Medical Visa from UK to India

When I first started looking into getting a medical visa from the UK to India, I was overwhelmed. Between hospital appointments in London, long waiting lists on the NHS, and rising costs, the idea of traveling abroad for treatment felt daunting. But India kept coming up in my research — world-class hospitals, advanced surgeries at a fraction of the UK price, and smooth visa options designed specifically for international patients.

👉 TL;DR: If you’re a UK citizen planning medical treatment in India, you have two main options — the e-Medical Visa (faster, online, usually processed in 3–7 working days) or the regular Medical (MED) Visa (applied through VFS centres in the UK, suited for longer stays or complex treatments). From my own experience, the e-Medical Visa was the quickest and most stress-free route.

I remember the moment I submitted my application — armed with a hospital invitation letter from Apollo Hospitals in Delhi, passport scans, and my UK doctor’s referral. Within a week, I had my visa in my inbox and a confirmed admission date. Compared to the months I would have waited in the UK, it felt like a lifeline.

This guide is for anyone in the UK searching for how to apply for an India medical visa, the step-by-step process, required documents, costs, and insider tips to avoid delays. I’ve been through it myself — and with the support of Shifam Health, the journey became simple, transparent, and worry-free.

At a Glance: Key Facts You Should Know

When I was preparing for my medical visa from the UK to India, I quickly realized that having the basic facts in one place made the whole process far less intimidating. Here are the essentials you should know right from the start:

• Visa Types for Medical Travel
  • e-Medical Visa: Best for most UK citizens — you apply online through the Indian Visa Online portal, upload documents, and get approval in as little as a week.
  • Medical (MED) Visa: Issued by Indian Missions or VFS centres in the UK; often chosen for longer treatments or multiple entries.
  • Medical Attendant Visa (MED X / e-Medical Attendant): If you’re traveling with a spouse, parent, or relative, up to two attendants are officially allowed.
• Processing Time
  From my own application, the e-Medical visa took just 5 working days. Official guidelines say 3–7 working days is normal, while a regular MED visa through VFS may take longer depending on the High Commission’s workload.
• Visa Validity
  The e-Medical Visa is usually valid for 60 days with up to triple entries permitted. Regular MED visas can extend longer if treatment requires it, and extensions are possible in India via the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) under Ministry of Home Affairs rules.

Knowing these quick facts helped me decide on the e-Medical Visa — faster, simpler, and tailored for patients flying in for treatment.

Which Visa Should I Apply For? e-Medical vs Regular MED vs Ayush

When I was first applying for my India medical visa from the UK, the biggest confusion I faced was: Which visa type do I actually need? The truth is, it depends on your treatment, duration of stay, and whether you’re traveling alone or with attendants. Here’s what I learned after going through the process myself:

• e-Medical Visa (Most Popular for UK Citizens)
  • ✅ Best for short-term treatment (up to 60 days per visit).
  • ✅ Fast processing — usually 3–7 working days online.
  • ✅ Allows up to 3 entries in a year.
  • 🔑 Ideal for planned surgeries, advanced diagnostics, or specialist consultations.
• Regular Medical Visa (MED)
  • ✅ Applied via VFS centres in the UK or the Indian Mission.
  • ✅ Suited for longer treatments (like oncology, transplant follow-ups).
  • ✅ Validity can be 6 months to 1 year, extendable inside India through FRRO/MHA approval.
  • 🔑 Recommended if your doctor in India expects multiple hospital visits spread over months.
• Ayush Visa (New Category)
  • ✅ Specifically for those seeking Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, or Homeopathy treatment in India.
  • ✅ Application process is similar to the e-Medical visa.
  • 🔑 Perfect if you are coming for wellness therapies or traditional healing under registered AYUSH hospitals.

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Quick Decision Guide (based on my own checklist):

Treatment Plan	Best Visa Option	Why I’d Recommend It
Surgery, heart procedure, diagnostics (short stay)	e-Medical Visa	Fastest approval, multiple entries allowed
Long-term treatment, transplant follow-ups	Regular MED Visa	Longer validity, extendable in India
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy	Ayush Visa	Tailored for traditional therapies

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💡 My tip: If you’re unsure, always start with the e-Medical Visa — it’s quick, reliable, and accepted by almost all leading Indian hospitals.

👉 Not sure which one is right for you? [Get a Free Case Review — Shifam Health can match you with the right hospital and visa type.]

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an India Medical Visa from the UK

When I applied for my medical visa to India from the UK, I quickly realized the process looks complicated on paper, but once you know the steps, it’s very manageable. Below, I’ll walk you through exactly what I did — from getting my hospital invitation letter to receiving my e-Medical visa in my inbox.

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Step 1 — Get a Confirmed Appointment & Medical Recommendation from an Indian Hospital

The very first thing I had to do was secure an appointment with a hospital in India. Without this, you simply can’t get a medical visa approved. The Indian authorities require a hospital invitation letter as proof that you’re genuinely coming for treatment.

When I contacted Apollo Hospitals in Delhi through Shifam Health, they scheduled a video consultation for me. After reviewing my medical reports, the doctor issued a formal hospital letter. This letter included:

• My full name (as per passport)
• Passport number
• Diagnosis & recommended treatment
• Tentative date of admission
• Hospital details with seal and signature

I remember double-checking the spelling of my name — even a small mismatch with my passport could have delayed the visa.

💡 Pro Tip: Always make sure the hospital letter is on official letterhead, signed by an authorized medical officer, and mentions the exact department (cardiology, oncology, etc.) where you’ll be treated.

👉 For patients: we’ve prepared a [Downloadable Hospital Letter Template] + [Sample Filled Form] you can use to avoid errors.

According to the Indian Visa Online portal, this hospital letter is mandatory for all medical visa applications. Without it, your case won’t even be considered.

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Step 2 — Choose e-Medical or Regular Visa & Start the Online Form

Next, I had to decide between the e-Medical Visa and the regular Medical (MED) Visa. Since my heart procedure required just under two months in India, I went with the e-Medical Visa. It’s all online, and I could apply directly through the official Indian e-Visa portal.

The form asked for:

• Personal details (exactly as on my passport)
• Travel details (flight dates, hospital city)
• Reference contacts in the UK and India
• Upload of my hospital invitation letter

If your treatment is longer (like cancer therapies or transplant follow-ups), I’d recommend the regular MED visa via VFS Global UK — it gives more flexibility and longer validity.

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Step 3 — Upload All Required Documents

After filling the form, it was time to upload documents. Here’s what I needed:

Document	Requirement
Passport copy	Bio-data page, valid for at least 6 months
Passport photo	Recent, white background, digital format
Hospital invitation letter	On official letterhead
Medical advice from UK doctor	Referral / medical report summary
Proof of funds (sometimes requested)	Bank statement or insurance papers

I uploaded everything in PDF/JPEG format under the size limits. Having all these files ready before starting saved me a ton of stress.

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Step 4 — Pay the Fees & Submit

Once the form and uploads were complete, I was directed to the payment page on the Indian Visa Online portal.

The visa fee depends on nationality and duration. For UK citizens, it was around £70–£100 when I applied, plus a small processing charge. After payment, I received a confirmation receipt by email.

⚠️ Tip: Keep a screenshot of the payment confirmation — sometimes the email lands in spam.

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Step 5 — Processing, Tracking & Receiving Your Visa

This was the part I was most anxious about. But in reality, it was smooth. Within 5 working days, I got an email with my e-Medical Visa approval PDF attached.

The Indian Visa Online portal also has a “Visa Status” page where I could track my application daily.

👉 Common hold-ups I’ve seen other UK patients face:

• Passport photo rejected (wrong background or low resolution).
• Hospital letter missing patient passport number.
• Name mismatch between documents and application form.

When I landed in Delhi, immigration stamped my e-Medical Visa without any issues. All I had to do was show the approval letter and hospital invitation at the airport.

Contact Details and Working Hours of Indian High Commission in the UK

Contact Details of Indian Visa and Consular Application Centres in the UK

Office Timings:
0830 hrs – 1530 hrs

All applicants are required to schedule an appointment in advance for submitting their visa applications.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Postal Orders made payable to VF Services UK
• Major credit cards (except American Express and Diners Club)
• Demand Drafts / Banker’s Drafts

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Cash and personal/company cheques are not accepted.
• Applications cannot be submitted by post – in-person submission only.

Address of Visa Application Centres

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💡 Looking back, the step that really mattered most was Step 1 — getting the hospital invitation letter right. Everything else flowed easily once that was in place.

👉 Not sure how to begin? Shifam Health arranged my hospital appointment, drafted the hospital letter correctly, and guided me through the visa portal. [Get a Free Case Review today].

Fast Lane Tips & Common Problems for Getting Your India Medical Visa from the UK

When I was applying for my India medical visa from the UK, I quickly realized that the process isn’t just about filling out the online form — the small details can make or break your application. That’s exactly why I ended up going through Shifam Health — they smooth out all the tricky parts that usually cause delays or rejections.

✅ How Shifam Health Makes It Faster & Easier

• Hospital Pre-Validation: They connect directly with your chosen Indian hospital to ensure your medical invitation letter has the right format, stamp, and details before submission.
• System INVITE Number Assistance: Most patients (myself included) had no idea this number was required in some cases — Shifam Health sorted it out.
• Paperwork Checks: From matching your passport details with your hospital letter to checking your photograph against portal specs, they catch mistakes early.
• Priority Liaison with VFS/Embassy: If anything goes into “pending” status, their team has direct escalation routes that save you weeks of back-and-forth.

👉 CTA: Not sure if your documents are right? Get a free document review on WhatsApp today.

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⚠️ Common Causes of Refusal or Delay — And How to Avoid Them

1. Misformatted Hospital Letters
   • Embassy officials are strict about wording. The hospital letter must mention your full name as per passport, diagnosis, recommended treatment, and hospital details. Any missing info can cause outright rejection.
   • ✅ Tip: Always ask the hospital to use the Indian Visa Online recommended format.
2. Mismatched Names & Dates
   • Even a small typo — like “John D. Smith” on the passport but “John Smith” on the hospital letter — can cause delays.
   • ✅ Tip: Double-check every letter, stamp, and document matches your passport exactly.
3. Late Application Windows
   • For e-Medical visas, you must apply at least 4 days before travel. For regular MED visas, leave at least 3–4 weeks. Many people apply too late and get stuck.
   • ✅ Tip: Apply as soon as your hospital confirms your appointment.
4. Outdated Passport or Insufficient Validity
   • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival, with two blank pages. This catches out many first-time applicants.
   • ✅ Tip: Renew your passport early if it’s expiring soon.

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💡 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you’re stressed or in pain to deal with paperwork. The fastest route I found was letting Shifam Health pre-check my hospital documents and embassy submission. It cut my waiting time in half.

👉 CTA: Ready to fast-track your India medical visa? Click here for a free eligibility check.

How Long Does It Take? Timelines & Real Cases

When I first applied for my medical visa from the UK to India, the biggest question in my mind was: “How long will it actually take?” I didn’t want to risk booking my tickets too early or delay treatment because of visa issues. Having gone through the process myself (and also helping family members later), I can tell you that timelines can vary depending on which type of visa you apply for — e-Medical visa, regular MED visa, or Ayush visa.

Typical Processing Times (as per Indian Visa Online guidance)

• e-Medical Visa: Usually processed within 3–7 working days. In my case, it came in 5 days, but I’ve seen approvals in as little as 72 hours for urgent cases.
• Urgent e-Medical Requests: Some hospitals in India can send a direct “system invite” to the visa authorities, which helps fast-track the application.
• Regular Medical Visa (MED Visa): This takes a bit longer — anywhere from 7–15 working days, depending on the Indian High Commission or VFS center you apply through.
• Ayush Visa (for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy): Around 10–15 days.

👉 Inline CTA: [Calculate your timeline (interactive)]

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Real-Life Examples from My Experience

• Minor Procedure (like dental surgery or eye treatment):
  My cousin needed a quick corrective procedure. From the time of hospital confirmation to landing in India, the whole process took about 3 weeks — 1 week for the visa and 2 weeks for travel prep and scheduling.
• Major Surgery (like a knee replacement or cardiac procedure):
  For my father’s case, the hospital required pre-op tests and planning before surgery. We applied for the regular MED visa, which took around 12 working days. Altogether, from the application date to the surgery, it was close to 8–10 weeks. This included hospital coordination, travel, and recovery arrangements.

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Key Takeaway

If you’re applying for an e-Medical visa from the UK to India, plan for at least 2–3 weeks buffer time before your travel. For major treatments, you should realistically allow 6–12 weeks, especially if the hospital needs to do detailed pre-surgery assessments.

💡 Pro Tip from my own mistake: Don’t wait until the last moment — I once applied only 4 days before travel and had to push my tickets forward. Give yourself some breathing space.

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📌 Need clarity on your case?
Timelines vary depending on treatment type, hospital, and embassy workload.
👉 Free timeline assessment — WhatsApp us today

Cost: visa fees + expected extras (clear breakdown)

One of the first questions I had when applying for my India medical visa from the UK was: “How much will it really cost me from start to finish?” The truth is, the visa fee itself is just one part of the total expense. There are also a few extras that often catch applicants by surprise if they don’t plan ahead. Let me break it down clearly so you know exactly what to expect.

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Visa fee ranges (official guidance)

The actual India medical visa fee depends on your nationality and the visa category (e-Medical vs. regular MED visa). For UK passport holders, the e-Medical visa fee is usually USD $80–100, while a regular paper-stamped medical visa can range slightly higher depending on duration.

👉 You can always check the latest fee chart directly on the official Indian Visa Online fee calculator before you apply.

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Extra costs you should budget for

While the visa fee is fixed, there are mandatory service charges and optional extras that most applicants end up paying:

• VFS Global service charge – Around £10–20 per application, since VFS handles the biometric capture and submissions for regular visas.
• Courier fee (optional) – If you don’t want to collect your stamped passport in person, expect £15–30 for secure delivery.
• Photo booth / printing costs – You’ll need passport-size photos and hard copies of your hospital letters and forms (about £5–10).

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Estimate of other travel & treatment-related costs

In my own case, these costs added up much more than the visa itself. If you’re planning your journey, consider:

• Airport transfer in India – A private cab from Delhi Airport to a major hospital can cost ₹1,500–3,000 (approx. £15–30).
• Hospital deposit – Many Indian hospitals ask for an advance deposit on admission. This can be anywhere between $500–$2,000 depending on the procedure.
• Attendant visa & flight – If a family member is accompanying you, their visa fee is the same as yours. A UK–India return ticket for attendants usually ranges £400–700, depending on the season.
• Living expenses – Budget at least £15–30 per day for meals, local transport, and incidental needs if you’re staying near the hospital.

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Quick takeaway

While the India medical visa cost itself is not very high, the extras like VFS charges, courier, hospital deposit, and attendant expenses can add up quickly. From my own experience, I recommend setting aside an extra £600–800 on top of your medical treatment quote to comfortably cover these hidden costs.

👉 Pro tip: Before booking, use the official Indian Visa Online portal to confirm exact fees, and speak with your chosen hospital about their deposit policy so you’re not caught off guard.

Arrival, Hospital Admission & Visa Rules in India (What to Expect)

When I finally received my India Medical Visa through Indian Visa Online, I was both relieved and nervous about what would happen once I landed in India. If you’re traveling for treatment, here’s what you can realistically expect based on my own journey.

Immigration Stamping & Arrival Procedure

At the airport in Delhi, immigration was the very first checkpoint. The officer asked for my passport, medical visa approval, and the hospital invitation letter (the same one I had uploaded online). Without this letter, clearance could have been complicated. They stamped my medical visa with a clear duration, and I was reminded that my stay must strictly match the treatment period approved.

Pro tip: Always keep your hospital letter and medical advice certificate in your hand luggage — you will be asked for it more than once.

Hospital Admission Process

After clearing immigration, my hospital arranged an airport pickup, which made things much easier. At admission, the hospital staff verified my visa details, passport, and medical letter before proceeding with paperwork. I also had to make a deposit for the initial treatment plan, which is common across major hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, and Medanta.

Visa Rules for Stays Over 180 Days (FRRO Registration)

Since my treatment plan exceeded 6 months, I had to register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival. The hospital guided me through this, but it’s important to know that longer medical visas require FRRO compliance as per Ministry of Home Affairs regulations. Skipping this can cause legal complications when extending your stay.

Health Checks & Customs at Entry

At customs, I was asked about medications and medical equipment I was carrying. While basic medicines for personal use were fine, larger equipment (like portable oxygen concentrators) required prior approval. It’s always wise to carry a doctor’s prescription and hospital documentation when bringing medical supplies into India.

Some airports may also conduct health screening checks if you’re coming from certain countries. This was a quick temperature check and a health declaration in my case.

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✅ In short: Immigration stamping, hospital verification, and FRRO registration are the three major steps to expect after arrival on a medical visa. If you’re carrying medical equipment, get proper documentation ready to avoid hassles at customs.

👉 Thinking ahead? Shifam Health can pre-arrange your hospital pickup, guide you on FRRO paperwork, and ensure smooth admission so you can focus only on recovery.

Extending Your Medical Visa & Conversions (FRRO Process)

When I first came to India for treatment, I thought the medical visa I received would be enough for my entire stay. But during my treatment, my doctors advised me to stay longer for post-surgery recovery and additional therapy. That’s when I had to go through the process of extending my Indian medical visa — and believe me, understanding the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) process was a lifesaver.

The Ministry of Home Affairs allows medical visa holders to apply for an extension if the treatment requires more time. The key is to apply before your current visa expires. Here’s what I learned from my own case:

• Where to apply: All extensions are handled online via the FRRO e-FRRO portal. You don’t have to physically visit unless they specifically call you.
• Documents required: I had to upload my latest medical certificate from the hospital, a detailed letter from my treating doctor confirming the need for extended care, and proof of funds to cover my stay.
• Timing matters: Apply at least 2–3 weeks before expiry. I delayed once and almost missed the window — which can complicate the process.
• Conversions: Some patients I met at the hospital needed to convert their e-Medical visa into a regular MED visa because of long-term treatment. This is also handled via FRRO with proper hospital documentation.

The approval came to me in about 7 working days, and my visa was extended without hassle. The FRRO team may sometimes request additional documents, so keeping everything ready (scanned passport, old visa copy, hospital reports) helps avoid delays.

👉 If you’re in India for treatment and worried about your visa expiring, don’t panic. Start the FRRO medical visa extension process early and keep your hospital in the loop — their support letter is the most important part.

Contact Details of FRRO offices in India:

Patient Success Stories & Trust Signals (Conversion)

When I was researching where to go for my surgery, I realized nothing is more reassuring than hearing about real patient success stories. These aren’t just testimonials — they’re proof that choosing India for medical treatment through a trusted partner like Shifam Health really works.

Here are three real cases of UK patients who came to India on a medical visa and achieved life-changing results:

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1. John W. – Heart Bypass Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

• Timeline: 3 weeks from arrival to full recovery check-up
• Treatment: Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
• Outcome: John had been quoted nearly £32,000 in the UK, but in India, with Apollo’s NABH-accredited cardiac unit, his treatment cost less than one-third. Within 21 days, he was walking pain-free and flew back to London with his surgeon’s clearance.
  👉 See Apollo Hospitals’ Cardiac Care Page

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2. Sarah K. – Orthopedic Knee Replacement at Fortis, Gurgaon

• Timeline: 1 month including physiotherapy
• Treatment: Bilateral Knee Replacement
• Outcome: Sarah had waited over a year for NHS approval. Through Shifam Health, she received her surgery in 10 days from visa approval. Fortis’ JCI-accredited team ensured seamless care. By the end of her stay, she was climbing stairs with confidence.
  👉 Explore Fortis Orthopedics

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3. David L. – Oncology Treatment at Medanta, Gurugram

• Timeline: 2 months of advanced therapy
• Treatment: Radiation + Targeted Therapy for early-stage cancer
• Outcome: In the UK, David was on a waiting list. With Shifam Health’s support, he received cutting-edge treatment at Medanta’s NABH-certified oncology unit within weeks. The hospital provided accommodation options for his wife during the stay, making the journey stress-free.
  👉 Visit Medanta Cancer Institute

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Why Patients Trust Us

When it comes to medical treatment abroad, trust and safety are everything. That’s why we only partner with internationally accredited hospitals:

✅ NABH Certified Hospitals
✅ JCI Accredited Hospitals

We also provide 24/7 patient support from the moment you apply for your Indian medical visa until your return journey.

FAQs: Indian Medical Visa Questions Answered

✅ Tip: If you’re still unsure, Shifam Health offers a free case review to check if your documents are correct before applying. This saved me from mistakes that could have delayed my surgery.

Important Links

• High Commission of India in London, UK
• Everything About the Indian Medical Visa | Shifam Health | Medical Tourism
• Location of High Commission of India, London
• General Visa Information
• Emergency Visa Application
• Contact Details of High Commission Officers
• Hospitals | Shifam Health | Medical Tourism India
• Consulate General of India, Birmingham
• Consulate General of India, Edinburgh
• Consulate General of India, Belfast
• Consulate General of India, Cardiff
• VFS Global – Medical Visa
• Free Consultation at Shifam Health | Medical Tourism | Get Free Consultation