Why Apollo Hospital is So Expensive in India?
Why is Apollo Hospital So Expensive? Understanding the Costs of Premium Healthcare in India
Apollo Hospitals is one of the most renowned hospitals in India, known for its world-class medical services, cutting-edge technology, and highly skilled doctors. However, many people often ask, “Why is Apollo Hospital so expensive?”
While Apollo’s treatment costs are significantly lower compared to hospitals in the USA, UK, or UAE, it is still considered one of the most premium healthcare institutions in India. In this short article, we will try to break down the reasons behind the high costs at Apollo Hospitals and whether the quality of care justifies the price.
1. Top-Class Infrastructure and Medical Facilities
- One of the primary reasons Apollo Hospitals is expensive is its state-of-the-art medical infrastructure.
- Internationally Accredited – JCI & NABH-certified hospitals ensuring world-class standards
Robotic Surgery Units – Apollo offers Da Vinci Robotic Surgeries for precision and faster recovery for patients
PET-CT, MRI & AI-Driven Diagnostics – High-end imaging and AI-powered diagnostic tools and techniques - Advanced ICU & Emergency Care – 24/7 critical care units with modern and advanced monitoring systems
- Apollo Hospitals invests heavily in medical technology, ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment.
2. Highly Qualified & Experienced Doctors in Apollo hospital
Apollo Hospitals employs the best doctors and surgeons in India, many of whom have trained at top institutions in the USA, UK, and Europe and some of them employed from abroad for specific speciality.
👨⚕️ Top Specialists in Every Field – From neurology to cardiology, Apollo has experts and specialities in every specialty
👨⚕️ International Training & Research – Doctors participate in global research and medical advancements and more importantly, it holds campaign conference in different countries to spread awareness
👨⚕️ Highly Competitive Salaries – To retain the best talent from India or from abroad, Apollo pays higher salaries to its specialists
The expertise and reputation of Apollo’s doctors contribute to higher consultation and surgery fees compared to local hospitals.
3. Advanced Medical Technology & High-Quality care
Apollo Hospitals is at the forefront of medical innovation and technology, using the latest tech for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures.
🔬 Da Vinci Robotic Surgery – Minimally invasive, AI-assisted surgical procedures
🔬 Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics – AI-powered tools for faster, more precise and accuracy diagnosis
🔬 Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgeries – Faster recovery, minimal scarring
🔬 CyberKnife Radiation Therapy – Advanced, non-invasive cancer treatment
These high-tech and top medical services increase the overall treatment costs but ensure better outcomes and quicker recovery and long-term success.
4. International Accreditations & Global Standards
Apollo Hospitals is one of the few Indian healthcare accredited by Joint Commission International and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers.
✔️ JCI Accreditation – Ensures the hospital meets global healthcare standards
✔️ NABH Certification – Guarantees high-quality patient care and safety
✔️ ISO 9001 Certification – Maintains strict hospital management and service quality
These accreditations require continuous upgrades in hospital infrastructure and patient quality care, which adds to the overall expenses.
5. Premium quality Patient Care & Luxury Amenities
Apollo Hospitals provides a range of high-end facilities that cater to patients seeking for luxury healthcare experiences.
🏨 Suite Rooms & VIP Wards – Private, 5-star hotel-style rooms for patients
🍽 Customized Diet Plans – Nutritionist-supervised meals tailored to individual needs
👩⚕️ Dedicated Patient Coordinators – Personal assistance for seamless treatment experience for the patients
🚘 Airport Pickup and drops & Travel Assistance – International patients receive end-to-end service
These premium services ensure patient comfort but also increase the hospital’s overall operational costs.
6. High Cost of Imported Medicines & high quality of Equipment
Apollo Hospitals uses internationally approved medicines and medical equipment, which are often imported to maintain its high-quality standard.
💊 FDA-Approved Medicines – some of medications at Apollo are sourced from the USA, UK, and Europe and other developed countries
🔬 Imported Medical Equipment – MRI machines, robotic surgery units, radiation therapy devices are from global brands like GE, Siemens, and Philips and all other premium medical equipment.
🩺 Stringent Quality Control – Apollo Hospital follows international protocols for hygiene, sterilization, and patient quality care
The use of high-quality, imported materials increases the cost of treatment.
7. Specialized Treatments & long-time Success Rates
Apollo is known for its high success rates in all medical procedures, including:
✅ Heart Surgery (99% success rate) – Apollo is a pioneer in cardiac treatments
✅ Cancer Treatment (Top-tier Oncology Care) – CyberKnife and Proton Therapy for advanced cancer cases
✅ Liver Transplants (90% success rate) – One of the highest survival rates in the country ✅ Joint Replacements & Orthopedic Surgeries – Performed using minimally invasive techniques.
The Apollo’s higher success rates justify the premium pricing for its treatments. Of the patients.
8. Dedicated International Patient coordinators
Apollo Hospitals is a top destination for medical tourism in India, offering:
🌍 Assistance of Visa & Medical Invitation Letters
🌍 Airport Pickup and drops & Luxury Accommodation
🌍 Interpreters and translator for Arabic, French, Russian, and other major languages
🌍 Cashless of all Treatment for International Insurance Holders
These services make Apollo the preferred choice for foreign patients, but also add to its cost structure.
Cost Comparison: Apollo vs. Other Healthcare & International Pricing
Apollo’s treatment costs may seem high for local patients, but when it is compared to the Western hospitals and healthcare institution, they are still 60-80% more affordable.
| Treatment | Apollo Hospitals (India) | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Bypass Surgery | $5,000 – $7,000 | $60,000 | $30,000 |
| Liver Transplant | $30,000 – $40,000 | $250,000 | $150,000 |
| IVF Treatment | $3,000 – $5,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 |
| Cancer Treatment | $5,000 – $10,000 | $100,000+ | $50,000+ |
| Knee Replacement | $4,500 – $6,500 | $50,000 | $25,000 |
While Apollo is more expensive than some of local hospitals in India, it offers premium healthcare quality, cutting-edge technology, and patient services.Consult a Medical Tourism Facilitator 🧳: Use experts like Shifam Health for a smoother process.
Is Apollo Hospitals Worth the High Cost overall?
🚑 of course, if you want the best medical service in India with high success rates and advanced technology.
🚑 Yes, if you are an international patient looking for premium and high success rates healthcare at an affordable cost.
🚑 No, if you are looking for budget treatment options without advanced medical facilities.
While Apollo Hospitals is expensive, it delivers unmatched medical excellence, making it a top choice for those prioritizing quality over cost.
Conclusion: Why is Apollo Hospital So Expensive?
Apollo Hospitals charges premium prices for premium healthcare, ensuring:
✔️ World-Class Infrastructure & Advanced Medical Technology
✔️ Highly Skilled Doctors & Specialists
✔️ International Accreditations & Global Standards
✔️ Luxury Patient Care & VIP Services
✔️ High Success Rates in Complex Surgeries
If you are looking for the best healthcare in India, Apollo Hospitals remains a top-tier choice despite its high costs get free consultation from expert..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Apollo Hospital is generally more expensive than smaller or mid-tier hospitals in India due to its premium infrastructure, renowned specialists, and international accreditations like JCI and NABH.
Apollo offers:
World-class facilities with cutting-edge technology
Internationally trained doctors and surgeons
Advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgery
Personalized patient care with dedicated coordinators
These features increase the overall cost compared to budget hospitals.
For many international patients, yes. You’re paying for:
Medical accuracy and advanced diagnostics
Fewer post-surgery complications
Higher safety, privacy, and comfort
Seamless international patient services including visa support and airport pickup
Yes. Apollo often uses FDA-approved, CE-certified imported devices, implants, and medications, especially in cardiac, orthopedic, oncology, and transplant procedures — which adds to the cost but enhances long-term outcomes.
Does Apollo offer package pricing or all-inclusive medical packages?
Yes. Apollo offers customized treatment packages for:
- Heart surgery
- Organ transplants
- Joint replacement
- Cancer treatment
These packages include doctor fees, hospital stay, investigations, medications, but may exclude travel and accommodation.
❓ Why is Apollo Hospitals more expensive than other Indian hospitals?
✔️ Apollo offers cutting-edge technology, highly experienced doctors, and premium patient care, which increases costs overall.
Is Apollo worth the cost for international patients?
Apollo is considered one of India’s most trusted hospital chains, especially for:
- Complicated surgeries
- High-risk pregnancies
- Multispecialty consultations in one location
- Seamless coordination for global patients
It’s worth the cost for those seeking predictability, success rate, and global standards.
❓ Is Apollo Hospitals worth the price?
✔️ Yes, for those seeking world-class treatment, advanced medical technology, and high and long-term success rates.
❓ Can insurance cover Apollo Hospital expenses?
✔️ Yes, Apollo accepts international health insurance and offers cashless treatment options with ease.
Is Apollo expensive compared to US, UK, or UAE hospitals?
Not at all. Apollo charges about 70–80% less than hospitals in the US, UK, Canada, or the UAE — even for advanced surgeries.
Example: A heart bypass that costs $70,000 in the US may cost only $6,000–$7,000 at Apollo.
What are the alternatives if Apollo is above my budget?
If Apollo’s pricing exceeds your budget, you can consider:
- Fortis, Max, Manipal, or Medanta — which offer similar care at slightly lower rates
- Smaller JCI/NABH-accredited specialty hospitals
- Working with a medical facilitator to negotiate or find cost-effective options
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Useful Links
International Patient Services – Learn about medical visa assistance and services available for international patients.
Hospitals in Delhi – Explore more about the top hospitals in Delhi for specialized treatments.
Consult Our Doctors – Meet experienced doctors at top hospitals for personalized consultations.
JCI Accreditation Information – Explore the global standards for healthcare institutions accredited by JCI.
NABH Accreditation – Discover how NABH accreditation ensures high-quality healthcare