India has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking specialised treatment at affordable costs. Patients choose India for experienced specialists, advanced procedures, shorter waiting times and treatment costs often significantly lower than many Western countries. Leading JCI accredited and NABH accredited hospitals offer trusted care in oncology, transplants, cardiology, orthopaedics, fertility treatment and complex surgery.Understanding how to apply for an Indian medical visa is one of the first steps before planning treatment in India.
Whether applying through the Indian Visa Online portal or through an Indian Embassy, applicants need proper documents, hospital confirmation and compliance with visa regulations.In this guide, you will understand visa types, eligibility, required documents, fees, processing times, FRRO registration, extension rules and practical steps to avoid delays.Many patients also use MeditouriX for support with hospital selection and obtaining a Visa Invitation Letter before applying.
Need Help with an Indian Medical Visa?
MeditouriX helps international patients choose the right hospital, connect with suitable specialists, obtain a Visa Invitation Letter, and understand the steps involved in applying for an Indian Medical Visa.
- Hospital Selection
- Doctor Opinion
- Visa Invitation Letter
- Visa Guidance
What Is an Indian Medical Visa?
An Indian Medical Visa (MED Visa) is issued to foreign nationals travelling specifically for treatment at recognised hospitals or specialised treatment centres in India.
It is issued for genuine medical treatment and not tourism.
Conditions commonly covered include:
- Cancer treatment
- Heart surgery and cardiac procedures
- Kidney treatment and kidney transplant
- Liver transplant and organ transplants
- Bone marrow transplant
- Spine surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Hip and knee replacement
- Fertility treatment and IVF
- Bariatric surgery
- Eye surgery
- Pediatric specialty treatment
Up to two accompanying relatives may usually apply under Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X).
Which Hospitals Can Issue Invitation Letters?
The treating hospital should generally:
- Be recognised and licensed
- Preferably hold NABH or JCI accreditation
- Issue invitation on official letterhead
- Mention diagnosis, treatment plan and expected stay
Types of Indian Medical Visa
e-Medical Visa
Usually suitable when:
- Your nationality is eligible
- Treatment is short-term
- Faster online processing is preferred
Typical features:
- Online application
- Triple entry allowed
- Usually valid for 60 days from arrival
- Often processed in 72 hours to 5 days
Regular Medical Visa
Often suitable when:
- Treatment may take longer
- Multiple visits may be required
- Complex treatment such as transplant is planned
It may be granted for:
- 6 months
- Up to 1 year in some cases
Who May Not Qualify
Medical visa approval may be difficult where:
- No hospital invitation letter is provided
- Supporting medical evidence is insufficient
- Incorrect visa category is selected
- Travel purpose is not genuine medical treatment
Documents Required for Indian Medical Visa
Prepare:
- Valid passport with blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photographs
- Medical reports and diagnosis records
- Referral from doctor or hospital
- Invitation letter from Indian hospital
- Bank statements or proof of funds
- Residence proof if requested
- Undertaking or declaration if required by mission
Additional requirements may include:
- Yellow Fever certificate for applicable countries
- Oral Polio certificate where required
- Certified translations for non-English records
Indian Medical Visa for Minors
Patients under 18 may need additional documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- Parental consent
- Guardian relationship proof
- Parent passport copies
A parent may usually travel under a Medical Attendant Visa.
How to Apply for Indian Medical Visa Step by Step
Step 1: Obtain Hospital Invitation Letter
Choose a suitable hospital and obtain a formal Visa Invitation Letter.
MeditouriX can help patients obtain doctor opinions and support hospital shortlisting before visa application.
Step 2: Complete Online Application
Apply through:
indianvisaonline.gov.in
Select:
- Medical Visa
- Or Medical e-Visa
Complete passport and treatment details accurately.
Step 3: Submit Documents
Upload or submit:
- Passport copy
- Photograph
- Medical reports
- Hospital invitation
- Financial proof
Step 4: Pay Medical Visa Fees
Visa Fees by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| e-Medical Visa (starting from) | $25 |
| Medical Visa (6 Months) | $82 |
| Medical Visa (Up to 1 Year) | $123 |
Visa fees may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, visa category, duration of stay, and the embassy or visa application centre handling the application.
Indian Medical Visa Fee Examples by Country
Visa fees and processing times can vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the type of medical visa being applied for. The following figures are examples and should be confirmed before applying.
| Country | Typical Fee | Estimated Processing |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $100 | 3–5 days |
| UK | £120 | 5–7 days |
| Nigeria | $80 | 5–7 days |
| Bangladesh | $60 | 3–5 days |
These are indicative examples only. Actual visa fees and processing times may change based on nationality, visa type, applicable government charges, and current embassy or visa centre rules.
Step 5: Biometrics or Embassy Submission
Some applicants may be asked for:
- Biometrics
- Embassy appointment
- Brief interview
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Typical processing:
- e-Medical Visa: 3 to 5 working days
- Regular Medical Visa: 5 to 10 working days
How to Track Your Application
Status may usually be checked through:
- Indian e-Visa portal
- Embassy or visa centre tracking system
- Application ID and passport details
Emergency Medical Visa to India
Urgent treatment cases may sometimes be considered for expedited processing when supported by:
- Emergency admission letter
- Treating doctor recommendation
- Urgent medical reports
After Arriving in India
After arrival:
- Complete FRRO registration where required
- Confirm hospital appointments
- Finalise accommodation
- Keep passport, visa and hospital papers accessible
FRRO Documents May Include
- Passport copy
- Visa copy
- Hospital admission letter
- Indian address proof
- Photographs
Medical Visa Extension
If treatment takes longer, extension may be requested through FRRO.
Commonly required:
- Treating doctor recommendation
- Updated hospital support letter
- Financial proof
- Current visa copy
Medical attendants may require separate extension approval linked to patient treatment.
Why Patients Choose MeditouriX for Support
MeditouriX supports patients with:
- Free hospital matching
- Doctor opinion coordination
- Visa Invitation Letter support
- Medical visa guidance
- Accommodation support near hospitals
- Airport pickup and interpreter coordination
- Follow-up support after treatment
Support is designed to simplify the patient journey before arrival, during treatment and after return home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get a medical visa for India?
Apply online or through an embassy with passport, hospital invitation letter, medical reports and financial documents.
2. How much does an Indian medical visa cost?
Fees may start around 25 USD for some e-visas and may vary depending on nationality and visa validity.
3. How long does Indian medical visa processing take?
Most applications are processed in about 3 to 10 working days depending on visa type and documentation.
4. Can a medical visa be extended if treatment takes longer?
Yes, extensions may be requested through FRRO when supported by the treating hospital.
5. Can a tourist visa be converted to a medical visa in India?
Generally no, except limited exceptional circumstances subject to government approval.
Need Help Applying for an Indian Medical Visa?
MeditouriX helps international patients with hospital selection, Visa Invitation Letters, medical visa guidance, treatment planning, and travel arrangements for treatment in India.
- Hospital & Specialist Selection
- Free Doctor Opinion
- Visa Invitation Letter
- Medical Visa Assistance
- Accommodation Support
- Airport & Interpreter Support
