Medical Tourism in India 101: Visa and Documents

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Medical Tourism in India, in mid-2020, was estimated to be worth around USD 9 billion which makes India stand at Number 10 in the Global Medical Tourism Index. Approximately 2 million patients visit India each year from 78 countries for medical, wellness and IVF treatments, generating $6 billion for the industry which is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026 backed by the government’s Heal in India initiative. Medical Visa numbers have skyrocketed.

This not only generates jobs, profits and forex for hospitals but also creates very valuable soft power for India, positioning it as the Healing Centre of the world. It also creates demand for high-end equipment, which results in continuous upgradation of Indian healthcare, resulting in a spiral of demand generating quality, generating more demand.

Medical Visas

A Medical Visa (MED Visa) is granted for an individual whose sole purpose is to seek medical treatment in established/ recognized/ specialized hospitals/ treatment centers in India. Applicant should submit the medical documents establishing the need for and the bonafides of taking medical treatment in India.

Attendants/Family members of the patient coming to India for medical treatment will be granted Medical Attendant Visa co-terminous with the ‘Med Visa’ of the patient. Maximum two persons (Attendant and family members of the patient) will be granted this visa.

Documents Checklist for Medical Visa

  1. Online Application Form
  2. Passport* (Original and Copy)
  3. Proof of Address
  4. Photograph
  5. Surrender Certificate (applicable only for Indian origin foreign nationals)
  6. Medical invitation letter from the hospital
  7. Copies of medical reports / documents regarding treatment
  8. Documents establishing adequate financial standing for expenditure on treatment and travel in India
  9. Fee Additional documents for Minor children Visa application (as dependent of principal visa applicant)
  10. Minor Consent form
  11. Birth Certificate
  12. Passport copies of both the parents
  13. For child having single parent-enclose copy of Divorce court order (having sole custody of the child with the parent applying for visa) / Death Certificate / Adoption document.

Documents Checklist for Medical Attendant Visas

The Medical Attendant Visa applicant is required to produce a letter from established/recognised/specialised Hospital/Treatment Centres in India confirming that assistance is required by the patient on Medical Visa with the Medical Attendant’s name included in the said letter alongside the following documents:

  1. Duly completed, printed and signed on-line visa application form (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/).
  2. Two recent colour passport size (2inch x 2inch) photographs, showing full frontal view of face against a while background to be pasted/stapled on the application form.
  3. Current valid passport with minimum of 190 days validity and must have minimum 2 blank pages.
  4. A Medical certificate/advice from established/ recognised/specialised Hospital/Treatment Centres (as per prescribed format- click here) in India confirming the dates, place(s) and the duration of the treatment.
  5. Address proof (Original and copy)
  6. Copies of medical reports / documents regarding treatment
  7. Documents establishing adequate financial standing for expenditure on treatment and travel in India

Conversion of Visas

Foreigners who come to India on an Employment/Business Visa can get them converted into a Medical Visa during emergencies. This conversion is possible only if the individual falls ill and is incapable of leaving the country. Additionally, any family member accompanying said individual can get his/her visa converted into a Med Visa.

Procedure to convert Tourist Visa or Business Visa or Employment Visa into Medical Visa.

Tourist Visa of a foreigner who falls ill after his/her entry into India rendering him/her unfit to travel and who requires specialized medical treatment may be converted to Medical Visa by the FRRO/FRO concerned if he/she is eligible for grant of Medical Visa and a medical certificate is obtained from a government/ICMR recognized hospital.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE FOR OBTAINING SERVICE:

  1. Applicant’s Photo
  2. Photo Page, Page indicating validity, Page bearing arrival Stamp of Indian Immigration, Visa with endorsement.
  3. Form C copy from Hotel or Lodge/Electricity bill/Landline
  4. Telephone/Municipal Bill of the landlord in case of staying in a house of a relative or friend along with a letter and photo ID card of the landlord. In case of rented accommodation, copies of the Lease and License agreement (1st and last page & page containing its validity).
  5. Letter from recognized/reputed hospital where treatment is being taken.

Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO)

Foreign Regional Registration Office controls the registration, departure visa extension and other nuances of the foreign nationals regarding their passports, visa and their stay in India. Foreigners have to register themselves in the FRRO office once they arrive in India. Below is mentioned the documents that are required for FRRO registration:

  1. Application form.
  2. Photocopy of the passport and the initial visa.
  3. Four photographs of the applicant.
  4. Details of residence in India.

TravelLaw.in offers all legal services pertaining to the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in the Indian Subcontinent. For any queries or assistance regarding Medical Visa and documentation, please email admin@travellaw.in or WhatsApp +91 8367722541!