Medical Visa from USA to India: Complete Guide 2026
Discover why thousands of Americans choose India for world-class medical care at 60-90% savings. JCI-accredited hospitals, US-trained surgeons, and personalized concierge services designed for American patients.
Over thousands of patients successfully treated.
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Why Americans Choose Medical Tourism in India
With healthcare costs in the United States reaching unprecedented levels, millions of Americans are discovering that India offers the same quality of care—often with US-trained physicians and JCI-accredited facilities—at a fraction of the cost. Even after including airfare, accommodation, and all medical expenses, patients typically save 60-90% compared to US healthcare prices.
Why India is the #1 Medical Tourism Destination for Americans
US-Trained Doctors
Many Indian specialists completed residencies at top US medical centers like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Cleveland Clinic.
JCI Accreditation
India has the most JCI-accredited hospitals outside the US, meeting the same safety standards as American hospitals.
Transparent Pricing
All-inclusive package pricing with no hidden costs or surprise bills—something rare in US healthcare.
The American Healthcare Challenge
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 100 million Americans have medical debt. The average cost of a knee replacement in the US is $35,000-$50,000, while in India it's $5,000-$8,000 including hospital stay. For the uninsured or underinsured, medical tourism to India isn't just an option—it's a lifeline.
US Patient Helpline
Dedicated support for American patients
Quick Cost Comparison
Detailed Cost Comparison: USA vs India
Real savings for American patients across major medical procedures. High-quality care at a fraction of the cost.
| Procedure | USA Cost | India Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | $150,000 | $10,000 | 93% Savings |
| Knee Replacement | $45,000 | $6,000 | 87% Savings |
| Hip Replacement | $50,000 | $7,000 | 86% Savings |
| Spinal Fusion | $110,000 | $12,000 | 89% Savings |
| Dental Implants (Full) | $30,000 | $4,000 | 87% Savings |
| IVF Treatment | $25,000 | $4,000 | 84% Savings |
| Gastric Bypass | $35,000 | $6,000 | 83% Savings |
| Liver Transplant | $500,000 | $70,000 | 86% Savings |
Cardiac Surgery
Average savings on heart procedures including bypass and valve replacement.
Orthopedic Surgery
Average savings on joint replacements and spinal surgery procedures.
Cancer Treatment
Average oncology savings including chemotherapy and radiation.
Medical Visa for US Citizens
Simple e-Visa process with quick approval for American passport holders
e-Medical Visa (Recommended)
Important Notes for US Citizens
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages
Hospital Invitation Letter
We'll arrange this from your chosen hospital
Medical Reports
Recent test results and diagnosis documents
Passport Photo
Recent photo meeting e-Visa specifications
Proof of Funds
Bank statement or credit card for expenses
Travel Insurance
Recommended for comprehensive coverage
Top JCI-Accredited Hospitals for American Patients
World-class facilities with dedicated international patient departments
Apollo Hospitals
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai
Fortis Healthcare
Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai
Max Healthcare
Delhi NCR
Medanta
Gurugram, Delhi
Narayana Health
Bangalore, Delhi
Manipal Hospitals
Bangalore, Delhi
Most Popular Treatments for American Patients
Advanced medical procedures with exceptional outcomes
Cardiac Surgery
Bypass, valve replacement, angioplasty
Joint Replacement
Knee and hip replacement
Neurosurgery
Brain and spine procedures
Cancer Treatment
Surgery, chemo, radiation
Eye Surgery
LASIK, cataract, corneal
IVF Treatment
Full fertility treatment cycle
Dental Implants
Full mouth rehabilitation
Bariatric Surgery
Gastric bypass, sleeve
Your Medical Journey from USA to India
Seamless process from initial consultation to recovery.
Initial Consultation
Free video consultation with specialists, medical records review, and treatment plan.
Travel Planning
Visa assistance, flight booking, hospital appointment scheduling.
Arrival & Treatment
Airport pickup, hospital admission, treatment with dedicated care coordinator.
Recovery & Return
Post-op care, follow-up appointments, safe return home with aftercare plan.
Travel & Logistics Information
Direct flights from major US cities to India's healthcare hubs
Flight Options from USA
New York (JFK) → Delhi (DEL)
Air India, United, Delta
Los Angeles (LAX) → Mumbai (BOM)
Air India, Emirates
Chicago (ORD) → Delhi (DEL)
United, Air India
San Francisco (SFO) → Bangalore (BLR)
Air India, Qatar
Accommodation Options
5-Star Hotels
Near hospital, medical packages
Service Apartments
Kitchen, long-stay discounts
Hospital Guest House
On-campus, immediate access
Recovery Suites
Medical supervision included
Success Stories from American Patients
Real experiences from patients who chose India for their medical care
Robert M.
Texas, USA
Knee ReplacementJennifer S.
California, USA
Heart BypassMichael T.
Florida, USA
Dental ImplantsFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions from American patients about medical tourism to India
Absolutely. India features over 50 JCI-accredited hospitals that adhere to the same rigorous international safety and quality standards as premier US institutions. Many Indian specialists have completed their residencies or fellowships at prestigious American centers like the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Cleveland Clinic. Furthermore, these facilities perform millions of surgeries each year with success rates reaching 98%, which is comparable to or higher than averages in the US.
While many standard US domestic plans do not automatically cover elective international surgery, an increasing number of employers and insurance providers are including medical tourism options due to the 60-90% cost savings. We recommend checking with your provider for "out-of-network" or "global healthcare" riders. Even if paying out-of-pocket, the total cost—including travel—is typically a fraction of a US deductible or co-pay for major procedures.
Choosing the right facility involves looking for JCI accreditation, which ensures the hospital meets American-level safety protocols. Leading networks like Apollo, Fortis, Max, and Medanta are excellent choices as they maintain dedicated international wings and host thousands of American patients annually. We assist by matching your specific condition—be it cardiac, orthopedic, or oncology—with the hospital that has the highest success rates and most experienced specialists for that treatment.
Prior to your departure, your surgical team provides a comprehensive aftercare plan and schedules virtual follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. We also strongly recommend travel insurance specifically designed for medical travelers, which can provide coverage for comprehensive care. In the event of a local concern, your Indian medical records are provided in full detail, enabling your US primary care physician to understand exactly what was performed during the procedure.
The duration of your stay depends on the complexity of the procedure. Typically, patients spend between 7 to 21 days in India. This usually includes a few days for pre-operative consultations, the procedure itself, and an essential recovery period near the hospital to ensure you are fit to fly home. For instance, joint replacements might require about two weeks, whereas a heart bypass may require a slightly longer stay for initial recuperation and follow-up.
No, English is the primary language used in the Indian medical and corporate sectors. All doctors, nurses, and administrative staff at our partner hospitals are fluent in English. From your initial video consultation to your in-hospital care, you will be able to communicate clearly with every member of your medical team without any language barrier.
We provide all-inclusive package pricing to ensure there are no surprise bills—a stark contrast to US healthcare experiences. Most packages cover the surgery, surgeon fees, hospital stay, medications during the stay, and all pre- and post-operative diagnostic tests while in India. Many packages also include airport transfers and a dedicated care coordinator to manage your local logistics.
The process is straightforward and digital. You will share your recent test results, imaging (MRIs/CT scans), and diagnosis documents with us securely. These are then reviewed by Indian specialists during a free initial video consultation to confirm your treatment plan. This ensures that your surgical team in India has a comprehensive understanding of your history before you even board your flight.
Specialized Medical Visa Assistance for Patients From USA
Visa Application Assistance Form
Fill out this form to get personalized visa guidance
Our Visa Support Services
- Document verification and preparation
- Hospital invitation letter assistance
- Embassy appointment scheduling
- Application form review and guidance
- Interview preparation support
- Post-arrival FRRO registration assistance
Why Choose Shifam Health?
100% Success Rate
All properly documented applications approved
Expert Team
Specialized visa consultants with 10+ years experience
End-to-End Support
From application to arrival in India