Medical Visa from Canada to India: Complete Guide 2026

Generally, treatment in India is not covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP or MSP. While these plans value universal healthcare, the wait times for non-emergency procedures in Canada can be extensive, often lasting months or even over a year. Many Canadians find that the out-of-pocket cost in India is significantly lower than private clinics within Canada—for example, a knee replacement in India costs roughly $6,000 compared to $30,000 at a private Canadian clinic. This makes medical tourism a viable financial "lifeline" to avoid living in prolonged discomfort.

Yes. India boasts over 50 JCI-accredited hospitals, which is more than any country outside the US, ensuring they meet the same rigorous international quality and safety standards found in top North American facilities. Many leading Indian specialists have trained at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins, and patients often describe the care as world-class or even superior to what they have experienced in the US or Canada. Furthermore, India and Canada share a Commonwealth heritage, meaning medical documentation standards are compatible and English is the primary language for medical staff.

Ensuring a safe transition home is a core part of the process. Your journey includes an aftercare plan with virtual follow-up appointments scheduled once you return home. Patients return to Canada with complete medical records to ensure their local physicians have all the necessary information. Additionally, medical documentation standards in India are compatible with those in Canada, facilitating a seamless transfer of care if any local medical intervention is required.

The choice often comes down to the "Wait Time Crisis" in Canada. For example, a hip or knee replacement can involve a wait of 6 to 14 months in Canada, whereas the same procedure can be performed in India within 1 to 2 weeks. If you are living in pain or your condition is deteriorating while waiting for the provincial system, India offers immediate access at a fraction of the cost of private Canadian alternatives. We provide a free initial video consultation with specialists to help you review your medical records and make an informed decision.

Yes, family support is encouraged for a smooth recovery. The e-Medical Visa process allows for up to 2 attendants to accompany the patient to India. We handle the logistics for both the patient and their attendants, including airport pickups and coordinating accommodation options that range from hospital guest houses to 5-star hotels or service apartments with kitchens.

The typical timeline from arrival to recovery is generally between 1 to 3 weeks, though this varies by procedure. This period includes hospital admission, the treatment itself overseen by a dedicated care coordinator, and a post-operative recovery phase to ensure you are fit to fly back to Canada. For major surgeries like joint replacements, you might spend the first 1-2 weeks in India for immediate stabilization and initial rehab.

Your medical journey doesn't end when you leave the hospital. We provide virtual follow-ups with your Indian surgical team once you are back in Canada. Because our partner hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, and Max maintain international standards and use compatible medical documentation, your local Canadian GP can easily integrate your Indian treatment records into your permanent health history.

Not at all. For Canadian citizens, the e-Medical Visa is a streamlined process with a fee of approximately CAD $35 and a quick processing time of 3 to 5 business days. The visa is initially valid for 60 days and is extendable if your treatment requires a longer stay. We assist with the entire application to ensure it is handled correctly alongside your flight booking and hospital scheduling.