for several patients. Better air connectivity to India can ensure convenience at every process step. MVT Lounges/ Assistance desks at airports to provide help with baggage, immigration, and additional information. 

Increased focus on wellness tourism 

Wellness tourism spans a variety of treatments such as preventive care, spa, fitness, beauty, etc. This allows multiple possibilities for businesses and providers. The authorities will focus on critical areas such as control, standardization, accreditation, and simplification in order to ensure quality for wellness tourists. Opportunities to enhance secondary wellness tourism will be encouraged by creating synergy between wellness service providers, tourism operators, and hospitality players.   

National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board  

In 2015, the Ministry of Tourism formed the National Medical & Wellness Tourism Board in order to further drive the growth of this sector. The board will look over a variety of functions to ensure a ‘patient-centric’ approach to the MVT industry. In particular, it will work toward delivering policy recommendations and suggestions and provide grievance redressal for industry stakeholders. It should assure the trust of medical value travelers by overseeing the functioning of service providers. It will be liable to award government incentives and penalize defaulting bodies. The current structure will be reorganized to facilitate three main committees, namely, the advisory, technical, and executive committees. The board will also work on all the five key pillars discussed above in order to promote medical and wellness tourism in India.  

Conclusion 

Medical and Wellness Tourism is a promising sector that lies at the intersection of two of the fastest-growing industries in the world- healthcare and tourism. This is why it is an exciting area to invest in, especially in the post-COVID scenario. With India’s state-of-the-art facilities, world-class healthcare professionals, JCI-accredited hospitals, and much more, India is one of the top medical value travel destinations across the globe. There is a range of alternative treatments and experiences for medical value travellers in India. In light of the recent national strategy and roadmap launched for this sector by the ministry of tourism, the sector is expected to continue on its upward trend due to government initiatives like a revamped MVT portal, administrative changes, a dedicated board for medical and wellness tourism, etc. 

This has been co-authored by Muskan Hashmi and Devika Chawla.

We are India's national investment facilitation agency.

For further queries on this subject, please get in touch with us @Invest India. Raise your query

Medical Tourism In India: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for top-notch medical treatments and a chance to explore a vibrant culture? Look no further than India, the ultimate destination for medical tourism. In our comprehensive guide, we will take you through all the ins and outs of this booming industry in India. From the world-class healthcare facilities to the diverse range of wellness options, we’ll uncover why India has become a sought-after hub for those seeking quality medical care coupled with an enriching cultural experience. So pack your bags and join us on this journey to discover the wonders of medical tourism in India.

Table of Contents

Overview of Medical Tourism in India

India has emerged as a top destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from all around the world seeking high-quality healthcare at affordable costs. With its state-of-the-art medical facilities, well-trained professionals, and a wide range of treatment options, India offers a comprehensive healthcare experience. From cardiac surgeries to orthopedic procedures, cosmetic surgeries to wellness treatments, India has become renowned for its expertise in various medical specialties.

India’s Emergence as a Top Medical Tourism Destination

Over the years, India has gained recognition as one of the leading hubs for medical tourism. The country offers advanced medical treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. This has led to an increasing number of international patients traveling to India for their medical needs. The availability of world-class healthcare infrastructure, highly skilled doctors, and the use of cutting-edge technology has contributed to India’s growing reputation as a medical tourism hotspot.

Reasons Why People Choose Medical Tourism in India

There are several reasons why people choose medical tourism in India. Firstly, the affordability factor plays a significant role. Medical treatments in India are generally much cheaper compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for patients looking to save on costs without compromising on quality. Secondly, India’s healthcare facilities are renowned for their high standards and state-of-the-art equipment. Patients can expect world-class treatment and care from experienced medical professionals. Lastly, India offers a diverse range of treatment options, making it a preferred choice for various medical specialties.

Major Cities and Hospitals for Medical Tourism in India

India’s major cities have established themselves as prominent destinations for medical tourism. Delhi, the capital city, is home to numerous renowned hospitals and healthcare facilities that cater to a vast array of medical needs. Mumbai, known as the financial capital, boasts of internationally acclaimed hospitals offering top-notch medical services. Bangalore, the IT hub of India, is also a popular choice due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure. Chennai and Kolkata are also worth mentioning for their well-established hospitals that provide world-class treatments.

Types of Medical Treatments Available in India

India offers a wide range of medical treatments across various specialties. Cardiology and cardiovascular surgeries are highly sought-after in India, with hospitals performing complex procedures with excellent success rates. Orthopedics and joint replacements are also prominent areas of expertise, with skilled surgeons providing advanced treatments. Cosmetic and plastic surgeries are another popular choice due to the affordability factor and the availability of skilled professionals. Additionally, India is known for its traditional healing practices, such as Ayurveda and wellness treatments, that attract those seeking holistic approaches to health.

Advantages of Medical Tourism in India

Affordability of medical treatments in india.

One of the primary advantages of medical tourism in India is the affordability factor. The cost of healthcare in India is significantly lower compared to Western countries, making it an attractive option for patients looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Patients can often save up to 70% on medical treatments by choosing to undergo procedures in India. These savings can be utilized for other expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and post-treatment care.

High-Quality Healthcare Facilities and Infrastructure

India boasts world-class healthcare facilities and infrastructure that meet international standards. Renowned hospitals in India are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology, ensuring that patients receive the best medical care possible. The healthcare sector in India continuously invests in upgrading infrastructure and adopting innovative practices, ensuring that patients have access to top-notch healthcare services.

Well-Trained and Experienced Medical Professionals

India is home to highly skilled and experienced medical professionals who have received training from prestigious institutions both within the country and abroad. Indian doctors and surgeons are known for their expertise, precision, and success rates in various medical procedures. Many doctors practicing in India have international exposure, further enhancing the quality of medical care offered.

Short Waiting Periods for Treatments

One of the significant advantages of medical tourism in India is the minimal waiting periods for treatments. In Western countries, patients often have to wait for extended periods to undergo certain medical procedures. However, in India, patients can experience shorter waiting times, allowing them to receive timely medical attention. This quick turnaround time is beneficial, especially for patients in need of urgent treatment or seeking relief from prolonged medical conditions.

Popular Destinations for Medical Tourism in India

India’s major cities serve as popular destinations for medical tourism due to their excellent healthcare infrastructure and expertise. Here are some key cities for medical tourism in India:

Delhi, the capital city, hosts numerous prestigious hospitals and medical centers. Renowned institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Apollo Hospitals offer a wide range of treatments and attract patients from all over the world.

Mumbai, the financial capital, is home to advanced healthcare facilities that provide cutting-edge treatments. Hospitals like Jaslok Hospital and Lilavati Hospital are known for their expertise in various medical specialties.

Bangalore, known as India’s Silicon Valley, has become a preferred choice for medical tourism due to its world-class hospitals and skilled medical professionals. Manipal Hospital and Fortis Hospital are among the renowned healthcare providers in the city.

Chennai is known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure and expertise in various medical fields. Apollo Hospitals, Sankara Nethralaya, and Fortis Malar Hospital are some of the leading hospitals in Chennai providing top-notch medical services.

Kolkata, the cultural capital, has several reputable hospitals that offer a wide range of medical treatments. Hospitals like Apollo Gleneagles Hospital and Fortis Hospital provide comprehensive healthcare services to both domestic and international patients.

Key Medical Specialties in India

India excels in various medical specialties, attracting patients from around the world seeking advanced treatment options. Here are some key medical specialties in India:

Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgeries

India is renowned for its expertise in cardiac care and cardiovascular surgeries. Hospitals like AIIMS, Apollo Hospitals, and Fortis Escorts Heart Institute are known for their exceptional success rates in complex cardiac procedures.

Orthopedics and Joint Replacements

Orthopedic treatments and joint replacements are highly sought-after in India. Skilled orthopedic surgeons in hospitals such as Max Super Specialty Hospital and Narayana Health perform advanced procedures, providing relief to patients suffering from joint-related conditions.

Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeries

India is emerging as a popular destination for cosmetic and plastic surgeries, as it offers high-quality procedures at affordable prices. Skilled surgeons in hospitals like Apollo Cosmetic Clinic and Fortis Hospitals specialize in various cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, liposuction, and breast augmentation.

Ayurveda and Wellness Treatments

India is world-renowned for its ancient healing system, Ayurveda. Many patients seeking holistic wellness and rejuvenation experiences choose India for Ayurvedic treatments. Wellness centers and hospitals like Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village and Soukya International Holistic Health Center provide authentic Ayurvedic treatments and therapies.

Patient Experience and Care

India’s medical tourism industry places great emphasis on providing a seamless and comfortable experience for international patients. From pre-arrival planning to post-treatment follow-up, patients receive comprehensive care throughout their medical journey. Here are some aspects of patient experience and care:

Pre-Arrival Planning and Assistance

Medical tourism facilitators and hospitals in India assist patients with pre-arrival planning, including medical visa applications, scheduling appointments, and coordinating treatment plans. They serve as a point of contact, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are made for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Accommodation and Transportation Arrangements

Medical tourists in India are provided with various accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Many hospitals have tie-ups with nearby hotels, ensuring that patients have a comfortable stay during their treatment period. Additionally, transportation arrangements, including airport transfers and commuting to and from hospitals, are also taken care of by service providers.

Language and Translation Support

India acknowledges the diversity of its patient base and understands the importance of effective communication. Hospitals and medical tourism providers offer language assistance and translation services to overcome any language barriers that patients may face. This ensures clear communication between medical professionals and patients, minimizing any potential misunderstandings.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up and Care

After the completion of medical procedures, patients require post-treatment follow-up and care. Medical providers in India offer comprehensive post-treatment support, including consultations, medication management, and guidance on post-operative care. This ensures that patients have a smooth recovery process and receive the necessary guidance for long-term care.

Cost and Financial Considerations

One of the primary reasons patients opt for medical tourism in India is the significant cost savings compared to Western countries. Here are some important cost and financial considerations:

Comparison of Treatment Costs in India and Western Countries

Medical treatments in India are considerably cheaper compared to Western countries. Patients can save a substantial amount on their medical expenses by choosing to undergo procedures in India. Cost comparisons of specific treatments between India and Western countries can help patients make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

Health Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement Options

Many international health insurance providers offer coverage for medical treatments in India. Patients are advised to check their insurance policies for details on coverage and reimbursement options. Medical tourism facilitators can assist in navigating insurance-related queries and providing guidance on reimbursement options.

Payment Methods and Currency Exchange

India accepts various modes of payment for medical treatments, including cash, credit cards, and wire transfers. Patients are advised to check with the hospital or medical tourism provider regarding accepted payment methods. Additionally, currency exchange services are available at airports and banks for patients who need to convert their currency to Indian Rupees.

Travel and Tourism in India

Medical tourists in India have the opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourist attractions. Here are some details regarding travel and tourism in India:

Tourist Attractions and Cultural Experiences in India

India offers a myriad of tourist attractions, including historical monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful landscapes, and diverse cultural experiences. From the stunning Taj Mahal to the serene backwaters of Kerala, medical tourists can indulge in exploring India’s rich history and natural beauty.

Visa Requirements and Travel Arrangements

International patients visiting India for medical treatments are required to obtain a medical visa. The visa application process involves providing relevant medical documentation and an invitation letter from the hospital or medical tourism provider. Medical tourism facilitators can assist patients in the visa application process and provide guidance on any additional travel requirements.

Local Transportation and Tour Guides

India has a well-developed transportation network, offering various options for local travel during medical tourism visits. Taxis, app-based cab services, and public transportation are easily accessible in major cities. Additionally, hiring a tour guide can enhance the experience, providing insights into local culture, traditions, and places of interest.

Safety and Quality Assurance

India’s healthcare industry places great emphasis on safety and quality assurance to ensure the well-being of patients. Here are some aspects of safety and quality assurance:

Accreditation and Certification of Hospitals in India

Many hospitals in India are accredited by organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). These accreditations ensure that hospitals meet international standards of patient care, safety, and quality.

Patient Safety Standards and Procedures

Safety protocols and procedures are in place to ensure the well-being of patients. From infection control measures to stringent quality control systems, hospitals in India prioritize patient safety. Experienced medical professionals follow established guidelines and protocols to deliver safe and effective healthcare.

Tips for Choosing a Reliable Medical Tourism Provider

When choosing a medical tourism provider in India, it is essential to consider factors such as reputation, experience, and patient reviews. Researching the provider’s track record, affiliations with reputed hospitals, and the expertise of their medical professionals can help patients make informed decisions. Additionally, seeking recommendations from trusted sources or engaging with medical tourism facilitators can provide valuable insights into reliable service providers.

Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette

Being culturally sensitive and observing proper etiquette is crucial when seeking medical treatment in a foreign country like India. Here are some aspects of cultural sensitivity and etiquette to keep in mind:

Understanding Indian Culture and Norms

India is a diverse country with varying cultural practices and norms. Familiarizing oneself with basic aspects of Indian culture, such as greetings, gestures, and dress codes, can help patients navigate social interactions smoothly. Respecting and embracing the local culture can contribute to a positive and enriching experience.

Etiquette for Interacting with Medical Professionals

Maintaining a respectful and courteous attitude when interacting with medical professionals is important. Addressing doctors and medical staff with the appropriate honorifics, asking relevant questions, and carefully following their instructions showcase an understanding of professional customs and foster a harmonious doctor-patient relationship.

Respecting Local Customs and Traditions

India is known for its rich traditions, customs, and religious practices. Being mindful of local customs and traditions, such as removing footwear before entering certain spaces or following appropriate dress codes in religious sites, showcases respect for the local culture. Adhering to these customs can foster positive interactions with locals and add to the overall experience.

Medical tourism in India offers a comprehensive healthcare experience, combining world-class treatments with a vibrant cultural immersion. With its affordable costs, high-quality healthcare facilities, well-trained professionals, and a diverse range of medical specialties, India has emerged as a top destination for patients seeking advanced medical treatments. The country’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, offer excellent healthcare infrastructure and expertise. From cardiac surgeries to cosmetic procedures and traditional healing practices, India caters to various medical needs. With a focus on patient experience and comprehensive care, medical tourists receive assistance in pre-arrival planning, accommodation arrangements, language support, and post-treatment follow-up. The affordability factor, along with the high quality of healthcare, makes India an attractive choice for medical tourism. As the industry continues to evolve and advancements are made, the future of medical tourism in India looks promising. Whether it is for a specific medical procedure or a wellness retreat, exploring medical tourism in India can provide an excellent healthcare experience coupled with a glimpse into the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Indian Culture Team

Framework for Promotion of Medical Tourism: A Case of India

• Published: 28 June 2021
• Volume 16 , pages 103–111, ( 2021 )

Cite this article

• Vinaytosh Mishra   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6360-910X 1 &
• Mohita G. Sharma   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3341-9663 1  

7543 Accesses

12 Citations

Explore all metrics

Medical tourism is quickly growing in developing countries. The healthcare players have recognized it as a potential area for economic diversification. The major factors affecting medical tourism in a country are cost, quality, language, and ease of travel. The healthcare services in India cost significantly lower than in western countries and the middle east. That is one of the reasons behind India attracting customers from these countries. The government promotes India as a premier healthcare destination and has made policies to ease travel for medical tourism purposes. Quality has been one of the important criteria for the selection of healthcare providers even for price-conscious customers. This study uses the case of the eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh to investigate the reason behind the low penetration of medical tourism in the region. The study identifies factors affecting medical tourism in post-COVID times and maps them with enablers using a focus group discussion. The study further uses SERVQUAL, a multidimensional research instrument to measure service quality by capturing patient’s expectations and perceptions along five dimensions of service quality. The study contributes to the existing literature in two ways. It provides the framework for the promotion of medical tourism in a region. Second, it provides future directions for research in the area of medical tourism in the post-COVID world.

Similar content being viewed by others

How to use and assess qualitative research methods

Access to health services among culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the Australian universal health care system: issues and challenges

Aboriginal community controlled health organisations address health equity through action on the social determinants of health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Introduction

Medical tourism (MT) has been growing enormously in the past few decades. This has been especially favorable for many developing countries especially in Asia wherein there is travel between upper-income countries and lower- and middle-income countries for healthcare purposes (Behrmann & Smith, 2010 ). The drivers for this travel have been prohibitively expensive, inadequate, or unavailable in their high-income home countries and the services could include cosmetic, wellness, and dental treatments, and has been collectively called medical tourism (Connell, 2006 ; Turner, 2011 ). Especially governments and private-sector actors in Asia, Europe, and Latin America have begun to actively promote their countries, cities, and medical facilities as medical tourism destinations to boost and diversify their tourism and healthcare offerings (Wong & Musa, 2012 ). Various governments have also promoted their country as a medical tourism destination through policy interventions. In a recent study, the economic performance of medical tourism is analyzed vis-a-vis overall community satisfaction, health care satisfaction, and attitudes toward medical tourism through a combination of social exchange theory with spillover theory. This is shown in a study where for a particular region the residents’ perceptions of medical tourism’s impact on community wellbeing also affect willingness to pay higher taxes and support for medical tourism development (Suess et al., 2018 ).

If we focus on India, the main driver of the growth of medical tourism has been the highly trained medical fraternity who is adept in English (Crooks et al., 2011 ). India has over the years become the hub of medical tourism which is the confluence of the twin sectors of the tourism industry and health industry (Shanker, 2019 ). This falls under the category of service exports and has been instrumental in earning foreign exchange and huge employment opportunities for the country. Given the fact that the main objective of medical tourists is getting good quality medical treatment at a reasonable cost, the outward focus has to be on competitiveness and the inward focus has to be operational excellence to drive the cost down. In a previous study, Thailand, Singapore and India have been identified as the main players in medical tourism capturing 80% of Asia’s medical tourism market (Mary, 2014 ). A comprehensive definition of medical tourism competitiveness has been given by Ganguli and Ebrahim, ( 2017 ) which can be stated as: “the ability to strategically plan, set viable policy goals, establish effective multi-stakeholder partnerships, maintain an attractive environment; and ensure that all of these capabilities are harmonized to optimize the delivery of medical services that rank high on parameters of quality, innovativeness, affordability, and safety”.

The further reasons which make India an attractive medical tourism destination are ensuing (Bagga et al., 2020 ; Bies & Zacharia, 2007 ; de Arellano, 2007 ).

Demand: Emanating from the long waiting lists in the developed countries has resulted in patients moving to other healthcare destinations.

Affordability and cost: The low cost of medical treatments in India makes it an enticing healthcare destination. In India, costs for complicated surgical procedures are almost one-tenth of the cost as compared to the procedures in the developed countries.

Accessibility: Affordable and access to air routes from every part of the globe make India one of the favored medical tourism destinations. The country has a further favorable exchange rate which makes it an economically viable alternative. The government has even eased the visa rules for tourists visiting the country for medical tourism purposes.

Communication: Indian healthcare workforce is good at English communication. The advancement in telemedicine helps patients in getting follow-up care, rehabilitative care after major surgery. This even eliminates the need for a follow-up visit to the country.

India attracts patients in areas namely wellness tourism, alternative systems of medicine, cosmetic surgery, and advanced and lifesaving healthcare. Thus, the Medical Tourism structure can be broadly classified into the following four categories (Fig.  1 ).

Medical tourism structure in India

Medical tourism is not a simple process. It is a complex decision by an international traveler based on the attributes of the host country, facilities of healthcare professionals, reasonable cost, and the service quality of hospitality and tourism (Chuang et al., 2014 ; Fetscherin & Stephano, 2016 ; Olya & Nia, 2021 ). Some studies are exploring the development of the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) and four dimensions of MTI include country environment, tourism destination, medical tourism costs, and medical facility and services (Fetscherin & Stephano, 2016 ). In a detailed literature review and co-word citation analysis, Hoz-Correa et al. ( 2018 ) suggests that six themes dominate the research: (a) issues regarding ethical implications, trust, and accreditation; (b) health, wellness, spa tourism, and service quality; (c) health-related issues, medical treatments, and tourism; (d) “sensitive” practices in MT; (e) medical tourism destinations and marketing; and (f) globalization, policies and the effect on international patients.

Further, Ebrahim and Ganguli ( 2019 ) and Belladi et al. ( 2019 ) have done a strategic cross-country comparison and have elucidated that the extent of coordination among public and private MT stakeholders and a collaborative; administration efficiency of sectors such as medical, tourism, and economic sectors along with the development of medicine and related human capital contribute to enhancing the growth of the sector. In another cross-country study, exploring the hospital’s website across five dimensions: hospital information and facilities, admission and medical services, interactive online services, external activities, and technical items, it was observed that there were differences between Indian, Malaysian, and Thai hospital websites and suggesting that there was a need for hospital managers to improve their hospitals’ online presence and interactivity (Moghavvemi et al., 2017 ).

Cham et al. ( 2021 ) in their study of Chinese medical tourists to Malaysia have analyzed country-specific factors (country knowledge, safety and security, accessibility, and price reasonableness) and social factors (word-of-mouth and social media) to be significant predictors of the image of Malaysia as a medical tourism destination, which in turn, affect the perceived value and intention to revisit. Another study provides an extended diamond-based pyramid framework of regional competitiveness and can be adopted for the medical tourism sector in a country (Moirangthem & Nag, 2020 ). Ghosh and Mandal ( 2019 ) have cited in a study on India that treatment quality, medical service quality, medical tourism expenses, medical tourism infrastructure, destination appeal, destination culture, and ease of access increase the satisfaction and loyalty of medical tourists. Taking a stream from Hoz-Correa et al. ( 2018 ) of service quality, this study extends this inquiry into understanding the service quality dimensions for medical tourism, especially for India. The study highlights the importance of service quality in achieving operational excellence. The image of India is discolored due to the below-par performance of the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic and may impact the export competitiveness of medical tourism. It is imperative to assess the quality gap and take corrective measures to remain competitive.

The next section lists the objectives of this research followed by the methodology used in this study. Subsequent sections discuss the result and hence the conclusion for the study. In last but not least, the study lists the limitations of the research and the future agenda for the research.

Research Objectives

The objective of this research is threefold: (1) to use the extant literature to identify the factors affecting medical tourism, (2) to provide the framework for the development of medical tourism in a region using focus group discussion, and (3) to use the case of eastern Uttar Pradesh to analyze the service quality gap using established instrument SERVQUAL.

Methodology

The research reviews the extant literature to identify the factors affecting medical tourism in a region. The findings of the reviewed literature are listed in the introduction section of this paper. The first step included using the finding of the literature review and input from the focus group to propose a framework for the development of medical tourism in a region. The study in the second stage uses the SERVQUAL method to evaluate the case region on five dimensions of the service quality.

Services being distinguished by intangibility and consumed simultaneously, the quality of service is understood as the perception of value delivered (Lam et al., 2012 ). Nitecki and Hernon ( 2000 ) defined service quality in terms of “meeting or exceeding customer expectations, or as the difference between customer perception and expectations of service” (Wang & Shieh, 2006 ). SERVQUAL is a multidimensional research instrument designed to measure service quality by capturing respondents’ expectations and perceptions (Parasuraman et al., 2002 ). The instrument has been widely used to assess the quality of services in the industry such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare (Ajam et al., 2014 ; Saleh & Ryan, 1991 ; Zhao et al., 2002 ). Thus for quantitatively assessing it, it is taken as the difference between the customer’s perception of the service and his expectations in his mind. Perception is the comparison between expectations and actual performance. A positive indication of quality is when the performance is higher than expectations and vice versa.

Healthcare is a high involvement service with long-term engagement between the patient and service provider and SERVQUAL has been used to prioritize the dimensions and identify the gaps to be filled to enhance the competitiveness of the delivery process (Al-Neyadi et al., 2018 ; Traipathi & Siddiqui, 2018 ). The SERVQUAL model has five dimensions of service quality namely reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness (Fig.  2 ).

SERVQUAL model for service quality

The description of the five dimensions of service quality is listed in Table 1 (Butt et al., 2010 ; Parasuraman et al., 1988 ).

The researchers have used the established and time-tested SERVQUAL for assessing the service quality in the case of medical tourism (Chou et al., 2012 ; Guiry & Vequist, 2011 ; Qolipour et al., 2018 ).

The focus group used for objective one of the study is the healthcare professionals working in India. The size of the focus group is eight including the researchers as coordinators and passive members. A focus group larger than eight is difficult to manage (Fern, 1982 ). The focus group constituted four healthcare professionals, three doctors, and one healthcare researcher. Focus group discussion is frequently used as a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the problem at hand (Nyumba et al. 2018 ). This method uses data from a purposely selected group of individuals rather than from a statistically representative sample of a broader population. Even though the application of this method in management research has been extensive, there are no critical assessments of the application of the technique. In addition, there are no readily available guidelines for researchers. This study uses the Delphi method to gain consensus on the framework. The Delphi method is well suited as a research instrument when there is incomplete knowledge about a problem or phenomenon (Skulmoski, 2007 ). The approach adopted for the Delhi Method is depicted in Fig.  3 (Cooper, 2019 ).

Delphi approach for focus group

The sample size for this exploratory study was taken as 31 and the sampling method was used as purposive sampling. The extant literature suggests that with purposive sampling a sample size of 30 for the exploratory study is adequate (Kowalska & Ostręga, 2020 ). The questionnaire was sent to 50 prospects out of which 31 responded, making the response rate 62%. The characteristics of the respondent are listed in Table 2 .

To summarize, the study first identifies the factors and enablers for medical tourism in the region then uses the focus group’s input to map it. The study then uses SERVQUAL for finding the quality gap. The summary of the research methodology used in the study is depicted in Fig. 4 .

Schematic diagram for the study

Results and Discussion

Based on the research, the study identifies four major factors affecting the penetration of medical tourism in the region. The focus group discussion helped us in identifying cost, quality, language, and ease of travel as the four most important factors affecting the penetration of medical tourism in a region. The study further interviewed the focus group members to identify enablers for these identified factors. Based on the input of the focus group, the study proposes a framework for increasing the penetration of medical tourism in the case region. The secondary research and focus group discussion suggested lean management, use of quality management systems, having National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and External Quality Assurance Systems (EQAS), language and soft skills, and ease of travel and visa rules as some of the important enablers for achieving the four factors. Figure 5 summarizes the framework using enablers and factors to increase the medical tourism in the region.

Framework for increasing medical tourism

It can be seen that ease of Travel and Language are environmental factors and external to the control of business whereas Cost and Quality are within the control of the business. Cost and Quality are interlinked and emphasis on quality can reduce the cost of operations thereby achieving operational excellence. Further, as the extant literature and focus group, discussion suggested quality is one of the most important criteria for the selection of a healthcare destination. The study adopted the SERVQUAL model which is a recognized tool to understand the difference between expectations and the perception of the service quality on five dimensions’ reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangibles. The respondents were asked to give responses to 22 questions on a Likert scale of ten and the average of the score on the subdimensions was taken as a score for a dimension. Thus, the maximum possible score for any dimension is ten. The perception score ( P ) and expectation score ( E ) for the service quality is listed in Table 3 . The difference of P and E gives the gap between expectation and perception, the difference needs to be minimized to increase customer satisfaction (Gounaris et al., 2007 ).

Figure 6 depicts the perception, expectation of maximum value on five dimensions of the service quality. As the figure suggests the largest service gap is for reliability, followed by responsiveness and assurance. The minimum service gap is for the service dimension tangible but there is still a scope of improvement when we compare it with the maximum score possible.

Perception and expectation of service quality

The study also shows that maximum expectation is for dimension reliability, assurance followed by responsiveness and empathy. The gap between expectations and performance is large for Reliability and Assurance Dimensions. The reliability of the service can be enhanced by making the service more process-driven and adhering to management systems. The lesser the non-conformity is, the better the reliability. On the other hand, for ‘assurance’ the focus has to be on providing soft skill training to the personnel and attitude of service in the nurses and paramedical staff. It also depends on the work culture of the organization. The responsiveness of the service is ‘how quickly the problem gets resolved. For addressing this parameter, the capacity of the supporting staff has to be enhanced so that the time of response gets reduced. It is observed that the tangibles and empathy gap is less which is a good sign. The customers are satisfied with the infrastructure and feel that they are understood. Given the fact that the empathy gap is less and the assurance gap is high, an attempt to enhance communication can reduce the assurance gap also.

The increased cost of care in western countries and the middle east has forced patients to look towards the east. Medical tourism is quickly growing in developing countries like India. Recent process innovation and operational excellence in India make it possible to deliver healthcare at a fraction of the cost compared to the western countries. The average cost of open-heart surgery, as reported by Narayana Health, is less than $2000. The same procedure at a US research hospital typically costs more than $100,000. The factors making a destination a preferred medical tourism destination is cost, quality, language, and ease of travel. The extant literature suggests that quality is one of the most important criteria for the selection of a healthcare provider (Mishra et al., 2019 ). A website listing the healthcare tourism destination in India lists only a few healthcare providers from eastern Uttar Pradesh. With the availability of vaccines and mass vaccination in many countries, borders have started opening again. The governments should think about measured to promote medical tourism in post-COVID times. This compelled us to investigate the reason behind the low penetration of medical tourism in the region and what can be done.

Studies have used the SERVQUAL method for quality assessment of private healthcare providers (Butt et al., 2010 ; Pekkaya, 2019 ). There is evidence of recent use of the SERVQUAL method for quality assessment in healthcare in developing countries (AlOmari, 2020 ; Tripathi & Siddiqui, 2018 ). Qolipour et al. ( 2018 ) analyze the patient’s perspective on the quality of medical tourism in Iran. Although there are studies on the evaluation of service quality of medical tourism destinations, there is a lack of studies done on quality assessment of medical tourism as eastern India as the destination, and this study attempts to fill this gap. This study uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches for the development of a framework for promoting medical tourism in the region. The study further uses the SERVQUAL model to find out the patient’s perception and expectation of healthcare services on five dimensions of service quality and identifies the area of improvement. The approach used in the study is simple and easy to follow and does not overwhelm a reader with excessive details. The study uses Radar Chart to visualize the quality gap related to five dimensions. The study will help healthcare providers and policymakers devise strategies for promoting medical tourism in a region. The finding of the study is also useful for healthcare administration to improve service quality in their organization to eventually attract patients from Gulf and Western Countries.

Limitations and Future Directions

The limitations of the study emanate from the model that has been adopted. Despite its strengths and widespread acceptance, SERVQUAL is sometimes disapproved of for its bounded lens and these criticisms are true for this study as well. The focus of the model is from an operations perspective, and so it fails to draw on established economic, statistical and psychological theory. The prime focus remains on service operations and delivery rather than the outcome. Some studies also reflect that the five dimensions of service quality used in the SERVQUAL are not universal (Buttle, 1996 ).

This study is exploratory and uses purposive sampling. A study having a larger sample size and probabilistic sampling will help generalize the finding to a larger population. The study can include samples from countries other than Mauritius, UAE and the US will make the study more inclusive. The majority of the respondents represent prospects from the age group 45–55. This may be one of the limitations of the study. A future study can empirically test the framework proposed in the study for the promotion of medical tourism in a region. Future studies can also include more service dimensions related to healthcare.

Key questions reflecting applicability in real life

What are factors affecting the penetration of medical tourism in a geographical region?

What are the enablers for these factors to attract medical tourists to the region?

What are the healthcare quality dimensions used in existing literature for medical tourism?

How to use the SERVQUAL method to identify and fill the service quality gaps?

Availability of Data and Material

Available on request.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

Ajam, M., Sadeghifar, J., Anjomshoa, M., Mahmoudi, S., Honarvar, H., & Mousavi, S. M. (2014). Assessing the quality of healthcare service by the SERVQUAL model: A case study of a field hospital. Journal of Military Medicine, 15 (4), 273–279.

Google Scholar  

Al-Neyadi, H. S., Abdallah, S., & Malik, M. (2018). Measuring patient’s satisfaction of healthcare services in the UAE hospitals: Using SERVQUAL. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 11 (2), 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/20479700.2016.1266804

Article   Google Scholar  

AlOmari, F. (2020). Measuring gaps in healthcare quality using SERVQUAL model: Challenges and opportunities in developing countries. Measuring Business Excellence . https://doi.org/10.1108/MBE-11-2019-0104

Bagga, T., Vishnoi, S. K., Jain, S., & Sharma, R. (2020). Medical tourism: Treatment, therapy and tourism. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 9 (3), 4447–4453.

Behrmann, J., & Smith, E. (2010). Top 7 issues in medical tourism: Challenges, knowledge gaps, and future directions for research and policy development. Global Journal of Health Science, 2 (2), 80.

Beladi, H., Chao, C. C., Ee, M. S., & Hollas, D. (2019). Does medical tourism promote economic growth? A cross-country analysis. Journal of Travel Research, 58 (1), 121–135. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517735909

Bies, W., & Zacharia, L. (2007). Medical tourism: Outsourcing surgery. Mathematical and Computer Modelling, 46 (7–8), 1144–1159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcm.2007.03.027

Butt, M. M., & de Run, E. C. (2010). Private healthcare quality: Applying a SERVQUAL model. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 23 (7), 658–673. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526861011071580

Buttle, F. (1996). SERVQUAL: Review, critique, research agenda. European Journal of Marketing, 30 (1), 8–32. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090569610105762

Cham, T. H., Lim, Y. M., Sia, B. C., Cheah, J. H., & Ting, H. (2021). Medical tourism destination image and its relationship with the intention to revisit: A study of Chinese medical tourists in Malaysia. Journal of China Tourism Research, 17 (2), 163–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/19388160.2020.1734514

Chou, S. Y., Kiser, A. I., & Rodriguez, E. L. (2012). An expectation confirmation perspective of medical tourism. Journal of Service Science Research, 4 (2), 299–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12927-012-0012-3

Chuang, T. C., Liu, J. S., Lu, L. Y., & Lee, Y. (2014). The main paths of medical tourism: From transplantation to beautification. Tourism Management, 45 , 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2014.03.016

Connell, J. (2006). Medical tourism: Sea, sun, sand, and… surgery. Tourism Management, 27 (6), 1093–1100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2005.11.005

Cooper, C. (2019). Critical competencies needed for outside sales managers: A Delphi study . SAGE Publications Ltd.

Book   Google Scholar  

Crooks, V. A., Turner, L., Snyder, J., Johnston, R., & Kingsbury, P. (2011). Promoting medical tourism to India: Messages, images, and the marketing of international patient travel. Social Science & Medicine, 72 (5), 726–732

Crooks, V. A., Turner, L., Snyder, J., Johnston, R., & Kingsbury, P. (2011). Promoting medical tourism to India: Messages, images, and the marketing of international patient travel. Social Science & Medicine , 72 (5), 726–732.

De la Hoz-Correa, A., Muñoz-Leiva, F., & Bakucz, M. (2018). Past themes and future trends in medical tourism research: A co-word analysis. Tourism Management, 65 , 200–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.10.001

De Arellano, A. B. R. (2007). Patients without borders: The emergence of medical tourism. International Journal of Health Services, 37 (1), 193–198. https://doi.org/10.2190/4857-468G-2325-47UU

Ebrahim, A. H., & Ganguli, S. (2019). A comparative analysis of medical tourism competitiveness of India, Thailand, and Singapore. Tourism an International Interdisciplinary Journal, 67 (2), 102–115.

Fern, E. F. (1982). The use of focus groups for idea generation: The effects of group size, acquaintanceship, and moderator on response quantity and quality. Journal of Marketing Research, 19 (1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378201900101

Fetscherin, M., & Stephano, R. M. (2016). The medical tourism index: Scale development and validation. Tourism Management, 52 , 539–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2015.08.010

Ganguli, S., & Ebrahim, A. H. (2017). A qualitative analysis of Singapore’s medical tourism competitiveness. Tourism Management Perspectives, 21 , 74–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2016.12.002

Ghosh, T., & Mandal, S. (2019). Medical tourism experience: Conceptualization, scale development, and validation. Journal of Travel Research, 58 (8), 1288–1301. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287518813469

Gounaris, S. P., Tzempelikos, N. A., & Chatzipanagiotou, K. (2007). The relationships of customer-perceived value, satisfaction, loyalty, and behavioral intentions. Journal of Relationship Marketing, 6 (1), 63–87. https://doi.org/10.1300/J366v06n01_05

Guiry, M., & Vequist, D. G. (2011). Traveling abroad for medical care: US medical tourists’ expectations and perceptions of service quality. Health Marketing Quarterly, 28 (3), 253–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/07359683.2011.595644

Kowalska, N., & Ostręga, A. (2020). Using SERVQUAL method to assess tourist service quality by the example of the Silesian Museum Established on the post-mining area. Land, 9 (9), 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/land9090333

Lam, S., Lee, V., Ooi, K., & Phusavat, K. (2012). A structural equation model of TQM, market orientation and service quality: evidence from a developing nation. Managing Service Quality, 22 (3), 281–309. https://doi.org/10.1108/09604521211230996

Mary, S. S. (2014). Medical tourism in Asia—an overview. Scholars World-IRMJCR, 2 , 131–136.

Mishra, V., Samuel, C., & Sharma, S. K. (2019). Patient’s utility for various attributes of diabetes care services. IIM Kozhikode Society and Management Review, 8 (1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277975218798134

Moghavvemi, S., Ormond, M., Musa, G., Isa, C. R. M., Thirumoorthi, T., Mustapha, M. Z. B., & Chandy, J. J. C. (2017). Connecting with prospective medical tourists online: A cross-sectional analysis of private hospital websites promoting medical tourism in India, Malaysia, and Thailand. Tourism Management, 58 , 154–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.10.010

Moirangthem, N. S., & Nag, B. (2020). Developing a framework of regional competitiveness using macro and microeconomic factors and evaluating sources of change in regional competitiveness in India using Malmquist Productivity Index. International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, 15 (2), 61–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42943-020-00016-2

Nitecki, D. A., & Hernon, P. (2000). Measuring service quality at Yale university’s libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 26 (4), 259–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-1333(00)00117-8

Nyumba, T. O., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9 (1), 20–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12860

Olya, H., & Nia, T. H. (2021). The medical tourism index and behavioral responses of medical travelers: A mixed-method study. Journal of Travel Research, 60 (4), 779–798. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287520915278

Parasuraman, A., Zeithaml, V. A., & Berry, L. (1988). SERVQUAL: A multiple-item scale for measuring consumer perceptions of service quality. Journal of Retailing, 64 (1), 12–40.

Parasuraman, A., Berry, L., & Zeithaml, V. (2002). Refinement and reassessment of the SERVQUAL scale. Journal of Retailing, 67 (4), 114–139.

Pekkaya, M., Pulat İmamoğlu, Ö., & Koca, H. (2019). Evaluation of healthcare service quality via SERVQUAL scale: An application on a hospital. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 12 (4), 340–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/20479700.2017.1389474

Qolipour, M., Torabipour, A., Khiavi, F. F., & Malehi, A. S. (2018). Assessing medical tourism services quality using SERVQUAL model: A patient’s perspective. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 47 (1), 103–110.

Saleh, F., & Ryan, C. (1991). Analyzing service quality in the hospitality industry using the SERVQUAL model. Service Industries Journal, 11 (3), 324–345. https://doi.org/10.1080/02642069100000049

Sankar, P. (2019). Medical tourism in India: Issues, opportunities and designing strategies for growth and development. Sociology of Medical Tourism , (pp. 227–240). Chennai: MJP Publishers

Skulmoski, G. J., Hartman, F. T., & Krahn, J. (2007). The Delphi method for graduate research. Journal of Information Technology Education Research, 6 (1), 1–21.

Suess, C., Baloglu, S., & Busser, J. A. (2018). Perceived impacts of medical tourism development on community wellbeing. Tourism Management, 69 , 232–245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.06.006

Tripathi, S. N., & Siddiqui, M. H. (2018). Assessing the quality of healthcare services: A SERVQUAL approach. International Journal of Healthcare Management . https://doi.org/10.1080/20479700.2018.1469212

Turner, L. G. (2011). Quality in health care and globalization of health services: Accreditation and regulatory oversight of medical tourism companies. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 23 (1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzq078

Wang, I., & Shieh, C. (2006). The relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction: The example of CJCU library. Journal of Information Optimization Services, 27 (1), 193–209. https://doi.org/10.1080/02522667.2006.10699686

Wong, K. M., & Musa, G. (2012). Medical tourism in Asia: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and India. Medical tourism: The ethics, regulation, and marketing of health mobility. Routledge.

Zhao, X., Bai, C., & Hui, Y. V. (2002). An empirical assessment and application of SERVQUAL in a mainland Chinese department store. Total Quality Management, 13 (2), 241–254. https://doi.org/10.1080/09544120120102478

Download references

Acknowledgements

The infrastructural support provided by the FORE School of Management, New Delhi is greatly appreciated. The authors are also thankful to the editor and reviewer for their valuable input and comments, which have helped in improving the manuscript significantly.

There is not any funding to report.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

QT and OM Area, FORE School of Management, New Delhi, India

Vinaytosh Mishra & Mohita G. Sharma

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

VM: study planning, data collection and data analysis, and manuscript writing. MoGS: study planning, literature review, and manuscript writing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vinaytosh Mishra .

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest.

There is not any conflict of interest to report.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Mishra, V., Sharma, M.G. Framework for Promotion of Medical Tourism: A Case of India. JGBC 16 (Suppl 1), 103–111 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42943-021-00027-7

Download citation

Received : 26 April 2021

Accepted : 19 June 2021

Published : 28 June 2021

Issue Date : December 2021

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s42943-021-00027-7

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Service quality
• Export competitiveness
• Medical tourism
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

• Education News
• NTA releases NEET UG 2024 result ahead of time, official cut-offs awaited: Check last year's trends, closing ranks for AIIMS and other government medical colleges

NTA releases NEET UG 2024 result ahead of time, official cut-offs awaited: Check last year's trends, closing ranks for AIIMS and other government medical colleges

NEET UG Cut-off Decoded

Neet ug 2023 cut-off, neet ug rank: how is it calculated, neet ug opening and closing ranks: all you need to know, neet ug cut-off 2023: opening and closing ranks for aiims, neet ug cut off 2023: opening and closing ranks for government medical colleges, visual stories.

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations.

8 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance (+ What to Tip)

Suzanne Mason and Rachael Hood

From planning to arrival, get helpful tips to make the journey easier.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Neet 2024 results sparks concern: physics wallah's alakh pandey questions scoring, calls for more medical college seats.

Physics Wallah CEO Alakh Pandey has voiced concerns over the NEET 2024 results, highlighting discrepancies in scoring and the limited availability of seats in top medical colleges. He urged for an increase in government medical college seats to accommodate deserving students. Pandey's comments went viral, sparking discussions about the fairness of the scoring system and the need for broader access to medical education.

Modi 3.0 Live

Modi 3.0 is here! Familiar faces, fresh additions, and the big portfolio puzzle

Modi-fying growth: India plans policy twist for jobs & investment

No place for losers: Modi sends a clear message with Cabinet 3.0

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Physics Wallah (PW) (@physicswallah)

Physics Wallah Student Secures Top Rank in NEET UG 2024

Read more news on.

(Catch all the Business News , Breaking News , Exit Polls News , Election Results News Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times .)

Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

Five things this global giant needs to do as it enters Blinkit, Zepto’s turf

A gender trend you just can’t ignore

As power gears shift at the Centre, can markets learn to love populism and stop worrying?

A pile up of cars is sending a chilling SOS across Maruti, Hyundai et al.

Project Irongate: How ICICI Bank’s secret outreach campaign drew Sebi ire

5 ingredients in Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal magic potion

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Verdict Day Offer

Get flat 20% off on ETPrime

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in