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Medical Visa Assistance

At CureIndia, we understand that travelling to a foreign country for medical treatment can be an overwhelming and life-changing decision. Along with choosing the right doctor and hospital, managing travel documentation and the visa process can be very complex. That’s why we at CureIndia, a leading medical value travel platform, offer comprehensive Indian medical visa and India medical e visa services to all our international patients for a smooth treatment in India.

Our team at CureIndia provides end-to-end support throughout the entire visa application process. We help you understand the visa eligibility requirements, assist in gathering and preparing the necessary documentation, and provide you with an official invitation letter from our hospital. We also guide you through each step of the visa application process, helping you make sure that all forms are filled accurately and submitted on time.

What are the Types of Indian Visas for Medical Travel?

There are five types of medical visas that are available for international patients and their families, depending on their purpose of travel. These are:

1. Medical Visa (MED Visa):

A medical visa is intended for international patients who are travelling specifically to India for medical treatment. It is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended if needed. An official hospital invitation letter is required for a medical visa application.

2. Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX Visa)

A medical attendant visa is issued to family members or caregivers who are accompanying a patient with a medical visa. A maximum of two attendants are allowed per patient, and this visa is supposed to be linked to the primary patient’s visa.

3. Tourist Visa (T Visa):

A tourist visa is best for general tourism or short consultations and non-surgical procedures but is not the right choice for major medical procedures. It is very difficult to convert into a Medical Visa, so it's not recommended for planned treatments.

4. e-Medical Visa (e-MED Visa)

The e-MED Visa is a fast-track electronic visa available through the Indian government’s e-Visa portal. Valid for 60 days with up to three entries, this option is best for short-term treatments and quicker processing.

5. Business Visa (for Medical Conferences/Training)

The business visa is best for doctors, healthcare professionals, and pharma delegates attending medical conferences, seminars, or training programs in India. It requires an invitation from a recognised Indian organisation or institution.

What is a Medical Visa?

A medical visa is a special visa that is granted to international patients needing treatment in recognised and accredited hospitals across all of India. It is valid for up to 60 days and is extendable in certain cases based on the nature and duration of the treatment. This visa is specifically designed for patients undergoing serious medical procedures in India such as organ transplants, cardiac surgeries, orthopedic procedures, cancer treatment, fertility treatments, and more.

Who Can Apply for an Indian Medical Visa?

A Medical Visa is intended for foreign nationals who require specialised medical treatment in India. You are eligible for applying if you meet these e medical visa India requirements:

  • You are needing treatment at a recognised and accredited hospital in India.
  • Your condition requires prolonged & specialised medical care.
  • You have a recommendation or diagnosis from a registered medical practitioner in your home country.
  • You can provide proof of financial means to support your treatment and stay in India.

Note: Cosmetic procedures or routine dental check-ups might not qualify for a medical visa unless they are medically necessary.

What Countries are Eligible for an Indian Medical Visa?

India offers medical visa services for patients travelling for medical treatment, as well as their attendants. This visa is available to citizens of most countries worldwide. These countries include:

  1. Nigeria
  2. Kenya
  3. Ghana
  4. Ethiopia
  5. Uganda
  6. Tanzania
  7. South Africa
  8. United States of America
  9. United Kingdom
  10. Canada
  11. Australia
  12. Germany
  13. France
  14. Sweden
  15. Switzerland
  16. Italy

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for a Medical Visa in India?

CureIndia’s experienced team guides you through every stage of the medical visa application process. Here is the step-by-step procedure for an Indian medical visa application:

Step 1: Confirm Your Treatment Plan

You can start by consulting with CureIndia to confirm your diagnosis, treatment plan, and hospital. Once confirmed, you will receive an official invitation letter from our treating hospital, which is a mandatory document for your visa application.

Step 2: Check Visa Eligibility

You will need to make sure that you meet the criteria for a medical visa based on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and hospital accreditation. CureIndia helps evaluate your eligibility and provides personalised assistance.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

The documents required for an Indian medical visa application include:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Online visa application form
  • Proof of address
  • Invitation letter from the Indian hospital
  • Proof of medical diagnosis
  • Recommendation from a local doctor
  • Financial proof (bank statement, sponsorship letter, etc.)
  • Surrender certificate (mandatory only for Indian origin foreign nationals)

Step 4: Submit the Visa Application

Apply through the official Indian Visa portal or Indian embassy or consulate in your country. CureIndia assists you in accurately filling out forms and ensuring all your documents are properly submitted.

Step 5: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport. You can know the current status of the application by doing a quick Indian medical visa status check on the official Indian visa website. You’re now ready to book your travel and begin your recovery in India.

What are Some Points to Consider While Applying for an Indian Medical Visa?

Applying for an Indian medical visa to India requires careful preparation and attention to detail. For a timely approval process, you will need to keep the following points in mind:

  • Apply under the correct visa category (MED, MEDX, or e-MED)
  • Have an official invitation letter from a recognised Indian hospital
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • Include medical reports, diagnosis, and doctor’s recommendation
  • Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date
  • Check visa rules specific to your country of residence

What happens if I need to stay longer in India for my medical treatment?

If your medical treatment plan is extended and your recovery requires a longer stay in India, CureIndia also offers comprehensive A-Z support to help you continue your stay in India. Our team will assist you in applying for an Indian medical visa extension by coordinating with your treating hospital to provide updated medical reports, treatment summaries, and a new official letter justifying the extended duration. We will also guide you through the FRRO procedures, which are mandatory for foreign nationals staying in India beyond a specific period. Apart from that, you will need to make sure that all documentation is accurate and submitted on time so that you remain fully compliant with Indian immigration laws throughout your stay.

Can I Convert My Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa While in India?

Although the conversion can be very difficult, in certain emergency situations, visa conversion is possible. If you are already in India on a Tourist Visa or another type of visa and suddenly require urgent or unforeseen medical treatment, CureIndia can assist you in initiating the conversion process to a Medical Visa.

Our team will:

  • Coordinate with the treating hospital to issue a medical urgency certificate
  • Help prepare the necessary documentation for visa conversion
  • Guide you through the FRRO process

*Note: Visa conversion is granted only in exceptional or emergency cases and is subject to approval by Indian immigration authorities. It is not guaranteed and depends on the nature of the medical condition and supporting documentation.

What Kind of Arrival and Immigration Support Does CureIndia Provide?

CureIndia goes beyond just helping you get a visa. We ensure that your arrival in India is safe, successful and stress-free. Our expert team offers comprehensive arrival and immigration support, including:

  • Airport pickup and drop-off to and from your accommodation or hospital
  • Local SIM card arrangements so you can stay connected from day one
  • Translation and interpreter services for non-English-speaking patients
  • Help with currency exchange and international travel cards for your convenience
  • Accommodation assistance, including bookings at hotels or guest houses near your chosen hospital.